Bullet and a Target explained

Bullet and a Target
Cover:Bullet and a Target.png
Type:single
Artist:Bliss n Eso
Album:Flying Colours
Released:27 October 2007
Recorded:2007
Genre:Hip hop
Length:4:21
Label:Illusive Sounds
Prev Title:Coppin' It Sweet"/"Blazin'
Prev Year:2007
Next Title:Woodstock 2008
Next Year:2008

"Bullet and a Target" is a song by Citizen Cope recorded by Australian hip hop trio Bliss n Eso, with featured vocals from Connections Zulu Choir. The song was released as the lead single from the trio's third studio album Flying Colours on 27 October 2007. Their version of Bullet and a Target was inspired by the living conditions Bliss, Eso, and Izm had witnessed when visiting South Africa in 2007. Bullet and a Target peaked at No. 43 on the ARIA Singles Chart, making it their first top 50 single and second top 100 single.[1]

Content

The song is about Bliss n Eso's experience observing the poverty during their trip to Africa in 2007. It is a reworking of Citizen Cope's "Bullet and a Target".[2]

Background

Bliss n Eso were invited to South Africa by The Oaktree Foundation alongside Evermore to show the situation in Africa to the Australian public. Bliss n Eso stayed in South Africa for ten days and shot the song's music video during their stay. Speaking of the experience in Africa, Eso said "You could be strong, thick skinned, but everyone had to have a moment where they had to be by themselves and sit down in the car and soak in what was going on". Bliss n Eso donated 100% of profits raised by the song to help poverty stricken communities in South Africa.[3]

Music video

The music video was shot during Bliss n Eso's ten-day stay in Africa. It features Bliss n Eso rapping the song as they walk through African neighborhoods, and the Connections Zulu Choir and other Africans singing the chorus. The music video has around 600,000 views on YouTube and 300,000 in another upload.[4] [5]

Critical reception

The song received a highly positive reception. Polaroidsofandroids.com wrote "However, this album isn't without its pleasurable moments. The lead single, Bullet and a Target, recorded with a 20-piece Zulu choir, is maybe the best 'get up, stand up' Australian hip-hop song that The Herd never recorded."[6]

Chart performance

The song debuted at No. 52 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[7] The song peaked at No. 43 and spent a total of five weeks in the top 100.[8] [9]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: iTunes - Bullet and a Target . 27 October 2007 . Apple . 19 February 2014.
  2. Web site: Amrap - Australian Music Radio Airplay project.
  3. Web site: Bliss n Eso Interview: End of Polio . YouTube . 19 February 2014.
  4. Web site: Bliss n Eso - Bullet and a Target . YouTube . 19 February 2014.
  5. Web site: Bliss n Eso - Bullet and a Target . YouTube . 19 February 2014.
  6. Web site: Bliss n Eso - Flying Colours Review . Polaroids Of Androids . 22 January 2018.
  7. Web site: ARIA Report 927 . https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20071219130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20071220-0000/issue927.pdf . dead . 19 December 2007 . . 19 February 2014.
  8. Web site: Australian charts portal Bliss n Eso. ARIA . 19 February 2014.
  9. Web site: ARIA Report 927 . https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20071219130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20071220-0000/issue927.pdf . dead . 19 December 2007 . . 19 February 2014.
  10. Web site: Australian charts portal Bliss n Eso. ARIA . 19 February 2014.