We Dem Boyz

Last updated
"We Dem Boyz"
WeDemBoyzWizKhalifa.jpeg
Single by Wiz Khalifa
from the album Blacc Hollywood
ReleasedFebruary 11, 2014 (2014-02-11)
Recorded2013
Genre Trap
Length3:46
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Wiz Khalifa singles chronology
"Party Girls"
(2014)		"We Dem Boyz"
(2014)		"Bigroom Blitz"
(2014)
Music video
"We Dem Boyz" on YouTube

"We Dem Boyz" is a song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa from his fifth studio album Blacc Hollywood (2014). On February 11, 2014, it was released by Rostrum Records and Atlantic Records as the album's first single. It was produced by Detail and Choppa Boi. The song peaked at number 43 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Contents

Background and composition

"We Dem Boyz" was co-written by R&B singer Chris Brown Chris Brown 9, 2012.jpg
"We Dem Boyz" was co-written by R&B singer Chris Brown

On February 6, 2014, Wiz Khalifa released a 15-second preview of "We Dem Boyz", announcing its full release to come in a few days. [1] [2] Wiz Khalifa commented on his reasoning for releasing it as a single saying, "I like 'We Dem Boyz' as the first single because of the energy. It reaches so many audiences other than just a rap audience. It's kind of like how "Black and Yellow" was – a big sports song to get everybody riled. It's more of an anthem." [3]

The song features a boisterous, trap influenced instrumental driven by "thunderous" drums. On top of the production, Wiz Khalifa raps with a subtly autotuned flow. [4]

Release and promotion

On February 10, 2014, the song was premiered through a partnership with music identifying app Shazam. [5] When the preview video was "Shazamed", the song's full audio was unlocked on the app's feed. [6] It was the first song to be premiered by Shazam in history. [7] Then the following day, it was officially released as a digital download. [8]

On February 12, 2014, Wiz Khalifa held a release party for the single in Los Angeles, California. An official video released of the party featured prominent appearances from the song's producer Detail and Taylor Gang Records artist Ty Dolla Sign. [9] On February 19, 2014, Khalifa performed the song live during his appearance on DJ Kay Slay's Streetsweeper Radio show. [10] His first live show performance was on February 13, 2014 on 106 &Park. Then on March 15, 2014, Khalifa performed the song during Taylor Gang's set at SXSW. [11] His next performance of the song was on March 31, on The Arsenio Hall Show. [12]

"We Dem Boyz" was featured in an episode of the TV series Selfie in which Karen Gillan's character twerked to it.

Critical reception

"We Dem Boyz" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Complex named it the third best song of the first half of 2014. Writer Insanul Ahmed commented saying, "Driven by a distinctly trap sound and Wiz's Auto-tuned vocals, the song isn't a total overhaul of his style but it is a creative departure for Wiz. It owes more to songs like Lil Reese's "Us," Drake's "Started From the Bottom," and any number of Atlanta's warblers than the stoner raps and pop anthems that have made up much of Wiz's output. Despite the soft start, the song is a club staple now and the biggest street-oriented song Wiz has gotten to pop in years." [13] The song was placed at number eight on Billboard 's 10 Best Rap Songs of 2014 list. [14]

Music video

The music video for "We Dem Boyz" was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia on March 11, 2014. [15] The video was then released on April 14, 2014. It features cameo appearances by B.o.B, Big K.R.I.T., Ty Dolla Sign, Young Thug, Chevy Woods, Ty Glascoe, and Rich Homie Quan. [15] The music video was nominated at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards' Best Hip-Hop Video category, but lost to Drake's R&B song "Hold On, We're Going Home". [16]

Remixes

The official remix of "We Dem Boyz" features Rick Ross, Schoolboy Q, and Nas. It was released on July 3, 2014. [17] On February 18, 2014, American rapper Tyga released a remix to "We Dem Boyz". [18] [19] Then rapper T.I. released his own remix on April 13, 2014. [20] Busta Rhymes and his Conglomerate Records artists O.T. Genasis and J-Doe followed that by releasing a remix on May 5, 2014. [21] Puff Daddy, Meek Mill and French Montana released their own remix on June 18, 2014. [22] On September 11, 2014 the French rapper Rohff release his own Remix "Où est Rohff?". On June 19, 2015 Rapper Plies released his own version of the Track titled "We Dem Boyz P-mix" which actually featured the rapper.

