Deuces (song)

Not to be confused with Deuce (song).

"Deuces"
Single by Chris Brown featuring Tyga and Kevin McCall
from the album Fan of a Fan and F.A.M.E.
B-side "No Bullshit"
Released June 25, 2010 (2010-06-25)
Format Digital download
Recorded 2010; In Your Ear Studios
(Richmond, Virginia)
Genre R&B
Length 4:36
Label Jive
Writer(s)
  • Chris Brown, Tyga, K-MAC
Producer(s) Kevin "K-MAC" McCall
Chris Brown singles chronology
"Back to the Crib"
(2009)		 "Deuces"
(2010)		 "Make a Movie"
(2010)
Tyga singles chronology
"Roger That"
(2010)		 "Deuces"
(2010)		 "Loyalty"
(2010)
Kevin McCall singles chronology
"Deuces"
(2010)		 "Strip"
(2011)

"Deuces" is a song written and performed by American recording artist Chris Brown and American rappers Tyga and Kevin McCall. Produced by McCall, "Deuces" was released digitally on June 25, 2010, as the lead single from Brown's first collaborative effort with Tyga, titled Fan of a Fan (2010). The song is a slow, down-tempo R&B ballad featuring elements from the genres of house and pop music, while the song is lyrically about "breaking it off with a girl after failed attempts to make the relationship work".[1] "Deuces" was later included on Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011).

Following its release, some critics speculated that the lyrics of the song were about Brown's former relationship with Barbadian singer Rihanna. "Deuces" earned Brown two award nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 53rd Grammy Awards and Best Collaboration at the 2011 BET Awards. The song was a commercial success in the United States, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Brown's first number-one single on the chart since "Say Goodbye" (2006). Additionally, it peaked inside the top-thirty in New Zealand and the top-seventy in the United Kingdom.

The accompanying music video was directed by Colin Tilley and shot in black and white at the Los Angeles River. Brown performed "Deuces" live on the television show 106 & Park, during his F.A.M.E. Tour (2011), and at Supafest (2012) in Australia. The song's official remix, featuring rappers Kanye West, T.I., Drake, Fabolous, Rick Ross and André 3000, was released as a digital EP on November 2, 2010. Recording artists Ciara and Teairra Marí also recorded their own remixes of the song.

Background and composition

"Deuces" was written by Chris Brown, Michael "Tyga" Stevenson and Kevin McCall, who also produced the track.[2] Vocals were recorded by Michael Congdon at the In Your Ear Studios in Richmond, Virginia, with assistance by Dustin Faltz.[2] The recordings were later mixed by Brian Springer at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, with assistance by Anthony Taglianett.[2] "Deuces" leaked online on May 20, 2010, and was later released digitally on June 25, 2010 as the first single from Brown's collaborative mixtape with Tyga, Fan of a Fan (2010).[3][4] In an interview with MTV News, Tyga elaborated on "Deuces" and its theme, stating: "Basically it's about you getting rid of this girl, you tried to make it work, but you got to move on. So you put up one finger, put up another, and then 'Deuces'".[5] The song appeared as the opening track on Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011).[6]
"Deuces"
A 27-second audio sample of the song, containing lyrics about a failed relationship.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Musically, "Deuces" is a slow, down-tempo R&B ballad[7] that displays elements of house and pop music.[8][9] The song has a length of four minutes and thirty-six seconds.[4] It is backed by synth chords and "eerie harmonies",[8] with Brown's "smooth vocals"[7] making use of auto-tune effects.[10] According to Sara D. Anderson of AOL Radio, the song contains lyrical content about "breaking it off with a girl after failed attempts to make the relationship work".[1] In the first verse, Brown sings: "All that bullshit is for the birds, you ain't nothing but a vulture / Always hoping for the worst, waiting for me to fuck up / You'll regret the day when I find another girl, that knows just what I need / She knows just what I mean."[1]

Reception

Critics speculated that the lyrics of the song were about Brown's former relationship with Rihanna (pictured).

