Chant (song)

For other uses, see Chant (disambiguation).
"Chant"
Single by Macklemore and Tones and I
from the album Ben
ReleasedJuly 22, 2022
GenreHip hop
Length4:30
LabelBendo
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Macklemore singles chronology
"Next Year"
(2021) 		"Chant"
(2022) 		"Maniac"
(2022)
Tones and I singles chronology
"Eyes Don't Lie"
(2022) 		"Chant"
(2022) 		"Charlie"
(2022)
Music video
"Chant" on YouTube

"Chant" is a song by American rapper Macklemore and Australian singer Tones and I, released on July 22, 2022 as the lead single from the former's third solo studio album Ben (2023). It was produced by Budo and Macklemore.

Background

Macklemore told Good Morning America, "'Chant' is about the human spirit, it's about resilience, it's about facing fear, pushing through, and reminding yourself and the world who you really are."[1] In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said "This song is a bit of a rebirth. I wanted to challenge myself, get through moments of writer's block, and capture the spirit of what it's like to overcome something, push through it, and get up the next day and do it again."[2]

Macklemore started teasing the song on July 6, 2022, posting the cover art on Instagram. He shared snippets of the song via TikTok and Instagram before finally releasing it on July 22.[3]

Composition

"Chant" is a gospel-inflected[3] song over a piano instrumental.[4] Lyrically, Macklemore reflects on key moments in his past,[2] including his near-fatal drug overdose in 2020,[2][5] and his deepest insecurities,[2] while insisting he will not retire from rapping. In the chorus, Tones and I sings about fighting, rising up and not dying. From there, the instrumental uses a thumping beat with a piano riff.[4] In addition, Macklemore discusses bringing Seattle SuperSonics back to the NBA and highlights his music teaching program, the Residency.[6]

Music video

The music video was co-directed by Macklemore and Jake Magraw, and released alongside the single.[3] It begins with Macklemore rising out of a misty lake,[2] and features cameos from NBA stars Jamal Crawford and Isaiah Thomas.[6]

Charts

Chart performance for "Chant"
Chart (2022–2023) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[7] 81
Canada Digital Songs (Billboard)[8] 29
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[9] 8
US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[10] 31
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] 23

References

  1. ^ "Macklemore talks new song, 'Chant' and upcoming tour with Imagine Dragons". Good Morning America. July 22, 2022. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e Greene, Andy (July 22, 2022). "Macklemore on His 'Rebirth,' Sobriety Challenges, and Life After the 'Ultra A-List'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Denis, Kyle (July 22, 2022). "Macklemore Returns With New Tones And I Collab: Stream It Now". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Provost, Rex (July 22, 2022). "Macklemore Returns With Emotional "CHANT"". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  5. ^ Eustice, Kyle (July 22, 2022). "Macklemore Touches On Near-Fatal Drug Overdose In 'Chant' Video Featuring Tones & I". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Uitti, Jacob (July 22, 2022). "Macklemore Releases New Epic Single, Video "Chant"". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  7. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 1 August 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1691. Australian Recording Industry Association. August 1, 2022. p. 4.
  8. ^ "Macklemore Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  9. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 1, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "Macklemore Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  11. ^ "Macklemore Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.