Ray Charles (song)

"Ray Charles"
Single by Chiddy Bang
from the album Breakfast
ReleasedNovember 14, 2011
GenreAlternative hip hop, soul, R&B
Length3:43
LabelVirgin, I.R.S.
Songwriter(s)David Katz, Anthony Martini, Sam Hollander, Adam Palin, Chidera Anamege, Noah Beresin
Producer(s)Xaphoon Jones S*A*M and Sluggo
Chiddy Bang singles chronology
"Truth"
(2010) 		"Ray Charles"
(2011) 		"Heart Skips a Beat"
(2012)
Audio sample
"Ray Charles"

"Ray Charles" is a single released from American rap group Chiddy Bang. It was released in Canada on November 14, 2011 as a digital download as the second single from their debut studio album Breakfast. The song is a homage to the musician of the same name. Outside of the United States, "Ray Charles" was a hit in the British Isles, peaking within the top 20 of the charts in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, the song peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

Music video

A music video to accompany the release of "Ray Charles" was first released onto YouTube on January 5, 2012. It was directed by Alan Ferguson.[1] The music video features the duo watching videos on VEVO, including one that features the duo dressed up like Ray Charles. Briefly, "Pass Out" and "So What Cha Want", by Tinie Tempah and the Beastie Boys, respectively, can be heard. The scene in the church towards the end of the video is an homage to The Blues Brothers. After one and week of being on the site the official video had been viewed just over 3.8 million times.[2]

Critical reception

Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review stating:

It's easy to see how they've come to appreciate the late star as their soul homage not only fully embodies his sound, but also highlights how popular it remains today. Over a vintage piano riff and bouncy jazz section they rap a tribute to the legend that falls somewhere between profound and dangerously tongue-in-cheek ("You're too blind to see it"), but the result nonetheless sounds genuinely heartfelt. [3]

Track listing

Digital Download
  1. "Ray Charles" – 3:43

Charts

Chart (2011–2012) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[4] 54
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[5] 47
Germany (GfK)[6] 88
Ireland (IRMA)[7] 20
Scotland (OCC)[8] 13
UK Singles (OCC)[9] 13
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[10] 4

Release history

Region Date Format Label
United States November 14, 2011[11] Digital download EMI
January 24, 2012[12] Rhythmic radio Capitol Records
United Kingdom 26 February 2012[13] Digital download EMI

References

  1. ^ "Video: Chiddy Bang – "Ray Charles"". Lost In The Sound. 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2022-01-23.
  2. ^ Chiddy Bang – Ray Charles. YouTube
  3. ^ Robert Copsey (23 February 2012). "Chiddy Bang: 'Ray Charles' – Single review". Digital Spy. digitalspy.co.uk.
  4. ^ "Issue 1144" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ^ "Chiddy Bang – Ray Charles" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  6. ^ "Chiddy Bang – Ray Charles" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  7. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Ray Charles". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  8. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  9. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  10. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  11. ^ Ray Charles – Single by Chiddy Bang. iTunes
  12. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates".
  13. ^ Ray Charles – EP by Chiddy Bang. iTunes