| J'ouvert | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Brockhampton |
| Album: | Iridescence |
| Released: | September 20, 2018 |
| Recorded: | June–September 2018 |
| Genre: | |
| Length: | 3:54 |
| Prev Title: | 1997 Diana |
| Prev Year: | 2018 |
| Next Title: | San Marcos |
| Next Year: | 2018 |
"J'ouvert" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on September 20, 2018 as the lead single from their fourth studio album Iridescence, which was released a day later. It contains a sample of "Doh Blame Me" by Lavaman.
The song's production uses "distorted bass pounds, robotic squeaks, and horn wails",[1] as well as "buzzing kicks and distorted, 8-bit synths".[2] It features verses from Matt Champion, Joba and Merlyn Wood and has been described as "angsty", especially regarding Joba's verse,[3] which music critics have also described as his most "ferocious" verse, "apoplectic Danny Brown-style psychopath",[4] and "emotively deranged".[5] In his verse, Joba raps about his mental health issues and drug use.[6] Following this, the instrumental breaks into the "Doh Blame Me" sample.[7]
The song received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Joba's performance. In a review of Iridescence, Sputnikmusic's Rowan5215 wrote favorably of Joba's diversity in music, mentioning the performance of his verse. Will Rosebury of Clash regarded the verse to be a particular highlight of the album, "calling to mind Eminem at peak disturbing on 'Kim'". Daniel Spielberger of HipHopDX criticized the song, calling it a "muddled mess that has an off-putting verse from Joba."[8]
Variety placed "J'ouvert" at number 15 in their ranking of Brockhampton's 15 best songs.
The music video was directed by Spencer Ford and shot in London. It features thermal imaging,[9] [10] [11] [12] [13] and was filmed both in color and black-and-white.