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Following West's announcement via his Twitter account,<ref>{{cite web|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Larry|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/41134-kanye-reveals-first-jay-z-iwatch-the-thronei-single/|title=Kanye Reveals First Jay-Z Watch the Throne Single|publisher=Pitchfork Media|date=January 7, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref> "[[H•A•M]]" was officially released as a [[music download|digital download]] on January 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/HAM/dp/B004IVFAVQ/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311647073&sr=301-1|title=HAM: Kanye West: MP3 Downloads|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|accessdate=2011-07-26}}</ref> It charted at number 23 on the US [[Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=http://www.billboard.com/news/britney-spears-hold-it-against-me-debuts-1004139415.story|title=Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Debuts Atop Hot 100|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|date=January 19, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-23}}</ref> On July 20, "Otis" was premiered on [[Funkmaster Flex]]'s [[WQHT|Hot 97]] radio show and subsequently leaked to the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667617/jay-z-kanye-west-otis-watch-the-throne.jhtml|title=Jay-Z And Kanye West Drop 'Otis'|work=''MTV News''|publisher=MTV Networks|date=July 20, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref> It will be sent to [[rhythmic contemporary]] and [[urban contemporary]] radio on August 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates|publisher=All Access Music Group |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60S2dvOJy|archivedate=2011-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |title=Urban/UAC Future Release Dates |publisher=All Access Music Group|accessdate=2011-07-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60SM98BRT|archivedate=2011-07-25}}</ref> Its cover art was created by Riccardo Tisci.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Soo-Young|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2011/07/watch-the-thrones-otis-cover-art-also-creative-directed-by-riccardo-tisci|title=Watch The Throne's "Otis" Cover Art Also Creative Directed By Riccardo Tisci|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|publisher=Complex Media|date=July 20, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref>
Following West's announcement via his Twitter account,<ref>{{cite web|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Larry|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/41134-kanye-reveals-first-jay-z-iwatch-the-thronei-single/|title=Kanye Reveals First Jay-Z Watch the Throne Single|publisher=Pitchfork Media|date=January 7, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref> "[[H•A•M]]" was officially released as a [[music download|digital download]] on January 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/HAM/dp/B004IVFAVQ/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311647073&sr=301-1|title=HAM: Kanye West: MP3 Downloads|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|accessdate=2011-07-26}}</ref> It charted at number 23 on the US [[Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=http://www.billboard.com/news/britney-spears-hold-it-against-me-debuts-1004139415.story|title=Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Debuts Atop Hot 100|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media|date=January 19, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-23}}</ref> On July 20, "Otis" was premiered on [[Funkmaster Flex]]'s [[WQHT|Hot 97]] radio show and subsequently leaked to the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667617/jay-z-kanye-west-otis-watch-the-throne.jhtml|title=Jay-Z And Kanye West Drop 'Otis'|work=''MTV News''|publisher=MTV Networks|date=July 20, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref> It will be sent to [[rhythmic contemporary]] and [[urban contemporary]] radio on August 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases|title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates|publisher=All Access Music Group |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60S2dvOJy|archivedate=2011-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |title=Urban/UAC Future Release Dates |publisher=All Access Music Group|accessdate=2011-07-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60SM98BRT|archivedate=2011-07-25}}</ref> Its cover art was created by Riccardo Tisci.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Soo-Young|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2011/07/watch-the-thrones-otis-cover-art-also-creative-directed-by-riccardo-tisci|title=Watch The Throne's "Otis" Cover Art Also Creative Directed By Riccardo Tisci|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|publisher=Complex Media|date=July 20, 2011|accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref>

According to the New York Post, Jay-Z and Kanye are having disagreements over the production plans of the upcoming "Watch the Throne" Tour. The disagreements seem to stem from Kanye West wanting a high amount of production for the tour, costing up to $400,000 a night, whereas Jay-Z wants to keep the tour on a slim budget in order to pay back the advance from LiveNation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.backstageol.com/music-news/kanye-and-jay-z-feud-over-watch-the-throne-tour/|work=Kanye and Jay-Z Feud Over "Watch the Throne" Tour|publisher=BackstageOL|accessdate=1 August 2011}}</ref>


== Track listing ==
== Track listing ==

Revision as of 22:18, 1 August 2011

Untitled

Watch the Throne is an upcoming collaborative studio album by The Throne, an American hip hop duo composed of Jay-Z and Kanye West. The album is set to be released on August 8, 2011, by Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc Nation, and Def Jam Recordings.