Usage in media

The song was featured on the television shows Selfie, Black-ish, Empire, Ballers, Hawaii Five-O, The Mindy Project and Superstore. It was also featured in the 2015 film Southpaw. This song faced strong resurgence in late 2016, where YouTube's successful content creator Etika falsely leaked the Nintendo Switch while exclaiming "JOY CON BOYZ". He has since made multiple references to this incident, connecting it to this song. It has then spawned types of merchandise related to this event and song, and a new online meme. The song is featured in video games WWE 2K15 and NBA 2K16.

The Dallas Cowboys often use the song for promotional purposes, as well as after big plays during home games. [23] [24]

Awards and nominations

YearCeremonyAwardResult
2014 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards [25] Best Hip Hop VideoNominated
Best Club Banger
People's Champ Award
2015 2015 Grammy Awards [26] Best Rap SongNominated

Commercial performance

The song only achieved moderate commercial success and failed to outperform the lead singles from Khalifa's previous albums: in the United States, Rolling Papers ' lead single "Black and Yellow" peaked at number one and was certified triple Platinum, while O.N.I.F.C.'s "Work Hard, Play Hard" peaked at number 17 and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [39] Platinum80,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [40] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [41] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
United StatesFebruary 11, 2014 [8] Digital download
February 13, 2014 [42] Mainstream urban radio
June 3, 2014 [43] Rhythmic contemporary radio
United KingdomJuly 28, 2014 [44] Urban contemporary radio

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wiz Khalifa</span> American rapper (born 1987)

Cameron Jibril Thomaz, better known by his stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper, singer and actor. His debut studio album, Show and Prove (2006) was released through the local independent label Rostrum Records, and he signed with Warner Bros. Records the following year. His Eurodance-influenced 2008 single, "Say Yeah" received urban radio airplay and entered the Rhythmic Top 40 and Hot Rap Tracks charts, becoming his first minor hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyga discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Tyga consists of seven studio albums, three compilation albums, twenty mixtapes, sixty-seven singles and forty-six music videos. In 2008, Tyga released his first studio album, No Introduction, on the record label Decaydance Records. The album included the single "Coconut Juice", the song peaked at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Tyga's first song to appear on the chart. In 2010, Tyga and Virginia singer Chris Brown released the collaborative mixtape Fan of a Fan (2010), which included their hit single "Deuces": the song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Tyga's first song to chart on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number one.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wiz Khalifa discography</span>

American rapper Wiz Khalifa has released seven studio albums, one compilation album, one soundtrack album, three extended plays (EP), two collaborative albums, 84 singles, sixteen promotional singles, twenty-one mixtapes, and 82 music videos. After signing to independent record label Rostrum Records at a young age, Khalifa released his first mixtape Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania, and his first studio album, Show and Prove (2006). Following the release of Show and Prove, Warner Bros. Records signed Khalifa in 2007 as part of a joint deal with Rostrum. At Warner, Khalifa released the singles "Youngin' on His Grind" and "Say Yeah". The latter became his first song to appear on a Billboard chart, peaking at number 20 on the US Hot Rap Songs. Disagreements with Warner over the release of a purported major-label debut album led Khalifa to departed from the label, and release his second studio album Deal or No Deal in 2009 on Rostrum Records alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ty Dolla Sign</span> American singer

Tyrone William Griffin Jr., known professionally as Ty Dolla Sign, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He first gained recognition for his guest appearance on fellow Los Angeles rapper YG's 2010 single "Toot It and Boot It". He signed with Atlantic Records in 2012, and Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Entertainment the following year.

