Sprinter (song) explained

Sprinter
Type:single
Cover:Dave and Central Cee - Sprinter.png
Artist:Dave and Central Cee
Ep:Split Decision
Recorded:2023
Genre:
Length:3:49
Label:
  • Neighbourhood
  • Live Yours
Producer:
  • Jonny Leslie
  • Jo Caleb
  • Santan
  • Jim Legxacy
  • TR
  • Kyle Evans
Chronology:Dave
Prev Title:My 24th Birthday
Prev Year:2022

"Sprinter" is a song by British rappers Dave and Central Cee. The single was released 1 June 2023 through record labels Neighbourhood and Live Yours, and was included on the artist's collaborative EP Split Decision, released four days later. The song's instrumental has been characterized as a "guitar-led, subtle drill" beat with Latin influence.[2]

Sprinter debuted at number one in the UK Singles Chart, becoming Dave's third number-one single and Central Cee's first. The single became the longest-running number-one rap song in the UK, holding the position for 10 weeks.[3] It also topped the charts in Australia, Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Switzerland. Sprinter was ultimately the most streamed song on Spotify in the United Kingdom in 2023.[4]

The work won the PRS for Music Most Performed Work Ivor Novello Award on Thursday 23 May 2024.[5]

Background

The song was first teased by Cee on his Instagram stories on 18 March 2023, revealing that Dave had just sent him an audio file. They were also spotted in the studio together on 10 May.[6]

Sprinter marks only the second time the two have teamed up on a song, the last one being a remix of "Spirit Bomb" (2016) by AJ Tracey.[7] Additionally, Dave helped produce the song "End of the Beginning" on the 23 mixtape in 2022.[8]

Composition

"Sprinter" sees the rappers trading "laid-back" verses over a "Latin-tinged, summer-ready"[9] beat characterised by "chopped-up acoustic guitars and wordless operatic vocals".[10]

David Renshaw of The Fader thought the track was distinguished by "bright wordplay and good vibes", while the lyrics talk about the "age-old problem" of partying with too many girls that a whole van is needed to transport them.[11] Robin Murray of Clash opined that the song "sits somewhere between drill and broader UK rap flavours" and allows the rappers "to do their thing".[12]

Music video

The music video, released on 2 June, switches between London and South France. Scenes in Monaco were filmed in late May 2023.[13] The video features a cameo by Nigerian artist Slawn.[14] The rappers are seen showcasing the perks of their lifestyle, showing off diamonds and other valuables.[15]

Commercial performance

"Sprinter" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking the biggest opening week of the year.[16] The track opened with 108,200 chart units in its first tracking week alongside 13.4 million streams, the biggest week of streams for a rap single ever in UK history.[17] [18] By December 2023, Sprinter had received over 500 million streams on Spotify.[19]

The track peaked at number one in Australia after selling 13,000 units in its first tracking week.[20] [21] The track also peaked at number one in Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Switzerland. In the United Arab Emirates, the song peaked at number 11.[22]

In the United States, the song peaked in the top ten of the Billboard Global 200 and the U.S. Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[23] In Canada, "Sprinter" debuted at number five on the Canadian Hot 100 on 17 June 2023, becoming the highest peaking British hip hop single of all-time, surpassing M.I.A.'s 2008 song, "Paper Planes" which reached number seven.

Reception and legacy

The song was declared "song of the summer" for 2023 by UK Charts.[24] In August 2023, a video of American rapper J. Cole rapping along to Sprinter at record producer T-Minus' wedding went viral on social media.[25] Former U.S. President Barack Obama included the song on his annual playlist, which was released in December 2023.[26] At the MOBO Awards 2024, "Sprinter" won the award for best song.[27] At the 2024 Global Awards "Sprinter" was nominated for Best Song.[28]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA)[29] 1
Croatia (Billboard)[30] 16
France (SNEP)[31] 28
Italy (FIMI)[32] 80
Latvia (LAIPA)[33] 3
Lebanon (Lebanese Top 20)[34] 9
Lithuania (AGATA)[35] 5
Luxembourg (Billboard)[36] 1
MENA (IFPI)[37] 4
Norway (VG-lista)[38] 3
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)[39] 33
Romania (Billboard)[40] 22
Suriname (Nationale Top 40)[41] 8
UAE (IFPI)[42] 10