Critical response

Joanne Dorken of MTV UK wrote that the song was "a good platform for Brown to show off his silky-smooth vocals".[7] Hannah Ash of The Harber Herald called it "a great rap track" with "fantastic beats".[11] In an album review for F.A.M.E., Mark Edward Nero of About.com wrote that "Deuces" was one of "the album's best material".[12] A reviewer for Girlfriend magazine wrote that "Deuces" along with "Yeah 3x" and "Beautiful People", were the only tracks on the album "worth listening to".[13] Mesfin Fekadu of the Associated Press labeled "Deuces" as one of the "best songs" of 2010,[14] while August Brown of Los Angeles Times called it his "favorite single" of 2010.[8] According to Steve Jones of USA Today, the song shows that "Brown is taking it to the next phase".[15] Sean Fennessey of The Washington Post characterised "Deuces" as "the effervescent kiss-off" track.[16] Shahryar Rizvi of Dallas Observer was critical of the song, writing that it "sounds minimally produced and quiet. As a result, it sounds kind of boring".[17]

Critics also speculated that the lyrics of the song were about Brown's former relationship with pop singer Rihanna. Becky Bain of Idolator described "Deuces" as a "bitter, women-hating track" that could be "about Rihanna or just females in general", and wrote that "as damning as some of the lyrics are, this emotional jam is actually a step in the right direction for Brown".[18] Anthony Benigno of The Faster Times observed that the song could be a reference to "the Rihanna incident", writing "is it about RiRi? Maybe, maybe not. He ain't telling, in any case".[19] Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News wrote that "Deuces" was indeed a "standout" track from the Fan of a Fan mixtape, and that it "appears to be a dig at Rihanna".[20] The song was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 53rd Grammy Awards,[21] and Best Collaboration at the 2011 BET Awards.[22]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Deuces" debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 72 on the issue dated July 17, 2010.[23] It peaked at number one in its ninth week on the chart, becoming Brown's first number-one single on the chart since "Say Goodbye" (2006).[24] "Deuces" was tied with Monica's single "Everything to Me" (2010), for both being the fastest songs in 2010 to climb to the number one spot in nine weeks.[24] "Deuces" peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 19 weeks on the chart.[25] As of January 2011, the song has sold 1,000,000 digital copies in the US.[26] On the New Zealand Singles Chart, "Deuces" debuted and peaked at number 23 on July 26, 2010.[27] It spent six weeks on the chart.[27] In the United Kingdom, "Deuces" debuted and peaked at number 68 on November 20, 2010, and appeared on the chart for one week.[28] It also charted on the UK R&B Singles Chart at number 14.[29]

Music video

The accompanying music videos for "Deuces" and "No Bullshit" premiered simultaneously online on May 24, 2010, and both were directed by Colin Tilley.[5] The video was shot in black-and-white, and is set at the Los Angeles River.[30] It begins with a woman walking down the river's culvert.[30] As the song begins, Brown, wearing a dark sleeveless jacket, sunglasses, and light-colored pants, sings his verse while standing against a car with Tyga and Kevin McCall.[30] This scene is intercut with scenes of Brown singing alone at the culvert, wearing a hooded jumper and skinny jeans.[30] During the chorus, Brown is seen dancing in an underground tunnel. As Tyga raps his verse, he is sitting on a graffitied concrete barrier, while Brown appears in the background.[30] This scene is intercut with scenes of Tyga, Brown and McCall walking down a street with a lowrider driving slowly behind them.[30] As the second chorus begins, earlier scenes from the video are intercut with each other.[30] McCall then begins to rap his verse while leaning against a wall, which is then intercut with scenes of him rapping from previous settings of the video.[30] During the final chorus of the song, more scenes of Brown dancing in the underground tunnel are shown.[30]

Live performances and remixes

Brown performing at Supafest in Australia, April 2012.

On May 15, 2010, Brown performed "Deuces" with Tyga at the "Virginia Stand Up! A Call to Action" benefit concert as part of a set list, which included "Say Goodbye", "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)", "Gimme That", "Kiss Kiss", "Take You Down" and "Forever".[5][31] The concert was organized by Brown to help with continued relief efforts in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake.[31] Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News wrote that "the superstar singer couldn't have been more giving, doing his best to please the packed house".[31] On December 3, 2010, Brown, wearing a charcoal grey suit with Adidas sneakers, performed the song with Tyga and Kevin McCall as part of his set list at the Cali Christmas concert.[32] In March 2011, Brown and Tyga performed "Deuces" on the television music show, 106 & Park.[33] "Deuces" was also added to the set list of Brown's F.A.M.E. Tour.[34] In his review of the tour, Jeremy Trucker of The Baltimore Sun criticized Brown for lip syncing his performances, and remained unconvinced that Brown's "talent was special enough to warrant his continued, well, fame".[34] In April 2012, Brown performed "Deuces" at the Supafest tour in Australia as part of a set list, which included "Run It!", "Yeah 3x", "Look at Me Now", "She Ain't You", "Wet the Bed" and "Turn Up the Music", among others.[35] A reviewer for Rap-Up magazine praised his set, writing "A tatted Chris Brown thrilled with his chart-topping hits".[36]

