| "Heaven" | |
|---|---|
| Song byJay-Z featuringJustin Timberlake | |
| from the albumMagna Carta Holy Grail | |
| Released | July 4, 2013 |
| Recorded | 2013 |
| Genre | Hip hop |
| Length | 4:03 |
| Label | |
| Songwriters | |
| Producers | |
"Heaven" is a song recorded by American rapperJay-Z for his twelfth studio albumMagna Carta Holy Grail (2013), featuring American recording artistJustin Timberlake. The song was written by Jay-Z, Timberlake,The-Dream,R.E.M.,Adrian Younge,Timbaland, andJ-Roc, while the production was handled by the latter two. It touches on subjects of religious allegory and an interrogation of organized religion. The song has since peaked at number 10 on theBillboardBubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.
On "Heaven", Jay-Z questions the meaning of religion and once again shoots down rumors that he is part of the secret organizationIlluminati.[1] He explained the song in a promotional video forSamsung, saying,
"No matter what religion you are, accept the other people's idea. Because, have you ever been to heaven? This song is toying with the idea of it being on Heaven or Hell on earth. My idea of being on Heaven is in your daughter's laughter. Hell could be if your child missing's for three minutes; you in three minutes of Hell."[2][3]
The song indulges in religiousallegory, and is one of the few songs onMagna Carta Holy Grail that touches upon existential and spiritual themes.[4] Throughout the song he ponders faith, superstition and free thinking.[5]
The songs features Jay-Z rapping a lyric of rock bandR.E.M.'s 1991 single "Losing My Religion".[1] Following the album's release, former frontman of R.E.M.Michael Stipe toldNME that he was "thrilled" and that it was a "great honor" that Jay-Z included the lyrics in one of his songs.[6][7]
On June 25, 2013, "Heaven" became the second song fromMagna Carta Holy Grail (after the lead single "Holy Grail") to have its partial lyrics revealed by the JAY Z MAGNA CARTA App viaSamsung.[1][8] On June 27, 2013, Jay-Z released a video via the same app of him discussing the song in depth with superproducerRick Rubin.[9]
"Heaven" was met with generally positive reviews, with most critics praising it over the hitlead single, another Jay-Z/Justin Timberlake collaboration, "Holy Grail". Ian Cohen ofPitchfork praised the song as one of the album's strong points, stating, "Heaven" is the most thought-provoking spiritual meditation [Jay-Z's] written, and the willful misreading of "Losing My Religion" is used to powerful effect.[10] David Weiss ofPaste credited "Heaven" for setting off the most interesting section of the album, ending at theBeyoncé-featuring "Part II (On the Run)". Del F. Cowie ofExclaim! said the song's production "sounded like a long-lostWu-Tang instrumental somehow bereft of anInspectah Deck verse."[4] Randall Roberts of theLos Angeles Times praised the song's production byTimbaland, saying: "The producer and rapper move with the coordination of expert magicians juggling Champagne bottles and knives."[11]
Louis Pattison ofNME gave a more mixed review, related to Jay-Z not taking full advantage of the subject matter.[12] Grant Jones of RapReviews said of the song: "The piercing "Heaven" starts off well, with an intriguing defense of Illuminati rumours from Jay, but shortly falls back on his lavish lifestyle, usingMaybachs andLamborghinis as metaphors for angels."[13] In a negative review, Colin McGuire ofPopMatters called the R.E.M. sample awkward and cheesy.[14] Mike Diver ofClash also discredited Jay-Z for not taking advantage of the "rich imagery" of the R.E.M. sample.[15]
| Chart (2013) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| USBubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[16] | 10 |
| USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[17] | 46 |
