"London" is a song by American rappers Bia and J. Cole, released on April 8, 2022. The song was produced by AzizTheShake, Jon Glass and Tim Nihan.
| "London" | ||||
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| Single by Bia and J. Cole | ||||
| from the EP Really Her | ||||
| Released | April 8, 2022 | |||
| Length | 4:10 | |||
| Label | Epic | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Bia singles chronology | ||||
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| J. Cole singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "London" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editOn the day the song was released, J. Cole revealed some details behind his collaboration with Bia on Instagram:
"I Asked BIA to come through the studio for some whole other shit. First time meeting her. We chop it up. She plays me this new song she had just did. [...] in that moment I was blown away. I thought about this song for a month straight, it was my favorite song and I only heard it one time. She hit me recently and sent me the song (she musta knew I wanted to hear it again!!!) and I was just grateful to have it in my possession. When the thought and conversation came up about me adding a verse, I was excited but genuinely nervous cuz I didn’t even see how the song could be better after what she did to it. I didn't want to fuck nothing up! I'm grateful I Ended up catching the right wave"[1]
Bia told Rolling Stone, "We really wanted to capture, celebrate and highlight London culture, while staying authentic to who we are. I definitely got in my London accent bag and people actually tell me it's really good."[2]
Composition
edit"London" is a UK drill-influenced song that sees Bia and J. Cole rapping in British accents and slang.[2][3][4] Bia raps about her luxury shopping,[2] while J. Cole later name-drops Heathrow Airport, Ringo Starr, The O2 Arena, and Elizabeth II in his verse and references American rapper T.I.'s new career as a stand-up comedian.[3][5]
Music video
editThe music video was directed by Daps and filmed in London. In the clip, Bia shops in luxury stores of the city, parades down a sidewalk flanked by two Dalmatians, and has a tea party.[4][6] After that, she cruises down the River Thames on a speedboat with J. Cole,[6][7] who also gets his height measured while hanging upside down.[8] The video features appearances of landmarks such as Big Ben,[3] as well as cameos from British rapper Unknown T and British model Leomie Anderson.[5]
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[9] | 55 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[10] | 130 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[11] | 6 |
| South Africa (TOSAC)[12] | 20 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[13] | 62 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] | 20 |
References
edit- ^ "J. Cole on Instagram" – via Instagram.
- ^ a b c Mier, Tomás (April 8, 2022). "Bia, J. Cole Cross the Atlantic for Swanky 'London' Video". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b c Ortiz, Edwin (April 8, 2022). "Watch BIA and J. Cole's New "London" Music Video". Complex.
- ^ a b Campbell, Erica (April 12, 2022). "Bia and J. Cole share video for new UK drill inspired track 'London'". NME.
- ^ a b Renshaw, David (April 8, 2022). "Bia and J. Cole take a trip down the River Thames in their "London" video". The Fader.
- ^ a b Grant, Shawn (April 8, 2022). "BIA is Joined by J. Cole for New Single and Video "London"". The Source.
- ^ Okon, Wongo (April 8, 2022). "BIA And J.Cole Do Their Best 'Top Boy' Impressions On The Assertive 'London'". Uproxx.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (April 8, 2022). "Bia and J. Cole Share Video for New Song "London": Watch". Pitchfork.
- ^ "Bia Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
- ^ "Bia Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 18, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
- ^ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 15-2022". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ "Bia Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
- ^ "Bia Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 29, 2022.