"Loyalty" (stylized as "LOYALTY.") is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna from the former's fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The song was later sent to urban and rhythmic radio June 20, 2017, as the second single from the album.[3][4] The sixth track on the album (ninth on the Collector's Edition of Damn[5]), the song was written by the artists alongside producers DJ Dahi, Sounwave, Terrace Martin, and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith.[2] The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance.[6]
| "Loyalty" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna | ||||
| from the album Damn | ||||
| Released | June 20, 2017 | |||
| Recorded | 2016[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:47 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| Kendrick Lamar singles chronology | ||||
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| Rihanna singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio sample | ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Loyalty" on YouTube | ||||
Composition
The song contains a reverse sample of "24K Magic" produced by Shampoo Press & Curl and The Stereotypes, and performed by American singer Bruno Mars.[7] The song also contains a "replay" of Jay-Z's "Get Your Mind Right Mami" from his fifth album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000), which can be heard at its 40 second mark.[8]
Critical reception
Complex calls it a "standout track" and one of Damn's most "radio-friendly cuts".[9] The Fader writer Jason Parham calls "Loyalty", "anxious, berserk, and beautifully intransigent in [its] own right" and "equal parts pop, funk, and brooding rap hymnal".[10] Frank Guan of Vulture enjoyed the song, especially Rihanna's part, saying "though only eight bars, Rihanna's sung rap is as fluent as it is brief, a swift and casual tour of her accomplishments."[11] Rap-Up called the song a "standout track that allows Kung Fu Kenny and Bad Gal RiRi to address allegiance from a variety of angles."[12]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | BET Awards | Best Collaboration | Nominated | [13] |
| BET Hip Hop Awards | Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated | [14] | |
| Grammy Awards | Best Rap/Sung Performance | Won | [15] | |
| NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration | Won | [16] |
Music video
The music video for the song was released to Lamar's Vevo channel on YouTube on July 28, 2017. It was directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies and includes an appearance from featured artist Rihanna.[17][18] Jordan Darville of The Fader gave the music video a positive review, praising the visuals and called Lamar and Rihanna's adventure together "carefully crafted [and] suitably amorous."[19]
Live performances
Lamar has performed "Loyalty" on the Damn tour.[20]
Credits and personnel
- Kendrick Duckworth – songwriter
- Rihanna – vocals, songwriter
- Dacoury Natche – songwriter, producer, additional vocals
- Byron "Mr. Talkbox" Chambers – additional vocals
- Mark Spears – songwriter, producer
- Terrace Martin – songwriter, producer
- Anthony "Topdawg" Tiffith – songwriter, producer
- Bruno Mars – songwriter
- Philip Lawrence – songwriter
- Christopher Brody Brown – songwriter
- Ol' Dirty Bastard – songwriter
- RZA – songwriter
- Jay-Z – songwriter
- Memphis Bleek – songwriter
- Snoop Dogg – songwriter
- Rick Rock – songwriter
- Bēkon – additional production and vocals
- Kid Capri – additional vocals
- Derek Ali – mixing
- Tyler Page – mix assistant
- Jamal Owens - Master mixer
Charts
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[48] | 3× Platinum | 210,000‡ |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[49] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[50] | 3× Platinum | 240,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[51] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| France (SNEP)[52] | Gold | 100,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[53] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[54] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Country | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | June 20, 2017 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | [3] | |
| Urban contemporary radio | [4] | |||
| Italy | October 20, 2017 | Contemporary hit radio | Universal | [55] |