Loyalty (Kendrick Lamar song)

"Loyalty"
"Loyalty"
Single by Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna
from the album Damn
Released	June 20, 2017
Recorded	2016
Genre	Hip hop; R&B;
Length	3:47
Label	Top Dawg; Aftermath; Interscope;
Songwriter(s)	Kendrick Duckworth; Dacoury Natche; Mark Spears; Robyn Fenty; Anthony Tiffith;
Producer(s)	DJ Dahi; Sounwave; Martin; Top Dawg;
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology
Rihanna singles chronology
Audio sample
	file; help;
Music video
	"Loyalty" on YouTube

"Loyalty" (stylized as "LOYALTY.") is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his 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 features Barbadian singer Rihanna on vocals and was written by Lamar, DJ Dahi, Sounwave, Rihanna, and Terrace Martin.^[2] The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance.^[6]

Critical reception

Complex calls it a "standout track" and one of Damn's most "radio-friendly cuts".^[7] 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".^[8] 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."^[9] 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."^[10]

Composition

The song contains samples of "24K Magic" produced by Shampoo Press & Curl and The Stereotypes, and performed by American singer Bruno Mars.^[11]

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.^[12]^[13] 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."^[14]

Live performances

Lamar has performed "Loyalty" on the Damn tour.^[15]

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
Bēkon – additional production and vocals
Kid Capri – additional vocals
Derek Ali – mixing
Tyler Page – mix assistant
Jamal Owens - Master mixer

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2017)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[16]	20
Australia Urban (ARIA)^[17]	4
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)^[18]	41
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)^[19]	30
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[20]	12
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)^[21]	40
Denmark (Tracklisten)^[22]	34
France (SNEP)^[23]	43
Germany (GfK)^[24]	53
Hungary (Stream Top 40)^[25]	36
Ireland (IRMA)^[26]	18
Italy (FIMI)^[27]	63
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[28]	42
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)^[29]	15
Philippines (Philippine Hot 100)^[30]	47
Portugal (AFP)^[31]	10
Scotland (OCC)^[32]	99
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)^[33]	20
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)^[34]	34
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)^[35]	35
UK Singles (OCC)^[36]	27
US Billboard Hot 100^[37]	14
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[38]	7
US Rhythmic (Billboard)^[39]	1

Year-end charts

Chart (2017)	Position
US Billboard Hot 100^[40]	66
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[41]	33
US Rhythmic (Billboard)^[42]	21
Chart (2019)	Position
Portugal (AFP)^[43]	1654

Certifications


Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)^[44]	Gold	20,000^‡
Canada (Music Canada)^[45]	2× Platinum	160,000^‡
United Kingdom (BPI)^[46]	Silver	200,000^‡
United States (RIAA)^[47]	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	Top Dawg Aftermath Interscope	^[3]
United States	June 20, 2017	Urban contemporary radio	Top Dawg Aftermath Interscope	^[4]

References

^ Carmichael, Rodney (April 25, 2017). "How Mike WiLL Made-It And Kendrick Lamar Created The Year's Most Urgent Music". NPR. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
^ ^a ^b "Digital Booklet - DAMN. copy.pdf". DocDroid. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
^ ^a ^b "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
^ ^a ^b "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
^ India, Lindsey (December 8, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans With 'Damn.' Collector's Edition". XXL. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
^ "2018 Grammy Nomination List". Variety. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
^ Espinoza, Joshua. "Here's How Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna's "Loyalty" Came Together". Complex. Complex. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
^ Parham, Jason. "The Story Behind The Kendrick Lamar And Rihanna Collaboration "LOYALTY."". The Fader. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
^ Guan, Frank. "On 'Loyalty' Rihanna Plays It Casual With Kendrick Lamar". Vulture. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
^ "New Music: Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – 'LOYALTY.'". Rap-Up. April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
^ http://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX -. "Kendrick Lamar's Collab With Rihanna Began With Bruno Mars Sample". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 20, 2017. {{cite news}}: External link in |last= (help)
^ "Kendrick Lamar - LOYALTY. ft. Rihanna". YouTube. July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
^ Finkelstein, Sabrina (July 28, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Drops 'Loyalty' Video With Rihanna: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
^ Darville, Jordan (July 28, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar And Rihanna Are A Dynamic Duo In The "LOYALTY." Music Video". The Fader. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
^ Masley, Ed (July 13, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar launches DAMN. Tour in Glendale with triumphant one-man show of force". AZ Central. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
^ "ARIA Urban Singles Chart". ARIA. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 16. týden 2017 in the date selector. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Tracklisten. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
^ "Classifica settimanale WK 16" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
^ "BillboardPH Hot 100". Billboard Philippines. August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201716 into search. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Singles Top 100. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
^ http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs
^ http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/rhythmic-songs
^ "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 3000 Singles + EPs Digitais" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
^ "Brazilian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
^ "Canadian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty". Music Canada. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
^ "British single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved January 5, 2018. Select singles in the Format field. Select Silver in the Certification field. Type Loyalty. in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
^ "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Loyalty". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 7, 2018.