<i>O.N.I.F.C.</i> 2012 studio album by Wiz Khalifa

O.N.I.F.C. is the fourth studio album by American rapper Wiz Khalifa. The album was released on December 4, 2012, by Atlantic Records and Rostrum Records. The album's title was inspired by the album H.N.I.C. by Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and is an initialism for "Only Nigga In First Class". Upon release, O.N.I.F.C. received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 selling 148,000 copies in its first week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Celebration (The Game song)</span> 2012 single by Game featuring Chris Brown, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa and Lil Wayne

"Celebration" is a song by American rapper Game featuring fellow American rappers Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, & Lil Wayne and American singer Chris Brown, released as the lead single from the former's fifth studio album Jesus Piece. "Celebration" premiered on Los Angeles' Power 106 on August 22, 2012. The song samples Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's hit single "1st of tha Month", which in return samples the Chapter 8 and Anita Baker song "I Just Want to Be Your Girl".

<i>Hotel California</i> (Tyga album) 2013 studio album by Tyga

Hotel California is the third studio album by American rapper Tyga. It was released on April 9, 2013, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records; distributed by Republic Records. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, The Game, Jadakiss, while the production on the album was handled by DJ Mustard, Detail, Cool & Dre, David D.A. Doman, Mars of 1500 or Nothin', The Olympicks, SAP and Ryan Hunt, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Started from the Bottom</span> 2013 single by Drake

"Started from the Bottom" is a song by Canadian hip hop recording artist Drake, released as the first single from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same. The song was written by Drake, Michael Coleman, and Noah "40" Shebib, and it was produced by Coleman under his stage name Mike Zombie, with additional production by Shebib. It features a sample of the ambient piece "Ambessence Piano & Drones 1" by Bruno Sanfilippo. "Started from the Bottom" peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Trials & Tribulations</i> (Ace Hood album) 2013 studio album by Ace Hood

Trials & Tribulations is the fourth studio album by American rapper Ace Hood. It was released on July 16, 2013, by We the Best Music Group, Dollaz N Dealz Entertainment, Cash Money Records and distributed by Republic Records. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Boi-1da, Young Chop, Southside, Metro Boomin, Mike Will Made It, TM88, Cardiak, Sonny Digital and many others. The album also features guest appearances from Meek Mill, Future, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, T.I., 2 Chainz, Birdman and Anthony Hamilton among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iamsu!</span> American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer

Sudan Ameer Williams, better known by his stage name Iamsu!, is an American rapper and record producer from Richmond, California. He is the lead member of the hip hop group the HBK Gang, which he formed with fellow Bay Area artists including Kehlani and Sage the Gemini in 2008. He is best known for his guest appearances on Sage the Gemini's 2013 single "Gas Pedal" and LoveRance's 2011 single "Up!," both of which peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. He signed with Alternative Distribution Alliance to release his debut studio album Sincerely Yours (2014), which moderately entered the Billboard 200 and received mixed reviews.

<i>Blacc Hollywood</i> 2014 studio album by Wiz Khalifa

Blacc Hollywood is the fifth studio album by American rapper Wiz Khalifa. It was released in the UK on August 18, 2014 and in the US a day later, by Rostrum Records and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, Project Pat, Curren$y, Ghost Loft, Chevy Woods, and Nicki Minaj, among others. The album was supported by two official singles: "We Dem Boyz" and "You and Your Friends".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like Whaaat</span> 2013 single by Problem featuring Bad Lucc

"Like Whaaat" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Problem, released on February 12, 2013 as a single, which was included on various mixtapes such as The Separation and later on his debut retail EP Understand Me. The song, produced by League of Starz, features a guest appearance from frequent collaborator Bad Lucc of Dubb Union. The song has since peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.

