Where U Been? (song) explained

Where U Been?
Cover:2 Chainz Where U Been.jpg
Border:yes
Type:Promotional single
Artist:2 Chainz featuring Cap.1
Released:August 1, 2013
Recorded:2013
Genre:Hip Hop
Length:3:50
Label:Def Jam Recordings
Producer:Mike Will Made It, Marz

"Where U Been?" is a song by American rapper 2 Chainz from his second studio album . (2013) The song was released as the album's first promotional single on August 1, 2013. It was produced by frequent collaborator Mike Will Made It, and featured a guest appearance by Cap.1. The song peaked on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles at number one.

It samples from "The Dance of the Witches", part of the score of The Witches of Eastwick, written by John Williams.[1]

Background

On August 1, 2013, 2 Chainz premiered the Mike Will Made It-produced "Where U Been?" featuring Cap.1, from his second studio album .[2] [3] On the same day, it was serviced to DJs as the album's first promotional single.[4] In September 2013, 2 Chainz performed "Where U Been?" on DJ Skee's SKEE Live along with "Netflix".[5]

Music video

The Sharod Marcus Simpson-directed music video for "Where U Been?" was released on September 11, 2013, the day after the album's US release.[6] [7] [8] [9] The video features a compilation of tour footage from the America's Most Wanted concert tour, which also featured T.I. and Lil Wayne.[10] The black and white video also shows 2 Chainz "performing to packed crowds and celebrating his lavish lifestyle."[11]

Critical reception

"Where U Been?" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, with most of the praise going towards the production. Jordan Sargent of Spin praised Mike Will Made It's production saying, it "weds pinging bells and the hint of a guitar riff to the producer's typically intricate hi-hat programming."[12] Kyle Krammer of Pitchfork Media credited the song for its "Massive, booming beat and brillent non sequitur punchlines."[13] David Jeffries of AllMusic called the song a "heartbreak 2 Chainz and Mike Will Made-It style with betrayal lyrics going ghetto over hypnotic, pounding production."[14] Julian Benbow of The Boston Globe also praised the production, calling it warped and taunting.[15] Jay Soul of RapReviews called the song pleasant to the ear.[16]

Notes and References

  1. June 2016 . Rappers sampling John Williams' scores . Alpha/Adaptations . . Condé Nast . 24 . 6 . 37 . 1059-1028.
  2. Web site: 2 Chainz, Cap 1 "Where U Been?" . Complex . 2013-08-01 . 2013-08-12.
  3. Web site: 2 Chainz f. Cap 1, "Where U Been" MP3 . The Fader . 2013-08-01 . 2013-10-10.
  4. Web site: 2 Chainz feat. Cap 1 - Where U Been . DJServicePack.com . 2013-10-10.
  5. Web site: Did You Catch 2 Chainz Skee Live Performance and Interview? Catch It Here!. 5 September 2013.
  6. Web site: 2 Chainz Featuring Cap 1 "Where U Been?" (Video) - XXL . Xxlmag.com . 11 September 2013. 2013-09-12.
  7. Web site: Hughes . Josiah . 2 Chainz - "Where U Been?" (ft. Cap 1) (video) • Music / Video • . Exclaim.ca . 2013-09-12 . 2013-10-10.
  8. Web site: 2 Chainz & Cap-1 Want To Know "Where You Been" . TheSource . 2013-09-11 . 2013-10-10.
  9. Web site: 2 Chainz Hits the Streets for "Where U Been?" . Social.entertainment.msn.com . 2013-09-15 . 2013-10-10 .
  10. Web site: 2 Chainz, Cap 1 "Where U Been?" Video . Complex . 2013-09-11 . 2013-10-10.
  11. Web site: 09/12/2013 2:40 pm EDT . 2 Chainz' 'Where U Been?' Video Drops, As Does 50 Cent's 'Can't Help Myself (I'm Hood)' . Huffingtonpost.com . 2013-09-12 . 2013-10-10.
  12. Web site: Sargent . Jordan . 2 Chainz, 'B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time' Review . Spin.com . 6 September 2013. 2013-10-10.
  13. Web site: 2 Chainz: B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time | Album Reviews . Pitchfork . 2013-09-18 . 2013-10-10.
  14. Web site: David Jeffries . B.O.A.T.S. II: #METIME - 2 Chainz | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards . AllMusic . 2013-09-10 . 2013-10-10.
  15. Web site: ALBUM REVIEW: 2 Chainz, 'B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time' - Music . The Boston Globe . 2013-09-10 . 2013-10-10.
  16. Web site: 2 Chainz :: B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time :: Def Jam Records . Rapreviews.com . 2013-09-17 . 2013-10-10.
  17. [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=2 Chainz|chart=Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}} 2 Chainz – Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ]. . . October 9, 2013.