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
Australia (ARIA)[43] 15
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[44] 34
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[45] 92
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[46] 35
Denmark (Tracklisten)[47] 18
Germany (Official German Charts)[48] 73
Global 200 (Billboard)[49] 98
Hungary (Single Top 40)[50] 42
Iceland (Plötutíðindi)[51] 20
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[52] 25
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[53] 11
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[54] 22
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[55] 12
UK Singles (OCC)[56] 2
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[57] 96

Notes and References

  1. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/dave-central-cee-sprinter-uk-chart-race-1235352368/ Dave And Central Cee’s ‘Sprinter’ Takes the Lead In U.K. Chart Race
  2. Web site: Rouhani . Neena . Lee . Cydney . 2023-06-05 . R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Dave, Toosii, CHIKA & More . 2024-02-22 . Billboard . en-US.
  3. Brandle . Lars . 2023-08-07 . Dave and Central Cee's 'Sprinter' Snags U.K. Chart Record . 2023-09-12 . Billboard . en-US.
  4. Web site: 2023-12-19 . In 2023, “Sprinter” was the UK's biggest and best export . 2024-02-22 . British GQ . en-GB.
  5. Web site: Brown . Anna . 2024-05-23 . Winners of The Ivors with Amazon Music announced . 2024-05-28 . The Ivors Academy . en-GB.
  6. Web site: Dave & Central Cee Reveal Hotly-Anticipated Visuals For "Sprinter". Keith. James. Complex. 1 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  7. Web site: Dave & Central Cee 'Sprinter' lyrics meaning revealed. Capital Xtra. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  8. Web site: Dave and Central Cee have too much of a good thing on "Sprinter" . 2024-02-22 . The FADER . en.
  9. Web site: Dave And Central Cee Team Up For New Single Sprinter. Stickler. Jon. Stereoboard. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  10. Web site: Central Cee & Dave – "Sprinter". Breihan. Tom. Stereogum. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  11. Web site: Dave and Central Cee have too much of a good thing on "Sprinter". Renshaw. David. The Fader. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  12. Web site: It's Here! Central Cee, Dave Spar On 'Sprinter'. Murray. Robin. Clash. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  13. Web site: Central Cee & Dave's Highly Anticipated Single "Sprinter" Is Here. A.. Aron. HotNewHipHop. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  14. Central Cee & Dave's Highly Anticipated Single "Sprinter" Is Here. A.. Aron. Rolling Stone UK. 2 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  15. Web site: Dave And Central Cee's Opulent 'Sprinter' Video Weighs The Pros And Cons Of Their Playboy Lifestyles. Okon. Wongo. Uproxx. 1 June 2023. 3 June 2023.
  16. 2023-06-09 . Record Breaker! Dave & Central Cee debut at Number 1 with Sprinter: Duo land biggest streaming week for any rap song in UK chart history . 2023-07-04 . Official Charts Company.
  17. 2023-06-09 . Dave and Central Cee: Sprinter scores a record-breaking number one . 2023-07-04 . BBC News.
  18. 2023-06-12 . Dave And Central Cee Sprint to U.K. Chart Title, Set Streaming Record . 2023-07-04 . Billboard.
  19. Web site: Coste . Jonathan . 2023-12-07 . Taylor Swift announced as the most streamed artist of 2023 by Spotify . 2024-02-22 . Birmingham Eastside . en-GB.
  20. 2023-06-19 . Dave & Central Cee Spend Second Week At #1 With 'Sprinter' . 2023-07-04 . The Music.
  21. 2023-06-30 . Kerser, Dave & Central Cee Lead Australia's Charts . 2023-07-04 . Billboard.
  22. Web site: September 15, 2023 . This Week's Official MENA Chart Top 20: from 15/09/2023 to 21/09/2023 . https://archive.today/20230928142042/https://www.theofficialmenachart.com/weeklychart . September 28, 2023 . September 28, 2023 . International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
  23. 2023-06-25 . Stormzy & Fredo eye highest new entry on the Official Singles Chart, Dave & Central Cee sprinting for full month at Number 1 . 2023-07-04 . Official Charts Company.
  24. News: Glynn . Paul . 2023-09-08 . Dave and Central Cee track Sprinter named UK song of summer 2023 . 2024-02-22 . en-GB.
