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Number 2 (song)

Summary

"Number 2" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI featuring American rapper Future and Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage from the former's second studio album, All Over the Place (2021). The song was written by the three rappers alongside Rico Love, Ivory Scott, S-X, Aaron Ferrucci, Martell Smith Williams, & producers Diego Ave, Bankroll Got It, Chambers, Mally Mall, and Nana Rogues. It was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 16 July 2021 upon the release of the album. "Number 2" is a hip hop and trap song. In both the chorus and his verse, KSI relishes in his success and addresses those who have hated on him and doubted him in the past, with an auto-tune-heavy delivery. The song features a beat switch into a more gloomy instrumental in its latter half.

"Number 2"
Cartoon illustrations of 21 Savage (left), KSI (centre) and Future (right) in front of a tropical beach. The title "Number 2" appears in large white font at the top, with the artists' names in small white font above.
Song by KSI featuring Future and 21 Savage
from the album All Over the Place
Released16 July 2021 (2021-07-16)
Genre
Length2:53
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Diego Ave
  • Bankroll Got It
  • Mally Mall
  • Chambers
  • Nana Rogues
Music video
"Number 2" on YouTube

"Number 2" received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its production and the three rappers' "hard" and "commanding" performances. The music video was released on 26 July 2021. The futuristic video alternates between shots of the three rappers playing an online car racing video game in their respective homes and in-game footage of the trio racing through a virtual CGI cityscape, behind the wheels of three matching BMWs. The video's theme acknowledges KSI's roots as a YouTuber and a gamer.

Background edit

During his guest appearance on the American talk show The Late Late Show with James Corden on 20 April 2021, KSI exclusively revealed that his upcoming second studio album would include a track that features American rappers Future and 21 Savage, titled "Number 2".[1] KSI told James Corden, "It's called 'Number 2'. It's one of my biggest songs on the album. And I have Future and 21 Savage on the song. It's going to be mad. When people hear this tune, they're going to lose their heads. It's going to melt faces."[2] A preview of "Number 2" was released to the video-sharing app TikTok on 9 July 2021.[3][4]

Speaking to Genius about collaborating with both Future and 21 Savage, KSI said, "I've always wanted to work with 21 Savage and Future. I've listened to all their songs for years. I've been a fan. So to be able to have a song with them and have them want to be on the track, it's just crazy." KSI continued, "I didn't want them to just carry me. I wanted to stand out as well and show that I can hold my own in between these two legends."[5]

Music and lyrics edit

 
"Number 2"
A 23-second sample of KSI's auto-tune-heavy chorus, in which he relishes in his success and addresses those who have hated on him and doubted him in the past.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Number 2" is a hip hop and trap song.[6][7] The song begins with Future performing the first verse, which is followed by KSI performing both the chorus and the second verse, with an auto-tune-heavy delivery.[8][9] KSI's verse is immediately preceded by a beat switch into a more gloomy instrumental, which leads into the third verse, performed by 21 Savage.[8] In their verses, Future and 21 Savage flaunt their wealth and lavish lifestyles, with a theme of street level braggadocio.[7][10] In both the chorus and his verse, KSI relishes in his success and addresses his haters and non-believers.[5][11]

Speaking to Apple Music about the inspiration for "Number 2", KSI explained, "[This is a] track where I’m gloating. I’m taking on the people [who] doubted me. So many [people] were shitting on me, saying [that] I’d never amount to anything. And now these guys look like clowns in a circus."[12] KSI told Genius that "Number 2" shows his "braggadocios side". He recalled, "There was a lot of people who told me that the whole YouTube thing was pointless [and that] I was wasting my time. So I had to find a way to prove to everyone [that] when this thing pops off [and] when this thing takes over, I'm going to be the one with the [last] laugh. And I definitely am now."[5]

Critical reception edit

"Number 2" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Writing for The Guardian, Kadish Morris called "Number 2" a "fine collaboration".[13] In her review for NME, Kyann-Sian Williams described the instrumental as "nicely gloomy". Williams noted that some of KSI's lyrics are "goofy" and believed that the song is "saved by clean verses from Future and 21 Savage", although she admitted that the pair also "turn in some mediocre bars".[6] Writing for Earmilk, Chloe Robinson described the instrumental as "bold" and "vibrant" and commended its "fresh, sonic flavour" that has a "masterful, magnetic feel". Robinson additionally praised the three rappers for bringing "hard [and] commanding vocal swagger".[14] Courtney Wynter of GRM Daily liked how the three rappers combine "their differing styles".[7] Writing for Complex, Jordan Rose acclaimed that the song "sounds well put together" and praised KSI for putting the featured artists "in positions to play to their strengths".[8] In her review for HotNewHipHop, Erika Marie proclaimed that "Number 2" would be "a standout [track] for hip hop fans".[9]

