Carousel (Travis Scott song)

"Carousel" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American rapper Travis Scott featuring Frank Ocean, released on August 3, 2018 as the second track off of the former's third studio album Astroworld (2018).

"Carousel"
Song by Travis Scott featuring Frank Ocean
from the album Astroworld
Released	August 3, 2018 (2018-08-03)
Genre	Alternative hip hop trap
Length	3:00
Label	Cactus Jack Epic Grand Hustle
Songwriter(s)	Jacques Webster II Mike Dean Christopher Breaux Chauncey Hollis Rick Rubin Adam Horovitz Adam Yauch Michael Diamond [1]
Producer(s)	Hit-Boy Rogét Chahayed (co.) Dean(co.)

Critical reception

"Carousel" received positive reviews from outlets, with many praising Frank Ocean's contributions to the track.^[2] Among them was Spin's Ezra Marcus had heavy praise for Ocean's feature, saying that his "words stand out as an oasis of effortless chill."^[3] Roisin O'Connor labelled the Beastie Boys sample as "Superb" and called Ocean's appearance "exquisite, blissful even, as his signature, rich-yet-husky voice floats over delicate chords"^[4] Somewhat contrary, while praising Ocean's hook, The Fader's Ben Dandridge-Lemco found the verses to be "Unremarkable".^[5]

Controversy

On September 14, 2018, it was reported that Frank Ocean had filed a cease and desist to get his vocals removed from the song, as it was claimed that his vocals were pitch shifted.^[6] Ocean responded to the reports on his Tumblr, saying that he approved of the song's current mix and stated that was not the problem. He explained that it was about social issues relating to sexuality, writing on Tumblr, "THE CEASE AND DESIST WASN’T ABOUT 🔊 IT WAS ABOUT 🏳️‍🌈. ME AND TRAVIS RESOLVED IT AMONGST OURSELVES WEEKS AGO. 💖"^[7] Travis Scott confirmed he was on good terms with Ocean in an Instagram post, calling Ocean a "true inspiration in an out of the Stu. Gang."^[7]

Charts

Chart (2018–2019)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[8]	99
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[9]	20
France (SNEP)[10]	70
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[11]	79
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[12]	30
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[13]	73
UK Singles (OCC)[14]	29
US Billboard Hot 100[15]	24
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[16]	15

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[17]	Gold	35,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[18]	Platinum	40,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[19]	Platinum	80,000‡
United States (RIAA)[20]	Platinum	1,000,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.