  25. Web site: Cummings-Grady . Mackenzie . 2023-08-14 . J. Cole Turns Up To Nicki Minaj & Central Cee At T-Minus' Wedding . 2024-02-22 . HipHopDX . en.
  26. Web site: 2023-12-29 . Dave, Central Cee and Victoria Monét Make It Onto Barack Obama's 2023 Playlist . 2024-02-22 . Hypebeast.
  27. News: Beaumont-Thomas . Ben . Vinter . Robyn . 2024-02-07 . Mobo awards 2024: Central Cee tops winners thanks to megahit Sprinter . 2024-02-22 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  28. Web site: March 4, 2024 . The Global Awards 2024: Full list of nominees & how to vote . March 5, 2024 . Capital XTRA.
  29. Web site: ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. 12 June 2023. 9 June 2023.
  30. Dave Chart History (Croatia Songs). Billboard. June 13, 2023.
  31. Web site: Top Singles (Week 35, 2023). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. French. 4 September 2023.
  32. Web site: Top Singoli – Classifica settimanale WK 30. Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. it. 29 July 2023.
  33. Web site: Mūzikas Patēriņa Tops/ 30. nedēļa. en, lv. LAIPA. 31 July 2023. 31 July 2023.
  34. Web site: The Official Lebanese Top 20 – Dave. The Official Lebanese Top 20. 12 September 2023. 17 September 2023.
  35. Web site: 2023 30-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100). AGATA. lt. 28 July 2023. 28 July 2023.
  36. Dave Chart History (Luxembourg Songs). Billboard. June 13, 2023.
  37. Web site: This Week's Official MENA Chart Top 20: from 16/06/2023 to 22/06/2023. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. theofficialmenachart.com. https://archive.today/20230628121655/https://www.theofficialmenachart.com/weeklychart. 27 June 2023. 28 June 2023. 28 June 2023.
  38. Web site: Singel 2023 uke 24. VG-lista. 17 June 2023.
  39. Web site: OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie. OLiS. pl. 3 August 2023. Select week 21.07.2023–27.07.2023..
  40. Dave Chart History (Romania Songs). Billboard. June 21, 2023.
  41. Web site: 21 September 2023 . Top 40 – 14 sept T/M 21 sept 2023 . Top 40 – September 14 to September 21, 2023 . July 6, 2024 . Nationale Top 40 Suriname. nl.
  42. Web site: UAE: 2023 - W39 - 09/22 to 09/28. The Official MENA Chart. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. 8 June 2024.
  43. Web site: ARIA Top 100 Singles Chart for 2023. Australian Recording Industry Association. 12 January 2024.
  44. Web site: Ö3 Austria Top 40. Ö3 Austria Top40 Jahrescharts 2023: Singles. 8 November 2019 . 28 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231228090016/https://oe3.orf.at/charts/stories/3020713/. 28 December 2023. live.
  45. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 2023. Ultratop. nl. 7 January 2024.
  46. Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2023. Billboard. 22 November 2023.
  47. Web site: Track Top-100 2023. Hitlisten. 13 January 2024.
  48. Web site: Jahrescharts 2023. GfK Entertainment charts. de. 10 December 2023.
  49. Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2023. Billboard. 22 November 2023.
  50. Web site: Single Top 100 - digitális és fizikai értékesítés alapján - 2023. MAHASZ. 31 January 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240131131809/https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-slagerlistak/single_db/2023. 31 January 2024. hu.
  51. Web site: TÓNLISTINN – LÖG – 2023 . plotutidindi.is . is . 2 January 2024.
  52. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 2023. dutchcharts.nl. nl. 3 January 2024.
  53. Web site: Top Selling Singles of 2023. Recorded Music NZ. 22 December 2023. 20 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231220081641/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/index_chart?chart=5732.
  54. Web site: Årslista Singlar, 2023. Sverigetopplistan. 18 January 2024.
  55. Web site: Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2023. hitparade.ch. 31 December 2023.
  56. Web site: The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of 2023. Official Charts Company. Griffiths. George. 29 December 2023. 29 December 2023.
  57. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. 23 November 2023.

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