"Revenge" is a song by American rapper Joyner Lucas, released on February 3, 2020 as the seventh single from his debut studio album ADHD (2020). It was produced by Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet, Sonorous and DrtWrk.
| "Revenge" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Joyner Lucas | ||||
| from the album ADHD | ||||
| Released | February 3, 2020 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 4:29 | |||
| Label | Twenty Nine | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Joyner Lucas singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "ADHD with Revenge Intro" on YouTube | ||||
| "Revenge" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editThe song premiered on Zane Lowe's Beats 1, in which Lucas stated he was in a bad mood when he wrote it.[1][2]
Composition
editThe production uses a "haunting" piano loop. Lyrically, the song centers on Joyner Lucas' diminishing returns of his own success and his toxic and destructive behavior.[3] Lucas raps with aggression while in a reflective state.[4]
Critical reception
editMitch Findlay of HotNewHipHop praised Joyner Lucas' performance, commenting he "deftly controls his cadence to build anticipation for the inevitable drop. When the drums do hit, they add a new layer of urgency to his reflection." In addition, he stated "Of all the songs released thus far, 'Revenge' feels like a highlight in many ways. Easily the darkest fragment of the picture, Joyner's intensity and seemingly endless array of flows speak to the hunger within him."[3] Victor D. Infante of Telegram & Gazette reacted favorably to the song as well as its music video, remarking that "'Revenge' makes good use of two of Lucas' greatest strengths as an artist: A gift for narrative storytelling in his music and videos, and an ability to tightly wind his rhymes, delivering them with control and precision."[4]
Music video
editOn December 13, 2019, the music video for Joyner Lucas' song "ADHD" was released with a preview of "Revenge" in the beginning. It sees Lucas standing outside a pharmaceutical facility with a bomb strapped to his chest and being confronted by a SWAT team. As the bomb explodes, the song ends and the video for "ADHD" starts.[5]
An official music video was released in February 2020. Directed by Lucas and Ben Proulx, it begins with Lucas participating in a bank heist that ends with him being betrayed and left for dead by a partner. Lucas returns and takes revenge.[4]
Charts
edit| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[6] | 27 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[7] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
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‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ "Joyner Lucas Readies 'ADHD' Album for March". Rap-Up. February 3, 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ Saponara, Michael (February 4, 2020). "Joyner Lucas Releases 'Revenge,' Readies 'ADHD' Album & Two More Projects for March". Billboard. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ a b Findlay, Mitch (September 26, 2022). "Joyner Lucas Drops Off Full Version Of Haunting "Revenge"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Infante, Victor D. (February 16, 2020). "Joyner Lucas returns for 'Revenge'". Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ Blistein, Jon (December 13, 2019). "Joyner Lucas Grapples With Mental Health, Medication in New 'Revenge Intro/ADHD' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 17, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
- ^ "American single certifications – Joyner Lucas – Revenge". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 25, 2024.