Belong to the World explained

Belong to the World
Cover:BelongtotheWorld.jpg
Type:single
Artist:the Weeknd
Album:Kiss Land
Recorded:2013
Chronology:The Weeknd
Prev Title:Kiss Land
Prev Year:2013
Next Title:Odd Look
Next Year:2013

"Belong to the World" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his debut studio album Kiss Land (2013). The song was released as the album's second single on July 16, 2013. The song was written by DannyBoyStyles, DaHeala, and the Weeknd, with Belly receiving additional writing credits.

Background and release

Prior its official release as a single, he previewed the song at the Mod Club Theatre on June 13, 2013, which was tentatively called "You Belong to the World".[1]

Music video

The music video for "Belong to the World" was first released on July 15, 2013, via MTV.[2] It was later uploaded to the Weeknd's Vevo account on YouTube the day following on July 16, 2013. The video is set in Japan and was directed by Anthony Mandler. It has so far been viewed over 20 million times.

Controversy

The song gained some controversy due to Geoff Barrow of Portishead accusing the Weeknd of allegedly sampling the drums used in their song "Machine Gun" without their permission.[3] The Weeknd would later deny the accusations and no lawsuits came as a result of the contest.[4]

Charts

Chart (2013)! scope="col"
Peak
position
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)[5] 7
US Hot R&B Songs (Billboard)[6] 22

Notes and References

  1. Nostro. Lauren. The Weeknd Debuts New Music at Toronto Performance. Complex. June 14, 2013. February 21, 2024.
  2. Web site: The Weeknd's Portishead-Inspired 'Belong to the World' Video: Watch Now!. https://web.archive.org/web/20160710033715/http://www.mtv.com/news/1710550/weeknd-belong-to-the-world-portishead/. dead. July 10, 2016. MTV. November 6, 2017.
  3. Web site: Portishead Vs. The Weeknd Battle Heats Up Again. . May 5, 2014 .
  4. Web site: The Weeknd Denies Sampling Portishead. July 17, 2013 . January 27, 2020.
  5. Web site: The Weeknd Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart History. Billboardbiz. November 6, 2017.
  6. The Weeknd Chart History - Hot R&B Songs. Billboard. August 3, 2013. November 6, 2017.
  7. Web site: Belong to the World. January 2013 . iTunes.