Gummy (song) explained

Gummy
Cover:Brockhampton - Gummy.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Brockhampton
Album:Saturation II
Released:August 1, 2017
Genre:Hip hop
Length:4:21
Prev Title:Fake
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:Swamp
Next Year:2017

"Gummy" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton and the lead single from their second studio album Saturation II (2017). The music video premiered on August 1, 2017, before the song was released to streaming services on August 2.[1]

Composition

The instrumental of the song has been described as infusing elements of West Coast hip hop[2] [3] and Middle Eastern music.[4] It starts with a strings section that is stopped by the sound of a buzzer, followed by a "moaning oboe dirge",[5] and features "eerie portamento synths" that provide a G-funk sound.[6] [7] [8] Lyrically, the song is about valuing friendship over wealth and materialism. In the opening verse, Kevin Abstract mocks his critics who perceive him as "sappy".[9] Abstract also performs the chorus, on which he revealed on Twitter that he was trying to imitate British rapper M.I.A. In another verse, Dom McLennon raps about "personal and societal realities".

Critical reception

Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork gave a positive review of the song, writing "The business-by-committee approach is effective here as they stack sidewinding, mismatched rap verses on top of each other." The song was also included on Pitchforks list "Top 100 Songs of 2017"[10] and Consequence of Sounds list "Top 50 Songs of 2017".[11]

Live365 placed it at number seven in their list "Top 10 Brockhampton Songs".[12]

Music video

The music video was directed by Kevin Abstract. It sees Brockhampton cruising through Van Nuys, Los Angeles after having committed a bank robbery,[13] [14] as each member pops their head up from the sunroof and raps their verses. During Abstract's verse, his head is also shown floating and appearing above a couch. The visual features subtitles which recount the events of the heist,[15] [16] and an appearance from an alpaca called Mr. Snuggleupagus.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gummy - Single . . 24 December 2023 . August 2, 2017.
  2. Web site: DeVille . Chris . Brockhampton – “Gummy” Video . . 24 December 2023 . August 2, 2017.
  3. Web site: Berry . Peter A. . Brockhampton Deliver a Diverse Effort With 'Saturation II' Album . . 24 December 2023 . September 22, 2017.
  4. Web site: Brockhampton: Saturation II. PopMatters. en. 2023-12-24.
  5. Web site: Schwartz . Danny . Brockhampton "Saturation II" Review . . 24 December 2023 . September 1, 2017.
  6. Web site: Coe . Kairi . Brockhampton Drop Trippy New 'Gummy' Video . XXL . 24 December 2023 . August 2, 2017.
  7. Web site: Saturation II - BROCKHAMPTON Songs, Reviews, Credits. AllMusic. en. 2023-12-24.
  8. Web site: BROCKHAMPTON: SATURATION II Album Review. Pitchfork. 2023-12-24.
  9. Web site: Pearce . Sheldon . BROCKHAMPTON: “GUMMY” Track Review . Pitchfork . 24 December 2023 . August 3, 2017.
  10. Web site: The 100 Best Songs of 2017 . Pitchfork . 26 December 2023 . December 11, 2017.
  11. Web site: Top 50 Songs of 2017 . . 26 December 2023 . December 27, 2017.
  12. Web site: Milewski . Kathryn . Top 10 Brockhampton Songs . . 24 December 2023 . January 19, 2022.
  13. Web site: Fleming . Dylan . Brockhampton Releases "GUMMY" Video . . 24 December 2023 . August 1, 2017.
  14. Web site: Goddard . Kevin . Gummy . HotNewHipHop . 24 December 2023 . August 2, 2017.
  15. Web site: Findlay . Mitch . Brockhampton "Gummy" Video . HotNewHipHop . 24 December 2023 . August 2, 2017.
  16. Web site: Dike . Jason . Watch Brockhampton Leftfield Video For "Gummy" Right Here . . 24 December 2023 . August 2, 2017.