Clique (song)


"Clique" is a song by American rappers Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Big Sean. The song serves as the fourth single from the album Cruel Summer, a collaboration between members of West's label GOOD Music. The song's production was handled by Hit-Boy and West. "Clique" was released as a single to the iTunes Store on September 7, 2012. Additional vocals on the song are provided by American R&B singer James Fauntleroy II, who performs the song's introduction. It was among the Award Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at the 2014 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards and Award Winning Songs at the 2014 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.

Background

West debuted the song on his website on September 6, 2012. The same day, DJ Funkmaster Flex gave the song a formal radio premiere on his Hot 97 radio show. It was released as a digital download to the iTunes Store the following day. On November 14, 2012 a remix was released featuring rapper T.I..
Sean said in an interview with Tim Westwood that many more A-list rappers had recorded verses for the song. In the end, all of the rappers were cut except Big Sean, Kanye West and Jay-Z.

Composition

The song was produced by Hit-Boy, who was signed to West's label GOOD Music. The song contains vocal samples of American funk musician James Brown's 1974 song "Funky President ".

Reception

Complex named "Clique" #15 on their list of the 50 best songs of 2012. The track was ranked at #96 on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2012. Both Dagbladet and NME named "Clique" the 15th best song of 2012. The song was placed #49 by Paste on their list best songs of 2012 list. "Clique" was ranked #44 on the annual Pazz & Jop singles poll. Jay-Z's guest verse was named the fifth best of 2012 by Complex magazine.

Commercial Performance

"Clique" debuted at 55 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song sold one million digital copies by late-November 2012. It was certified triple platinum in June 2017.

Awards and nominations

YearCeremonyCategoryResultRef.
2014ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music AwardsAward Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
2014BMI R&B/Hip-Hop AwardsAward Winning Songs
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Song

Track listing

  1. "Clique" – 4:54

    Credits and personnel

The credits for "Clique" are adapted from the iTunes single release.

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 29
US Rap Songs 23
US Rhythmic 34

Certifications

Release history