Background and recording

Originally intended as a five-track EP by Jay-Z and West, Watch the Throne was revealed by West to be a full-length album in an October 2010 interview for MTV.[1] He said in the interview that they planned to record in the South of France.[1] Production for the album began in November in Bath, England and continued during available times in Jay-Z's and West's respective schedules at recording locations in Australia, Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles.[2] In an interview for Billboard, Jay-Z said that they often recorded in hotel rooms and that the album went through three iterations, as he and West had scaled back from their original musical direction for the album.[3] He also noted difficulties in the recording process, including arguments with West regarding their direction.[3] Parts of the album were recorded at the Mercer Hotel and Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City.[4] In an interview for Rolling Stone, Jay-Z discussed their insistence on recording in person and attributed it to the delay in releasing the album, stating "If we were gonna do it, we were gonna do it together. No mailing it in".[2] The album features guest appearances by recording artists Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and Mr Hudson.[5]

Release and promotion

The album will be released by Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc Nation, and Def Jam Recordings,[6] Jay-Z's and West's respective record labels.[7] Its digital release is scheduled for August 8 and will be available exclusively on the iTunes Store, while its physical release is scheduled for August 12.[8] The album's deluxe CD edition will be sold exclusively by Best Buy through August 23, when it will be available at other retailers.[8] The sales strategy for the album received criticism from other music retailers, who accused the record labels of giving preferential treatment to iTunes and Best Buy.[8] Jay-Z and West received billing on the album as The Throne.[9] On July 4, the album was made available to pre-order on Life + Times, Jay-Z's lifestyle webzine, which redirected to Island Def Jam's website page that featured the album's deluxe version available for $16.99, standard CD for $13.99, a deluxe digital version for $14.99, and standard digital album for $11.99.[3] On July 22, its pre-order was made available on the iTunes Store.[10] Jay-Z and West will promote Watch the Throne with a 24-date concert tour produced by Live Nation, beginning on September 22 and concluding on November 3.[9]

On July 7, Jay-Z hosted a private listening session at the Mercer Hotel in New York City, previewing the album's songs from his MacBook Pro for a select group of reporters and music journalists.[2][11] It was also exclusive to two teenage fans who had won access to the session for being the first two people to pre-order the album through Jay-Z's Life + Times website.[3] The album's cover and artwork, both designed by Italian designer Riccardo Tisci,[4] were also premiered at the session.[12] Benjamin Meadows-Ingrim of Billboard, who attended the session, said of the previewed material, "The songs were dramatic and boastful, with Jay-Z often taking the lead lyrically, and the collection showcased the differences between the two artists - Jay-Z, the technical marksman, and Kanye, the emotive chest beater".[3]

Following West's announcement via his Twitter account,[13] "H•A•M" was officially released as a digital download on January 11.[14] It charted at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[15] On July 20, "Otis" was premiered on Funkmaster Flex's Hot 97 radio show and subsequently leaked to the Internet.[16] It will be sent to rhythmic contemporary and urban contemporary radio on August 9.[17][18] Its cover art was created by Riccardo Tisci.[19]

According to the New York Post, Jay-Z and Kanye are having disagreements over the production plans of the upcoming "Watch the Throne" Tour. The disagreements seem to stem from Kanye West wanting a high amount of production for the tour, costing up to $400,000 a night, whereas Jay-Z wants to keep the tour on a slim budget in order to pay back the advance from LiveNation.[20]

