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Take It to the Head

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"Take It to the Head"
Song

"Take It to the Head" is a song by American hip hop producer DJ Khaled, released as the lead single from his sixth studio album, Kiss the Ring. The song features American singer Chris Brown, rappers Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. The song was premiered via DJ Khaled's Twitter on March 26, 2012.[2] It was later released for digital download in the United States on April 3, 2012.[3] The single has sold over 500,000 copies and certified Gold by the RIAA.[4]

Critical reception

David Jeffries highlighted it and wrote a positive description: " Nicki Minaj joins labelmate Wayne, along with Chris Brown and Rick Ross, for "Take It to the Head," a song perfect for rainy days as the lyricists go from sullen to champion over a slow-rolling Runners production."[5] BBC music said of the single, "Single Take It to the Head, meanwhile, is oddly ineffectual considering the talent showcased. Rick Ross comes off lackadaisical, Nicki Minaj offers far from her greatest verse, a mumbling Lil Wayne's mouth sounds fuller of iced grill than usual, while Khaled hollers unselfconsciously over the whole palaver like an actual ghetto Tim Westwood."[6] Mark Bozzer also wrote a positive review: "the Runners/Khaled-produced bachelorette party favourite, "Take It To The Head," featuring Breezy, Rozay, Nicki Minaj and Weezy."[7] XXL panned the song noting it incapable of recapturing the magic of last album’s lead single but he also wrote that it's better than today’s average radio record: "appreciate in listening value over time."[8]

Music video

The video was filmed on April 30, 2012 in Universal Studios California. It was directed by Colin Tilley.[9] It premiered on May 20, 2012 on MTV2 Sucker Free and it was uploaded on DJ Khaled's Vevo account on May 25. In addition to Khaled and the track's featured artists, the video features cameos from rappers Drake, Birdman, Busta Rhymes and Mack Maine. The video takes place at The BART. Brown appears in a cage as he sings the chorus. Rick Ross performs his verse on the sidelines of the train tracks as during the verse, Drake appears. Then Minaj raps her verse sitting on the train tracks as gasoline barrels on fire behind her. Then Wayne performs on the back of a destroyed train as Busta Rhymes, Mack Maine and Birdman make small appearances during Wayne's verse.

Live performances

Minaj and Wayne performed the song during Minaj's Pepsi Promotional Show as a part of her Pink Friday Tour. Minaj has also recited her verse on her Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour.

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2012) Peak
Position
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 58
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] 6
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[12] 6

Year-end charts

Chart (2012) Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13] 29
US Rap Songs (Billboard)[14] 20

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[15] Gold 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

List of release dates, record label and format details
Country Date Format Label
United States April 3, 2012[3] Digital download We the Best, Terror Squad, Cash Money, Universal Motown
April 10, 2012[16] Rhythmic radio

References

  1. ^ Alexis, Nadeska (March 27, 2012). "DJ Khaled Taps Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown For 'Take It To The Head'". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
  2. ^ "Listen To DJ Khaled's All-Star Single "Take It To The Head"". Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Take It To The Head: DJ Khaled: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  4. ^ "DJ Khaled "Take It To The Head" Goes Gold - Rap Radar". Rap Radar. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  5. ^ David Jeffries. "Kiss the Ring - DJ Khaled - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  6. ^ "BBC - Music - Review of DJ Khaled - Kiss the Ring". Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  7. ^ "DJ Khaled". Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  8. ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2012/08/dj-khaled-kiss-the-ring/
  9. ^ "Welcome to Twitter - Login or Sign up". Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  10. ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-04-05.
  11. ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-04-05.
  12. ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
  13. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - 2012 Year End Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2012-12-17.
  14. ^ "Rap Songs - 2012 Year End Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2012-12-17.
  15. ^ "American single certifications – DJ Khaled featuring Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne – Take It to the Head". Recording Industry Association of America.
  16. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases - R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates - ..." All Access. Retrieved 4 March 2015.