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2016 single by Frank Ocean From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Nikes" is a song recorded by American singer Frank Ocean. It was released on August 20, 2016, as the lead single from his second studio album, Blonde (2016), accompanied by a music video directed by Tyrone Lebon, exclusive to Apple Music.[2] It is Ocean's first single since "Super Rich Kids", which was released in 2013.[3] Ocean wrote the song, producing it alongside Malay Ho and Om'Mas Keith.[4] Former Dirty Projectors vocalist Amber Coffman contributed additional vocals.[5] An extended version of the song featuring Japanese rapper Kohh was included on the physical CD release of Blonde.[6]
"Nikes" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Frank Ocean | ||||
from the album Blonde | ||||
Released | August 20, 2016 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 5:14 | |||
Label | Boys Don't Cry | |||
Songwriter(s) | Christopher Breaux | |||
Producer(s) | ||||
Frank Ocean singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Nikes" on Apple Music |
Billboard ranked "Nikes" at number 28 on their "100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list: “As the first song on the most highly-anticipated album since D'Angelo re-emerged with Black Messiah, "Nikes" was always going to be heavily scrutinized—but as a re-introduction, it worked brilliantly. Its first three minutes are delivered in a pitched-up approximation of a child's voice, picking apart the hidden motives behind the wants and desires of his subject with a sweetly-concealed irony, as a musical dreamscape gently glides underneath. It serves almost as a lullaby of sorts—which makes the transition to his "real" voice, arriving suddenly for the second verse, that much more effective. "Nikes" proved that Frank Ocean was back, and with a whole new set of emotions to get off his chest.”[7]
Pitchfork listed "Nikes" on their ranking of the 100 best songs of 2016 at number 25.[8]
The music video was released exclusively on Apple Music on August 20, 2016.[11] While talking about the video in an interview with The Fader, director Tyrone Lebon said; "The visuals came immediately when I first heard the song - they all follow from the music and Frank’s lyrics."[12] The video features a cameo appearance from American rapper ASAP Rocky holding a picture of the late ASAP Yams.[13] It also pays tribute to Pimp C and Trayvon Martin.[13] NPR named it as one of the best music videos of 2016.[14]
Chart (2016) | Peak position |
---|---|
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[15] | 77 |
New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)[16] | 3 |
UK Singles (OCC)[17] | 93 |
US Billboard Hot 100[18] | 79 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[19] | 27 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[20] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[21] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | 20 August 2016 | Digital download | Boys Don't Cry | [13] |
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