"Walkin" is a song by American rapper Denzel Curry, released on January 24, 2022 as the lead single from his fifth studio album Melt My Eyez See Your Future (2022). It was produced by Kal Banx.

"Walkin"
Single by Denzel Curry
from the album Melt My Eyez See Your Future
ReleasedJanuary 24, 2022
Genre
Length4:40
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Kal Banx
Denzel Curry singles chronology
"Burn It All Down (Denzel Curry Remix)"
(2021)
"Walkin"
(2022)
"Zatoichi"
(2022)
Music video
"Walkin" on YouTube
Remix cover
Cover art of the official remix featuring Key Glock.
Cover art of the official remix featuring Key Glock.

Composition edit

The production in the song changes from the style of boom bap to that of southern rap,[1] juxtaposed with vocals.[2] Lyrically, Denzel Curry raps about the struggles and changing of everyday life as the state of the world is regressing, such as racial and wealth inequality, and striving for success through difficult times,[2][3] switching his flows as well.[1]

Music video edit

A music video for the song was directed by Adrian Villagomez and released alongside the single. Taking on a sci-fi western theme, it finds Denzel Curry trekking across a desert planet alone,[4] first walking through a village[2][5] and moving past barren sand dunes,[6] children playing on a swing set,[2] and villains trying to kill him.[6] He collapses on his knees several times throughout the journey.[3] In the end, Curry faces off with his archenemy John Wayne in a cinematic showdown,[1][3][4] successfully defeating him.[3]

Remixes edit

An official remix of the song featuring American rapper Key Glock was released on June 1, 2022. In his verse, Glock raps about harsh realities of life and his persistence in making money in the midst of adversity,[7][8] as well as applying survival tactics in the streets to surviving in the industry.[9] In a statement, Curry said, "I reached out to Glock because I felt like he's the perfect example of 'Walkin'. Based on everything he been through and also being independent, it hasn't stopped his grind. I've always been a fan of Memphis hip hop so it just felt right."[8] The remix serves as a lead single for the extended version of the Melt My Eyez See Your Future.

On September 30, 2022, an extended edition of the album was released, featuring new versions of the tracks that Curry recorded with the Cold Blooded Soul Band, among them "Walkin".[10]

Live performances edit

On July 21, 2022, Denzel Curry performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[11]

Certifications edit

Certifications for "Walkin"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[12] Gold 40,000
United States (RIAA)[13] Gold 500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Breihan, Tom (January 24, 2022). "Denzel Curry – "Walkin"". Stereogum. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d Colón, Izzy (January 24, 2022). "Denzel Curry Unveils Dynamic Sci-Fi Video For New Single 'Walkin'". Spin. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d Fu, Eddie (January 24, 2022). "Denzel Curry Announces 2022 Tour, Shares New Single "Walkin": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Caraan, Sophie (January 25, 2022). "Denzel Curry Debuts New Single "Walkin," Announces 2022 World Tour". Hypebeast. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  5. ^ Cho, Regina (January 24, 2022). "Denzel Curry shares cinematic new "Walkin'" visual". Revolt. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Spinelli, Adrian (January 24, 2022). "Denzel Curry Is An Intergalactic Desperado In The 'Walkin' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  7. ^ Williams, Aaron (June 1, 2022). "Denzel Curry Recruits Key Glock For A 'Walkin' Remix From A Rumored Deluxe Edition Of His Album". Uproxx. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Fu, Eddie (June 3, 2022). "Rap Song of The Week: Denzel Curry Keeps on "Walkin" with Key Glock Remix". Consequence. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  9. ^ A., Aron (June 1, 2022). "Denzel Curry Enlists Key Glock For "Walkin (Remix)"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  10. ^ Renshaw, David (September 27, 2022). "Denzel Curry announces Melt My Eyez See Your Future deluxe edition, recorded with 10-piece live band". The Fader. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  11. ^ "Denzel Curry: Walkin". YouTube. July 21, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  12. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Denzel Curry – Walkin". Music Canada. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  13. ^ "American single certifications – Denzel Curry – Walkin". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 11, 2024.