Music video edit

The music video for "Number 2" was co-directed by Troy Roscoe and Nayip Ramos.[11] It premiered on KSI's YouTube channel on 26 July 2021 at 19:45 BST.[15] The futuristic video alternates between shots of the three rappers playing an online car racing video game in their respective homes and in-game footage of the trio racing through a virtual CGI cityscape, behind the wheels of three matching BMWs.[7][11] During the second verse, KSI takes a break from the race to pose for photos with his fans, and during the third verse, 21 Savage races while standing on top of his vehicle.[11] At the end of the video, the three rappers appear to hit an unfinished part of the game and drive off a cliff to their demise. The video closes with a brief message that reads, "Game over".[11] The video's theme acknowledges KSI's roots as both a YouTuber and a gamer.[7][16]

Commercial performance edit

In the United Kingdom, "Number 2" placed at number 29 on the midweek update of the UK Singles Chart in its first week of release, but it was excluded from the published chart at the end of the week, in line with the Official Charts Company rule that a main artist is limited to a maximum of three entries per week.[17] The song debuted at number 53 on the UK Streaming Chart and number 15 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.[18][19]

Credits and personnel edit

Credits adapted from Tidal.[20]

  • KSI – songwriting, vocals
  • Future – songwriting, vocals
  • 21 Savage – songwriting, vocals
  • Diego Ave – production, songwriting
  • Bankroll Got It – production, songwriting
  • Mally Mall – production, songwriting
  • Chambers – production, songwriting
  • Nana Rogues – production, songwriting
  • S-X – songwriting
  • Rico Love – songwriting
  • Ivory Scott – songwriting
  • Aaron Ferrucci – songwriting
  • Martell Smith Williams – songwriting
  • Kevin Grainger – engineering
  • Joe LaPorta – engineering
  • Adam Lunn – engineering
  • Rob MacFarlane – engineering
  • Niko Marcouza – engineering
  • Robert Marks – engineering
  • Matt Schwartz – engineering

Charts edit

Chart performance for "Number 2"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[21] 11
UK Audio Streaming (OCC)[18] 53
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[19] 15
UK Indie (OCC)[22] 8

Release history edit

Release dates and formats for "Number 2"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label(s) Ref.
Various 16 July 2021
Original
[23]
Instrumental

References edit

  1. ^ "KSI, Yungblud and Polo G Light up for Fiery 'Patience' Performance: Watch". Billboard. 21 April 2021. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  2. ^ "KSI & Yungblud's Friendship Began Over DM". The Late Late Show with James Corden. 21 April 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ KSI [@KSI] (9 July 2021). "Preview of one of my songs is on TikTok right now lol" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Akaash (15 July 2021). "Future & 21 Savage Join KSI On 'Number 2' - Listen". HipHop-N-More. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  5. ^ a b c "KSI Breaks Down The Meaning Of 'Number 2'". Genius. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b Williams, Kyann-Sian (21 July 2021). "KSI – 'All Over The Place' album review: does exactly what it says on the tin". NME. Archived from the original on 21 July 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e Wynter, Courtney (26 July 2021). "KSI Gives Visual Treatment To 'Number 2' With Future & 21 Savage". GRM Daily. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  8. ^ a b c Rose, Jordan (16 July 2021). "Future, 21 Savage, and KSI Drop New Track 'Number 2'". Complex. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  9. ^ a b Marie, Erika (16 July 2021). "KSI Calls On Future & 21 Savage For Melodic 'Number 2'". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  10. ^ Murray, Robin (16 July 2021). "KSI - All Over The Place". Clash. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  11. ^ a b c d e Powell, Jon (27 July 2021). "KSI drops video game-inspired visual for 'Number 2' with Future and 21 Savage". Revolt. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  12. ^ "All Over the Place by KSI / Editors' notes". Apple Music. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  13. ^ Morris, Kadish (18 July 2021). "KSI: All Over the Place review – gritty beats and Hallmark rhymes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  14. ^ Robinson, Chloe (16 July 2021). "Prolific producer Diego Ave scores again with KSI's 'Number 2'". Earmilk. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  15. ^ "KSI – Number 2 (feat. Future & 21 Savage) [Official Music Video]". 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ Akaash (27 July 2021). "KSI Releases 'Number 2' Video Feat. Future & 21 Savage - Watch". HipHop-N-More. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  17. ^ "Official Singles Chart Update Top 100". Official Charts Company. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  18. ^ a b "Official Audio Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  20. ^ "KSI / All Over The Place (Platinum VIP Edition) / Credits". Tidal. 16 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  21. ^ "New Zealand Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  22. ^ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  23. ^ Moore, Sam (16 July 2021). "Listen to Future and 21 Savage team up on KSI's 'Number 2'". NME. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.

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