<i>Beach House EP</i> 2014 EP by Ty Dolla Sign

Beach House EP is the debut extended play (EP) by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on January 21, 2014, by Atlantic Records. Ty mostly produced through the entirety of this EP, alongside the variety of the other record producers such as DJ Mustard, D'Mile and Young Chop, among others. The EP features guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, B.o.B, French Montana, Trey Songz, Twista, Jay Rock, Travis Scott and Fredo Santana, among others. The EP was supported by three singles: "Paranoid" featuring B.o.B, "Or Nah" featuring Wiz Khalifa and DJ Mustard, and the remix to the first single entitled "Paranoid (Remix)".

<i>Sincerely Yours</i> (Iamsu! album) 2014 studio album by Iamsu!

Sincerely Yours is the debut studio album by American rapper Iamsu!. The album was released on May 13, 2014, by HBK Gang and Warner Music Group's Alternative Distribution Alliance. Recording for the album took place during 2013 and 2014. The album's production was handled by Iamsu!, other members of The Invasion, Tha Bizness, Jake One, Trackademicks and Chase N. Cashe, among others. Iamsu! collaborated with various artists on the album including 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Too Short, E-40, Berner, Dizzy Wright, along with HBK Gang members Sage the Gemini, Kool John and Skipper. The album was supported by the singles, "Only That Real" featuring 2 Chainz and Sage the Gemini and "I Love My Squad".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Main Chick</span> 2014 single by Kid Ink

"Main Chick" is a song by American rapper Kid Ink from his second studio album My Own Lane (2014). On March 11, 2014, the song was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States as the album's third single. The song features a guest appearance by Chris Brown, with production provided by DJ Mustard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Or Nah (Ty Dolla Sign song)</span> 2014 single by Ty Dolla $ign featuring Wiz Khalifa and DJ Mustard

"Or Nah" is a song by American singer Ty Dolla $ign featuring American rapper Wiz Khalifa and American record producer DJ Mustard. Written alongside Lemmie Crockem and Mike Free, the latter of whom produced the song with DJ Mustard, the song was released on January 7, 2014 as the second single from the former's debut EP Beach House EP. The song has since peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. On April 29, 2014, it officially impacted rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States. The song samples the signature "bed squeaking" from the 2004 hit single "Some Cut".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show da World</span> 2014 single by Lil Boosie and Webbie featuring Kiara

"Show da World" is a song by American rappers Lil Boosie and Webbie. It was intended to be the first single off Touchdown 2 Cause Hell, but never made the final track list. The song was released on January 9, 2014 by Trill Entertainment, Asylum Records, and Atlantic Records. "Show Da World" also features singer Kiara. The song peaked at number 35 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You and Your Friends</span> 2014 single by Wiz Khalifa featuring Ty Dolla Sign and Snoop Dogg

"You and Your Friends" is a song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Dogg and American singer Ty Dolla $ign from the former's fifth studio album Blacc Hollywood (2014). It was released on July 22, 2014 by Rostrum Records and Atlantic Records as the album's second official single. It was produced by DJ Mustard and Mike Free and is a bonus track on the deluxe version of Blacc Hollywood.

George Ramirez, better known by his stage name Kap G, is a Mexican-American rapper. He is best known for his song "Girlfriend", which peaked at number 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

<i>Neon Icon</i> 2014 studio album by Riff Raff

Neon Icon is the debut studio album by American rapper Riff Raff. It was released on June 24, 2014, by Mad Decent. The album, which features Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, Paul Wall, Amber Coffman, Mike Posner, and Slim Thug, was produced by DJA, Larry Fisherman, DJ Mustard, Raf Riley, Harry Fraud, and executive producer Diplo. Neon Icon was supported by singles "How to Be the Man" and "Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz".