External links

Template:MetroLyrics song

[1] Carmichael, Rodney (April 25, 2017). "How Mike WiLL Made-It And Kendrick Lamar Created The Year's Most Urgent Music". NPR. Retrieved December 17, 2017.

[digitalbooklet-2] "Digital Booklet - DAMN. copy.pdf". DocDroid. Retrieved April 18, 2017.

[Rhythmic_Radio-3] "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2017.

[Urban_Radio-4] "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2017.

[xxl_collector's_edition-5] India, Lindsey (December 8, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans With 'Damn.' Collector's Edition". XXL. Retrieved December 9, 2017.

[6] "2018 Grammy Nomination List". Variety. Retrieved November 28, 2017.

[complex-7] Espinoza, Joshua. "Here's How Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna's "Loyalty" Came Together". Complex. Complex. Retrieved April 19, 2017.

[8] Parham, Jason. "The Story Behind The Kendrick Lamar And Rihanna Collaboration "LOYALTY."". The Fader. Retrieved April 19, 2017.

[9] Guan, Frank. "On 'Loyalty' Rihanna Plays It Casual With Kendrick Lamar". Vulture. Retrieved April 20, 2017.

[10] "New Music: Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – 'LOYALTY.'". Rap-Up. April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.

[11] ttp://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX -. "Kendrick Lamar's Collab With Rihanna Began With Bruno Mars Sample". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 20, 2017. {{cite news}}: External link in |last= (help)

[12] "Kendrick Lamar - LOYALTY. ft. Rihanna". YouTube. July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.

[13] Finkelstein, Sabrina (July 28, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Drops 'Loyalty' Video With Rihanna: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2017.

[14] Darville, Jordan (July 28, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar And Rihanna Are A Dynamic Duo In The "LOYALTY." Music Video". The Fader. Retrieved October 19, 2017.

[15] Masley, Ed (July 13, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar launches DAMN. Tour in Glendale with triumphant one-man show of force". AZ Central. Retrieved October 30, 2017.

[sc_Australia_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-16] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 22, 2017.

[17] "ARIA Urban Singles Chart". ARIA. Retrieved April 30, 2017.

[sc_Austria_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-18] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 27, 2017.

[sc_Flanders_Tip_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-19] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved September 30, 2017.

[sc_Canada_Kendrick_Lamar-20] "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.

[sc_Czechdigital_-21] "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 16. týden 2017 in the date selector. Retrieved April 25, 2017.

[sc_Denmark_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-22] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Tracklisten. Retrieved April 26, 2017.

[sc_France_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-23] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved April 22, 2017.

[sc_Germany_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-24] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 21, 2017.

[sc_Hungarystream_-25] "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 28, 2017.

[26] "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved April 21, 2017.

[27] "Classifica settimanale WK 16" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved April 22, 2017.

[sc_Dutch100_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-28] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty." (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 21, 2017.

[sc_New_Zealand_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-29] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 21, 2017.

[30] "BillboardPH Hot 100". Billboard Philippines. August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.

[sc_Portugal_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-31] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 28, 2017.

[sc_Scotland_-32] "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.

[sc_Slovakdigital_-33] "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201716 into search. Retrieved April 25, 2017.

[sc_Sweden_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-34] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Singles Top 100. Retrieved April 21, 2017.

[sc_Switzerland_Kendrick_Lamar_feat._Rihanna-35] "Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty.". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 24, 2017.

[sc_UK_-36] "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.

[sc_Billboardhot100_Kendrick_Lamar-37] "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.

[sc_Billboardrandbhiphop_Kendrick_Lamar-38] "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.

[sc_Billboardrhythmic_Kendrick_Lamar-39] "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2017.

