Sittin' on Top of the World (Burna Boy song) explained

Sittin' on Top of the World
Cover:Burna Boy - Sittin' on Top of the World.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Burna Boy
Album:I Told Them...
Released:1 June 2023
Length:2:39
Producer:Skread
Prev Title:Mera Na
Prev Year:2023
Next Title:Sittin' on Top of the World (Remix)
Next Year:2023

"Sittin' on Top of the World" is a song by Nigerian singer Burna Boy, released on 1 June 2023 as the lead single from his seventh studio album I Told Them... (2023). Produced by Skread, it contains a sample of "Top of the World" by Brandy featuring Mase. An official remix of the song featuring Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage was released on 23 June 2023.

The remix received a nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.[1] Burna Boy performed the song at the ceremony on February 4, 2024, alongside Brandy and 21 Savage.[2] [3]

Background

On 26 May 2023, Burna Boy teased the song with a clip of him playing it for American rapper RZA on social media.[4] The song was also released alongside a lyric video.[5]

Composition

The song heavily samples "Top of the World";[6] [7] [8] it is a departure from Burna Boy's signature afrobeats style, featuring a fusion of old-school hip hop, R&B and pop elements. Lyrically, it finds Burna Boy promising to share the riches and luxuries from his success with a special woman in his life.

Remix

The official remix features 21 Savage and was released on 23 June 2023,[9] having previously been leaked online.[10] It adds a guest verse from 21 Savage, who raps about wealth, women and success.[11] Alexander Cole of HotNewHipHop gave a positive review of the remix, stating "The vibe of this track is truly undeniable. If you have been following Burna Boy and his career, then you know his vibe is simply immaculate. He is always bringing out the best in himself and the artists around him. Consequently, 21 Savage was able to feed off of that and turn in a verse that will turn some heads. Additionally, the production here is amazing as the Ma$e sample will have people coming back for more. It's a collab that not everyone expected, but it certainly worked out in the end."[12]

Music video

A music video for the remix was directed by Troy Roscoe and premiered on 26 June 2023. It shows shots of Burna Boy taking pictures with friends in a photo booth,[13] [14] at a rooftop dance party with classic cars (where he is seen rocking an Avirex jacket, baggy jeans, Timbs and his hat to the back and hanging out of a lowrider at one point), Through special effects, Burna Boy is also seen in outer space with a lover, on a vertical highway, and gracing the covers of multiple magazines. 21 Savage appears rapping in a stark white background.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)[15] 8
UK Afrobeats Singles (OCC)[16] 1

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[17] 19

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List GRAMMY.com . 2023-11-22 . www.grammy.com.
  2. Web site: Watch Burna Boy perform with Brandy and 21 Savage at Grammys 2024. NME. Duran. Anagricel. February 5, 2024. February 6, 2024.
  3. Web site: 21 Savage and Brandy Will Join Burna Boy for Historic Grammys Performance. Rolling Stone. Hiatt. Brian. February 1, 2024. February 6, 2024.
  4. Web site: Brodsky . Rachel . Burna Boy – "Sittin On Top Of The World" . . 13 September 2023 . June 1, 2023.
  5. Mamo . Heran . Burna Boy Is 'Sittin' on Top of the World' in New Song & Music Video: Watch . . 13 September 2023 . June 1, 2023.
  6. Web site: Helfand . Raphael . Hear Burna Boy's celebratory new song "Sittin On Top Of The World" . . 13 September 2023 . June 1, 2023.
  7. Web site: Gonzalez . Alex . Burna Boy Finds Himself 'Sittin' On Top Of The World' On His '90s Hip-Hop Sampling New Single . . 13 September 2023 . June 1, 2023.
  8. Web site: Caraan . Sophie . Burna Boy Samples Brandy in New Single "Sittin' On Top Of The World" . . 13 September 2023 . June 2, 2023.
  9. Web site: McKinney . Jessica . Best New Music This Week: Young Thug, Coi Leray, Key Glock, and More . . 13 September 2023 . June 23, 2023.
  10. Web site: Alexandria . Lavender . 21 Savage And Burna Boy Song Leaks Online . . 13 September 2023 . June 22, 2023.
  11. Web site: Powell . Jon . Burna Boy and 21 Savage are "Sittin' On Top Of The World" in spaced-out visual . . 13 September 2023 . June 27, 2023.
  12. Web site: Cole . Alexander . 21 Savage Hops On The Remix Of Burna Boy's "Sittin' On Top Of The World" . HotNewHipHop . 13 September 2023 . June 26, 2023.
  13. Web site: Griffin . Marc . Burna Boy, 21 Savage Channel '90s Energy In "Sittin' On Top Of The World" Video . . 13 September 2023 . June 27, 2023.
  14. Web site: Burna Boy Parties Like It's 1999 In 'Sittin' On Top Of The World' . . 13 September 2023 . June 30, 2023.
  15. TurnTable Nigeria Top 100. TurnTable. 18 September 2023.
  16. Web site: Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 . . 30 September 2023.
  17. Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. 23 November 2023.