References

  1. ↑ "New Music: Wiz Khalifa – 'We Dem Boyz' [Snippet]". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  2. ↑ Stacy-Ann Ellis (February 6, 2014). "Listen: Wiz Khalifa Shares A Snippet Of New Single 'We Dem Boyz'". Vibe. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  3. ↑ Chris Payne. "Wiz Khalifa Talks 'Blacc Hollywood' & Hanging with Miley Cyrus: Watch". Billboard . Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz (Hol Up) | Stream". DJBooth.net. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  5. ↑ John Kennedy (February 10, 2014). "Wiz Khalifa To Drop Full 'We Dem Boyz' Single Today Via Shazam". Vibe. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  6. ↑ Tom Eames (February 10, 2014). "Wiz Khalifa to debut new single 'We Dem Boyz' on Shazam – Music News". Digital Spy. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  7. ↑ Emmanuel C.M. (February 10, 2014). "Wiz Khalifa "We Dem Boyz" – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  8. 1 2 "iTunes – Music – We Dem Boyz – Single by Wiz Khalifa". Itunes.apple.com. February 11, 2014. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  9. ↑ Diep, Eric (February 13, 2014). "Wiz Khalifa, Detail, Ty Dolla $ign And More Wild Out In "We Dem Boyz" Release Party – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  10. ↑ James, Jesse. "Wiz Khalifa Performs 'We Dem Boyz' Live On Streetsweeper Radio | Video –". Stupiddope.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  11. ↑ Rys, Dan (March 5, 2014). "5 Biggest Moments From SXSW Friday – Page 4 of 6 – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  12. ↑ Emmanuel C.M. (April 1, 2014). "Wiz Khalifa Performs On 'Arsenio' – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  13. ↑ "3. Wiz Khalifa "We Dem Boyz" — The Best Songs of 2014 (So Far)". Complex. June 30, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  14. ↑ "The 10 Best Rap Songs of 2014". Billboard . December 11, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  15. 1 2 Emmanuel C.M. (March 12, 2014). "Young Thug And RIch Homie Quan Are Putting Out A Joint Mixtape – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  16. ↑ "MTV VMAs 2014 Winners List: Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Lorde, and More - SPIN".
  17. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa f. Rick Ross, ScHoolboy Q & Nas – We Dem Boyz (Remix)". HipHop DX. July 3, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  18. ↑ Diep, Eric. "Tyga "We Dem Boyz (Remix)" – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  19. ↑ "New Music: Wiz Khalifa f/ Tyga – 'We Dem Boyz (Remix)'". Rap-Up.com. February 17, 2014. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Listen to T.I.'s "We Dem Boyz (Hol Up)" Remix". Complex. April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  21. ↑ Diep, Eric (May 6, 2014). "Busta Rhymes, O.T. Genasis And J-Doe "We Dem Boyz" (Remix)". XXL Magazine. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  22. ↑ "New Music: Puff Daddy Feat. Meek Mill & French Montana 'We Dem Boyz (Remix)'". Vibe. June 18, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  23. ↑ Oct 13, foxsports; ET, 2014 at 11:43a (2014-10-13). "Cowboys all business in 'We Dem Boyz' win over Seahawks". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2019-12-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ↑ "Packers add insult to Cowboys' injury by playing 'We Dem Boyz' in locker room after dramatic playoff victory". Dallas News. 2017-01-16. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  25. ↑ Nostro, Lauren. "Here Are the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Award Nominees". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  26. ↑ "Awards Nominations & Winners". 30 April 2017.
  27. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz" (in Dutch). Ultratop Urban. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Deutsche Black Charts". Trendcharts. Media Control . Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  31. ↑ Zywietz, Tobias. "CHART: CLUK Update 14.08.2014 (wk34)". Zobbel. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  32. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  33. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  34. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  35. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
  36. ↑ "Wiz Khalifa Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  37. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  38. ↑ "Rap Songs – Year-End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  39. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz". Music Canada . Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  40. ↑ "British single certifications – Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  41. ↑ "American single certifications – Wiz Khalifa – We Dem Boyz". Recording Industry Association of America.
  42. ↑ "Frequency News". Frequency News. February 13, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  43. ↑ "Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover Future Releases". Archived from the original on October 8, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  44. ↑ "BBC 1xtra Playlist". Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.