1999 Wildfire
| "1999 Wildfire" | ||||
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| Single by Brockhampton | ||||
| Released | July 7, 2018 | |||
| Length | 4:11 | |||
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| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Brockhampton singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "1999 Wildfire" on YouTube | ||||
"1999 Wildfire" (stylized in all caps) is a single by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on July 7, 2018. It features additional vocals from American producer Jazze Pha.
Background[edit]
The song premiered on Brockhampton's Beats 1 radio show Things We Lost in the Fire Radio, in the first episode. It was followed by a video shortly after.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Composition[edit]
"1999 Wildfire" begins with an introduction from Jazze Pha[7] and contains a flute-laced instrumental, over which Brockhampton members perform in rapid-fire rhymes.[8] Kevin Abstract sings the hook of the song. Joba's verse finds him recounting Brockhampton's road to success as a fantasy story.[7] During the bridge (sung by Bearface), the song transitions to a style similar to late 1990s/early 2000s R&B.[7][8]
Critical reception[edit]
The song was well-received by music critics. Allison Shoemaker of Consequence of Sound described it as a "buoyant track that pairs a catchy as hell hook with smart, incisive lyrics."[5] Eric Skelton of Complex wrote of the song, "Mixing catchy melodies and smart, innovative raps, this one should go over well for any fans of the Saturation trilogy—but it also has the noticeable feeling of being the beginning of a new chapter for the group."[9] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork commented the song "maximizes its members' talents and continues to reinforce their teamwork" and "evokes the warmth of nostalgia".[7]
Variety placed "1999 Wildfire" at number 11 in their ranking of Brockhampton's 15 best songs.[10]
Music video[edit]
The music video was directed by Kevin Abstract and filmed in Quebec City.[11] It features close-ups of each member performing their verse,[6][8][11][12] as well as "dramatically-lit" shots taken in a parking lot.[11]
References[edit]
- ^ Michelle Hyun, Kim (July 7, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON Drop New Song "1999 WILDFIRE": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Daly, Rhian (July 7, 2018). "Watch the video for Brockhampton's summery new song '1999 WILDFIRE'". NME. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Goddard, Kevin (July 7, 2018). "Brockhampton Share New Single & Video "1999 Wildfire"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Helman, Peter (July 7, 2018). "Brockhampton – "1999 WILDFIRE" Video". Stereogum. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ a b Shoemaker, Allison (July 7, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON premiere new song "1999 WILDFIRE": Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ a b DiMeglio, Mary J. (July 7, 2018). "See BROCKHAMPTON's Video for New Song, '1999 WILDFIRE'". Billboard. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d Pearce, Sheldon (July 10, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON: "1999 Wildfire" Track Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Cheung, HP (July 7, 2018). "Brockhampton Share New Song & Video, "1999 Wildfire"". Hypebeast. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Skelton, Eric (July 7, 2018). "Brockhampton Drops Video For New Song "1999 Wildfire"". Complex. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Moreau, Jordan; Shafer, Ellise; Shanfeld, Ethan (November 18, 2022). "Goodbye, Brockhampton: The Hip-Hop Boy Band's 15 Best Songs, Ranked". Variety. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ a b c Guilione, Bianca (July 7, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON Drops New Song & Video "1999 Wildfire"". Highsnobiety. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Arcand, Rob (July 7, 2018). "Video: Brockhampton – "1999 WILDFIRE"". Spin. Retrieved 1 January 2024.