J'ouvert (song) explained

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.

Composition

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]

Critical reception

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.

Music video

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.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BROCKHAMPTON: iridescence. Pitchfork. Jackson. Reed. September 26, 2018. December 27, 2023.
  2. Web site: Brockhampton: Iridescence (RCA). The Austin Chronicle. Steinberger. Jeremy. October 5, 2018. December 27, 2023.
  3. Web site: Zidel . Alex . BROCKHAMPTON Prepares "Iridescence" With "J'Ouvert" Song & Video . . 27 December 2023 . September 20, 2018.
  4. Web site: Rowan5215 . Review: Brockhampton – Iridescence. . September 23, 2018 . December 27, 2023.
  5. Web site: Brockhampton – Iridescence. Clash. Rosebury. Will. September 28, 2018. December 27, 2023.
  6. Web site: Moreau . Jordan . Shafer . Ellise . Shanfeld . Ethan . Goodbye, Brockhampton: The Hip-Hop Boy Band’s 15 Best Songs, Ranked . . 27 December 2023 . November 18, 2022.
  7. Web site: Brockhampton return with the outstanding Iridescence. The Line of Best Fit. Higgins. Sam. September 21, 2018. December 27, 2023.
  8. Web site: Review: Brockhampton's "Iridescence" Is Simply Thrilling. HipHopDX. Spielberger. Daniel. September 24, 2018. December 27, 2023.
  9. Web site: Schatz . Lake . BROCKHAMPTON reveal video for new song “J’Ouvert”: Watch . . 27 December 2023 . September 20, 2018.
  10. Web site: Darville . Jordan . Brockhampton share “J’Ouvert” video . . 27 December 2023 . September 20, 2018.
  11. Web site: Chin . Mallory . Brockhampton Shares Trippy Visuals for “J’Ouvert” Ahead of Album Release . . 27 December 2023 . September 20, 2018.
  12. Web site: Yoo . Noah . BROCKHAMPTON Share Video for New Song “J’Ouvert”: Watch . . 27 December 2023 . September 20, 2018.
  13. Web site: Slingerland . Calum . Brockhampton Share Video for "J'OUVERT" . . 27 December 2023 . September 20, 2018.
  14. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. October 1, 2018. December 27, 2023.