"Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" is a song by American recording artist Alicia Keys, featuring vocals from rapper ASAP Rocky. It was written by Keys, Rocky, John Bush, Brandon Aly, Tish Hyman, Dave Kuncio, John Houser, Kenneth Withrow and Edie Brickell for her sixth studio album Here (2016), while production was helmed by Keys and Mark Batson.[1][2][3][4][5] The song refers to the former marriage of Keys' husband Swizz Beatz and musician Mashonda Tifrere. It was released on October 7, 2016 by RCA Records.
"Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" | ||||
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Single by Alicia Keys featuring ASAP Rocky | ||||
from the album Here | ||||
Released | October 7, 2016 | |||
Genre | R&B | |||
Length | 3:32 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
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Alicia Keys singles chronology | ||||
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ASAP Rocky singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Blended Family" on YouTube |
The song is inspired by family and in particular the themes are those of adoption and extended families.[3][1] Keys was inspired by her family composed of her husband Swizz Beatz, their two sons Egypt Daoud Dean and Genesis Ali Dean, and Beatz's son Kasseem Dean Jr from his previous marriage with Mashonda Tifrere.[6] Keys, following the controversy that arose due to the alleged dating of the singer-songwriter with Beatz,[7] dedicated the song to Tifrere, writing:[8]
«The understanding, compassion and support we’ve found is a powerful testament to the healing that comes when we choose love. Especially for the kids … the most important part of our lives. Celebrating Mashonda for our commitment to each other with support and true growth»
The music video, filmed in black-and-white, was released on November 11, 2016, and features both Keys and ASAP Rocky.[9] In September 2017 it was revealed on IMDb that the video was directed by Hype Williams.[10]
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Blended Family (What You Do For Love)" (featuring ASAP Rocky) | 3:32 |
Chart (2016) | Peak position |
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Belgium Urban (Ultratop Flanders)[12] | 41 |
France (SNEP)[13] | 62 |
New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)[14] | 9 |
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[15] | 52 |
Scotland (OCC)[16] | 79 |
South Korea International (Gaon)[17] | 60 |
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[18] | 85 |
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[19] | 22 |
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[20] | 9 |
Chart (2017) | Position |
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US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[21] | 42 |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. | |
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Various | October 7, 2016 | Digital download | RCA | [11] | |
Italy | October 14, 2016 | Contemporary hit radio | Sony | [22] | |
United States | November 15, 2016 | Rhythmic contemporary | RCA | [23] | |
Contemporary hit radio | [24] |