Chant (song) explained
| Chant |
| Cover: | Macklemore & Tones and I - Chant.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Macklemore and Tones and I |
| Album: | Ben |
| Released: | July 22, 2022 |
| Genre: | Hip hop |
| Length: | 4:30 |
| Label: | Bendo |
| Chronology: | Macklemore |
| Prev Title: | Next Year |
| Prev Year: | 2021 |
| Next Title: | Maniac |
| Next Year: | 2022 |
"Chant" is a song by American rapper Macklemore and Australian singer Tones and I, released on July 22, 2022 as the lead single from the former's third solo studio album Ben (2023). It was produced by Budo and Macklemore.
Background
Macklemore told Good Morning America, "'Chant' is about the human spirit, it's about resilience, it's about facing fear, pushing through, and reminding yourself and the world who you really are."[1] In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said "This song is a bit of a rebirth. I wanted to challenge myself, get through moments of writer's block, and capture the spirit of what it's like to overcome something, push through it, and get up the next day and do it again."[2]
Macklemore started teasing the song on July 6, 2022, posting the cover art on Instagram. He shared snippets of the song via TikTok and Instagram before finally releasing it on July 22.[3]
Composition
"Chant" is a gospel-inflected song over a piano instrumental.[4] Lyrically, Macklemore reflects on key moments in his past, including his near-fatal drug overdose in 2020,[5] and his deepest insecurities, while insisting he will not retire from rapping. In the chorus, Tones and I sings about fighting, rising up and not dying. From there, the instrumental uses a thumping beat with a piano riff. In addition, Macklemore discusses bringing Seattle SuperSonics back to the NBA and highlights his music teaching program, the Residency.[6]
Music video
The music video was co-directed by Macklemore and Jake Magraw, and released alongside the single. It begins with Macklemore rising out of a misty lake, and features cameos from NBA stars Jamal Crawford and Isaiah Thomas.
Charts
Notes and References
- Web site: Macklemore talks new song, 'Chant' and upcoming tour with Imagine Dragons. Good Morning America. July 22, 2022. August 19, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231201132446/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/video/macklemore-talks-song-chant-upcoming-tour-imagine-dragons-87261639. December 1, 2023. live.
- Greene. Andy. Macklemore on His 'Rebirth,' Sobriety Challenges, and Life After the 'Ultra A-List'. Rolling Stone. July 22, 2022. August 19, 2023. subscription. https://web.archive.org/web/20220807182432/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/macklemore-new-single-chant-1384571/. August 7, 2022. live.
- Denis. Kyle. Macklemore Returns With New Tones And I Collab: Stream It Now. Billboard. July 22, 2022. August 19, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230819011728/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/macklemore-tones-and-i-chant-1235116781/. August 19, 2023. live.
- Web site: Provost. Rex. Macklemore Returns With Emotional "CHANT". HotNewHipHop. July 22, 2022. August 19, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230819011725/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/410392-macklemore-returns-with-emotional-chant-new-song. August 19, 2023. live.
- Web site: Eustice. Kyle. Macklemore Touches On Near-Fatal Drug Overdose In 'Chant' Video Featuring Tones & I. HipHopDX. July 22, 2022. August 19, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230819011727/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.71930/title.macklemore-touches-on-near-fatal-drug-overdose-in-chant-video-featuring-tones-i. August 19, 2023. live.
- Uitti. Jacob. Macklemore Releases New Epic Single, Video "Chant". American Songwriter. July 22, 2022. August 19, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230819011729/https://americansongwriter.com/macklemore-releases-new-epic-single-video-chant/. August 19, 2023. live.
- The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 1 August 2022. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1691. 4. August 1, 2022.
- Macklemore Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs Sales). Billboard. August 19, 2023.
- Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. August 1, 2022. August 19, 2023.
