Why I Love You (Kanye West and Jay-Z song)
| "Why I Love You" |
|
| Single by Jay-Z & Kanye West featuring Mr Hudson |
| from the album Watch the Throne |
| Released |
September 13, 2011 |
| Recorded |
2011 |
| Genre |
Hip hop |
| Length |
3:21 |
| Label |
Roc-A-Fella, Roc Nation, Def Jam |
| Writer(s) |
Kanye West, Mike Dean, Shawn Corey Carter, Philippe Cerboneschi, Hubert Blanc-Francard, Tony Camillo, Mary Sawyer |
| Producer |
Kanye West, Mike Dean, Anthony Kilhoffer |
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"Why I Love You" is a song by American hip hop artists Kanye West and Jay-Z and features Mr. Hudson, from their first collaboration album Watch the Throne.[1] The song was officially sent to Rhythmic Radio formats on September 13, 2011. "Why I Love You" heavily samples French house duo Cassius' 2010 single "I <3 U So", which itself is based upon a sample from the original 1971 version of "I Feel a Song (In My Heart)" by Sandra Richardson.[2]
Artwork
The artwork for "Why I Love You" features the French flag with a black third substituted for blue and is the exact same cover used for Kanye West and Jay-Z's song "Niggas in Paris" which was sent to rhythmic radios simultaneously with "Why I Love You" on September 13, 2011.[3] While "Niggas in Paris" was sent to urban radio, as well.[4]
Critical reception
Billboard commented on Jay-Z's verses on the track by saying "Jay-Z goes off on those who, though once close, turned away or against him. "But I'm bullet proof, b**ch you can't get nothin' past me." #shots".[5] Rolling Stone complimented featured artist Mr Hudson by saying "West associate Mr Hudson sings the hook on this moody track that alternates between a towering, TV on the Radio-esque chorus and hazy, synth-heavy verses."[6] The Guardian complimented Hudson's hook sounds and compared them to a "hair metal bombast." [7] The Hollywood Reporter commented on the track by saying "Sampling French house duo Cassius, Jay-Z tells his story using imagery of Rome burning, castle walls rising, and inevitably referring to the friends and collaborators he’s lost over the last few decades. And then he quotes Waka Flocka’s “Bustin At Em.” Mr. Hudson swoons in the background, presumably with a gladiola."[8] Spin referred to the track as the "most dark and twisted song since the opening track "No Church in the Wild". Spin went on to compliment Jay-Z's verses on the track by saying that he showed emotion in his past betrayals he experienced with certain artists.[9]
Chart performance
Due to the hype around Watch the Throne worldwide, "Why I Love You" debuted on various charts globally on the week of the album's release. In the UK the song reached a peak of 87 a few months later.
Charts
Release history
References
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| Featured singles |
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