| "Lust" | |
|---|---|
| Song byKendrick Lamar | |
| from the albumDamn | |
| Released | April 14, 2017 |
| Recorded | 2017 |
| Studio | Windmark Studios,Henson Recording Studios |
| Genre | Hip-hop |
| Length | 5:08 |
| Label | |
| Songwriters | |
| Producers | |
"Lust" (stylized as "LUST.") is a song by American rapperKendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio albumDamn, released on April 14, 2017. The ninth track on the album (sixth on theCollector's Edition ofDamn[2]), the song was written by Lamar,DJ Dahi, Mark Spearsa.k.a.Sounwave, andBadBadNotGood, and was produced by DJ Dahi, Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood.[1] The song features uncredited guest vocals from record producerKaytranada.[3] Although not released as asingle, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017.
The song is about routine; the things we allow to interrupt them,[4] along with romantic lust and material desire.[5] The song's lyrics also reflect Lamar's reaction to the2016 presidential election, specifically the anger and confusion some ofthe nation felt in the wake of it.[6][7] Specifically, Lamar speaks about theprotests against Donald Trump, including the struggle to keep the energy up and sustain the protests long-term, without getting fatigued.[6] By the end of the song, the theme of acceptance comes into play.[6]
The song is built off an original composition by BadBadNotGood which features guest vocals from electronic musicianKaytranada.[3][8] Lamar first met the band atCoachella in 2016, immediately asking the band to collaborate.[9] With Lamar, producers DJ Dahi and Sounwave flipped the track, with additional string arrangements made by jazz saxophonistKamasi Washington, who played on Lamar's third studio album,To Pimp a Butterfly.[10][4][11] The song contains a sample ofRat Boy's 2015 song "Knock Knock Knock", sampled by former collaborator Dahi.[12][13][11] When he found out about the sample, Rat Boy tweeted his appreciation.[13][14]
Kathleen Johnston ofGQ described "Lust" as the best song onDamn.[7]
Months after the release of "Lust" andDamn, creative collective Combined Culture released ashort film inspired by the track on June 17, 2017, in celebration of Lamar's 30th birthday earlier in June.[15][16]
Lamar performed "Lust" live at theCoachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 23, 2017.[17] He performed the song seated in a cage accentuated by strings ofLED lights.[18] Lamar has performed "Lust" onThe Damn Tour.[19]
Credits adapted from the officialDamn digital booklet.[1]
Production and songwriting
Technical
| Chart (2017) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| CanadaHot 100 (Billboard)[20] | 35 |
| Czech Republic Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[21] | 86 |
| France (SNEP)[22] | 122 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[23] | 36 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[24] | 72 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[25] | 36 |
| Portugal (AFP)[26] | 34 |
| Slovakia Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[27] | 45 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[28] | 94 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[29] | 52 |
| USBillboard Hot 100[30] | 43 |
| USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[31] | 25 |
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[32] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[33] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[34] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[35] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
"...produced by @djdahi @sounwavetde with additional vox by @kaytranada on our sample!