[40] "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.

[41] ttp://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs

[42] ttp://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/rhythmic-songs

[43] "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 3000 Singles + EPs Digitais" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved August 14, 2020.

[BrazilKendrick_Lamar_feat._RihannaLoyaltysingleCertRef-44] "Brazilian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved November 30, 2018.

[CanadaKendrick_Lamar_feat._RihannaLoyalty.singleCertRef-45] "Canadian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty". Music Canada. Retrieved March 20, 2018.

[United_KingdomKendrick_Lamar_feat._RihannaLoyalty.singleCertRef-46] "British single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – Loyalty". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved January 5, 2018. Select singles in the Format field. Select Silver in the Certification field. Type Loyalty. in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.

[United_StatesKendrick_LamarLoyalty.singleCertRef-47] "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Loyalty". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 7, 2018.

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v t e Rihanna songs
Singles discography Songs recorded
Music of the Sun	"Pon de Replay" "If It's Lovin' that You Want" "You Don't Love Me (No, No, No)"
A Girl like Me	"SOS" "Unfaithful" "We Ride" "Break It Off"
Good Girl Gone Bad	"Umbrella" "Don't Stop the Music" "Shut Up and Drive" "Hate That I Love You" "Rehab"
Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded	"Disturbia" "Take a Bow" "If I Never See Your Face Again"
Rated R	"Wait Your Turn" "Hard" "Stupid in Love" "Rockstar 101" "Russian Roulette" "Rude Boy" "Te Amo" "Cold Case Love"
Loud	"S&M" "What's My Name?" "Cheers (Drink to That)" "Fading" "Only Girl (In the World)" "California King Bed" "Man Down" "Raining Men" "Skin" "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)"
Talk That Talk	"You da One" "Where Have You Been" "We Found Love" "Talk That Talk" "Cockiness (Love It)" "Birthday Cake" "Watch n' Learn"
Unapologetic	"Phresh Out the Runway" "Diamonds" "Pour It Up" "Loveeeeeee Song" "Jump" "Right Now" "What Now" "Stay" "Nobody's Business"
Home soundtrack	"Towards the Sun" "Dancing in the Dark"
Anti	"Consideration" "Kiss It Better" "Work" "Desperado" "Needed Me" "Love on the Brain" "Higher" "Pose" "Sex with Me"
Collaborations	"All of the Lights" "Bad (Remix)" "Believe It" "Can't Remember to Forget You" "Famous" "Fly" "Lemon" "Live Your Life" "Love the Way You Lie" "Loyalty" "Nothing Is Promised" "Numba 1 (Tide Is High)" "Princess of China" "Roll It" "Run This Town" "Selfish" "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" "Take Care" "The Monster" "This Is What You Came For" "Too Good" "Who's That Chick?" "Wild Thoughts"
Other songs	"American Oxygen" "Bad Girl" "Bitch Better Have My Money" "FourFiveSeconds" "Just Stand Up!" "Lift Me Up" "Redemption Song" "Sledgehammer" "Turn Up the Music (Remix)"
Category

v t e Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance
2000s	"Let Me Blow Ya Mind" – Eve featuring Gwen Stefani (2001) "Dilemma" – Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland (2002) "Crazy in Love" – Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z (2003) "Yeah!" – Usher featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon (2004) "Numb/Encore" – Linkin Park and Jay-Z (2005) "My Love" – Justin Timberlake featuring T.I. (2006) "Umbrella" – Rihanna featuring Jay-Z (2007) "American Boy" – Estelle featuring Kanye West (2008) "Run This Town" – Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanye West (2009)
2010s	"Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys (2010) "All of the Lights" – Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie (2011) "No Church in the Wild" – Jay-Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean and The-Dream (2012) "Holy Grail" – Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake (2013) "The Monster" – Eminem featuring Rihanna (2014) "These Walls" – Kendrick Lamar featuring Bilal, Anna Wise & Thundercat (2015) "Hotline Bling" – Drake (2016) "LOYALTY." – Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna (2017) "This Is America" – Childish Gambino (2018) "Higher" – DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle & John Legend (2019)
2020s	"Lockdown" – Anderson .Paak (2020) "Hurricane" – Kanye West featuring The Weeknd & Lil Baby (2021) "Wait for U" – Future featuring Drake & Tems (2022) "All My Life" – Lil Durk featuring J. Cole (2023)