Track listing

The track listing was confirmed by Complex on July 18, 2011.[21]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."No Church in the Wild" (featuring Frank Ocean)Kanye West, Shawn Carter, Charles Njapa, Michael Dean, Christopher Breaux, G. Wright, J. Loudermilk, P. Manzaner, James Brown, Joseph RoachKanye West, 88-Keys 
2."Lift Off" (featuring Beyoncé)West, Carter, Jeff Bhasker, M. Dean, Seal SamuelKanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, Q-Tip (add.), Don Jazzy (add.) 
3."Niggas in Paris"West, Carter, Chauncey Hollis, M. Dean, W.A. DonaldsonHit-Boy, Kanye West, Mike Dean (co.), Anthony Kilhoffer (add.) 
4."Otis" (featuring Otis Redding)West, Carter, Harry Woods, Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, Kirk Robinson, Roy Hammond, Brown, RoachKanye West 
5."Gotta Have It"West, Carter, Pharrell Williams, Brown, Roach, Tony Pinckney, Fred WesleyThe Neptunes, Kanye West (co.) 
6."New Day"West, Carter, Robert Diggs, M. Dean, Leslie Bricusse, Anthony NewleyThe RZA, Kanye West, Mike Dean, Ken Lewis (add.) 
7."That’s My Bitch"West, Carter, Kamaal Fareed, Justin Vernon, Brown, Bobby Byrd, Ronald Lenhoff, Jeremiah LordanQ-Tip, Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker (add.) 
8."Who Gon Stop Me"West, Carter, Shama Joseph, M. Dean, Joshua KierkegaardSham "Sak Pase" Joseph, Kanye West, Mike Dean (add.) 
9."Murder to Excellence"West, Carter, Kasseem Dean, Larry Griffin Jr., Scott Mescudi, Quincy Jones, Harvey Mason, Jr., Joel Rosenbaum, Caiphus Semenya, Bill Summers, Mihaela Modorcea, Gabriela ModorceaSwizz Beatz, S1 
10."Welcome to the Jungle"West, Carter, K. Dean, M. DeanSwizz Beatz, Mike Dean (co.), Ken Lewis (add.) 
11."Made in America" (featuring Frank Ocean)West, Carter, Shama Joseph, BreauxSham "Sak Pase" Joseph, Mike Dean (add.) 
12."Why I Love You" (featuring Mr Hudson)West, Carter, M. Dean, Philippe Cerboneschi, Hubert Blanc-Francard, Tony Camillo, Mary SawyerMike Dean, Kanye West 
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Illest Motherfucker Alive"West, Carter, M. Dean, Joshua Luellen, MescudiSouthside, Kanye West, Mike Dean 
14."H•A•M"West, Carter, Lexus Lewis, M. DeanLex Luger, Kanye West (co.), Mike Dean (add.) 
15."Primetime"West, Carter, Ernest Wilson, Russell Simmons, Lawrence Smith, Maureen ReidNo I.D. 
16."The Joy" (featuring Curtis Mayfield)West, Carter, Curtis Mayfield, Peter Phillips, Mescudi, John Cameron, John ZacharyPete Rock, Kanye West, Mike Dean (add.) 

 • (co.) Co-producer
 • (add.) Additional production

References

  1. ^ a b Dombal, Ryan (October 25, 2010). "Kanye West and Jay-Z Planning Joint Album". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  2. ^ a b c Vozick-Levinson, Simon (July 8, 2011). "Jay-Z Previews 'Watch the Throne' in New York". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved 2011-07-17.
  3. ^ a b c d e Meadows-Ingram, Benjamin (July 8, 2011). "'Watch The Throne': Inside Jay-Z's Private Listening Session". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  4. ^ a b Blanco, Alvin (July 14, 2011). "Jay-Z, Kanye Get To Work In Watch The Throne Studio Pics". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2011-07-19. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  5. ^ "Kanye & Jay-Z Confirm 'Watch The Throne' Release Date". MTV UK. MTV Networks. July 19, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-19. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  6. ^ "Kanye West and JAY-Z Form New Group! They Are Now Called 'THE THRONE' and Confirm the Most Anticipated Album & Tour of the Year: WATCH THE THRONE" (Press release). Live Nation Entertainment. July 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-29.
  7. ^ Gyant (July 5, 2011). "Watch Out: Jay-Z and Kanye West Collabo Could Fall Short". BET. BET Interactive. Retrieved 2011-07-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  8. ^ a b c Christman, Ed (July 28, 2011). "Jay-Z and Kanye West's 'Watch the Throne' Exclusives Have Retailers Up in Arms". Billboard.biz. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2011-07-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  9. ^ a b Markman, Rob (July 25, 2011). "Jay-Z, Kanye West Announce Watch The Throne Release Date, Tour". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2011-07-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  10. ^ Scott (July 22, 2011). "Watch The Throne Available for Preorder on iTunes". KanyeToThe.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  11. ^ Horowitz, Steven (July 9, 2011). "Details Emerge On Jay-Z & Kanye West's "Watch the Throne"". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2011-07-09.
  12. ^ Vadala, Nick (July 16, 2011). "Jay Z Holds Watch the Throne Listening Party, Reveals Album Cover and Other Details". mxdwn. Velum Media. Retrieved 2011-07-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  13. ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (January 7, 2011). "Kanye Reveals First Jay-Z Watch the Throne Single". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  14. ^ "HAM: Kanye West: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-07-26.
  15. ^ Trust, Gary (January 19, 2011). "Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Debuts Atop Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  16. ^ Markman, Rob (July 20, 2011). "Jay-Z And Kanye West Drop 'Otis'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2011-07-21. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  17. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. {{cite web}}: Text "R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates" ignored (help)
  18. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Release Dates". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
  19. ^ Kim, Soo-Young (July 20, 2011). "Watch The Throne's "Otis" Cover Art Also Creative Directed By Riccardo Tisci". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  20. ^ Kanye and Jay-Z Feud Over "Watch the Throne" Tour. BackstageOL http://www.backstageol.com/music-news/kanye-and-jay-z-feud-over-watch-the-throne-tour/. Retrieved 1 August 2011. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  21. ^ Osei, Anthony (July 18, 2011). "Production Credits: Kanye West & Jay-Z "Watch The Throne"". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
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