In September 2010, during a Ustream session with fans, Brown announced plans of releasing an "all-star" remix to "Deuces", which would feature rappers Kanye West, T.I., Drake, Fabolous, Rick Ross, and André 3000,."[37] The remix appeared online on October 1, 2010,[38] and was released as a digital EP on November 2, 2010.[39] A day after the "all-star" remix premiered online, American R&B singer Ciara released her own remix of the song, which was supposed to be included on her Basic Instinct mixtape.[40] American R&B singer Teairra Marí also recorded her own remix of "Deuces" for her mixtape, The Night Before X-Mas (2010).[41]

Track listing

  1. "Deuces" (feat. Tyga & Kevin McCall) – 4:36
  2. "No Bullshit" – 4:07
  1. "Deuces" (feat. Drake & Kanye West) – 4:34
  2. "Deuces" (feat. T.I. & Rick Ross) – 3:42
  3. "Deuces" (feat. Fabolous & André 3000) – 4:34
  4. "Deuces" (feat. Drake, Kanye West & André 3000) – 5:38
  5. "Deuces" (feat. Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross, & André 3000) – 6:43

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes for F.A.M.E.[2]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[27] 23
UK R&B (Official Charts Company)[29] 14
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[42] 68
US Billboard Hot 100[25] 14
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[43] 38
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[44] 1
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[45] 4

Year-end charts

Chart (2010) Rank
US Billboard Hot 100[46] 68
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[47] 9
Chart (2011) Rank
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[48] 44

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Australia[49] June 25, 2010 Digital download Jive Records
Austria[50]
Belgium[51]
Canada[52]
Denmark[53]
France[54]
Germany[55]
Italy[56]
Netherlands[57]
New Zealand[58]
Sweden[59]
Switzerland[60]
United Kingdom[61]
United States[4]
Austria[62] November 2, 2010 Digital remix extended play
Belgium[63]
Canada[64]
Denmark[65]
France[66]
Germany[67]
Italy[68]
Netherlands[69]
Sweden[70]
Switzerland[71]
United States[39]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Anderson, Sara (2010-06-30). "Chris Brown, 'Deuces' – New Song". AOL Radio. AOL. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  2. 1 2 3 4 F.A.M.E. (Booklet). Chris Brown. Jive Records. 2011.
  3. ↑ "New Music: Chris Brown f/ Tyga and Kevin McCall – 'Deuces'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-05-10. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (United States). Apple. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  5. 1 2 3 Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-05-24). "Chris Brown And Tyga Premiere Two Fan Of A Fan Videos". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  6. ↑ "iTunes – F.A.M.E. by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (United States). Apple. Retrieved 2011-04-15.
  7. 1 2 3 Dorken, Joanne (2011-03-16). "Chris Brown 'F.A.M.E.' – Track By Track Review". MTV UK. Viacom. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  8. 1 2 3 Brown, August (2011-03-25). "The singer of the song? Reconciling Chris Brown's 'F.A.M.E.' with his infamy". Los Angeles Times. Eddy Hartenstein. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  9. ↑ Kellman, Andy. "F.A.M.E. – Chris Brown > Review". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  10. ↑ Grischow, Chad (2011-03-22). "Chris Brown: F.A.M.E. Review". IGN. News Corporation. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  11. ↑ Ash, Hannah (2011-04-25). "Chris Brown F.A.M.E. review". The Harber Herald. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  12. ↑ Nero, Mark. "Chris Brown – F.A.M.E.". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  13. ↑ "Album review: Chris Brown F.A.M.E.". Girlfriend. Pacific Magazines. 2011-03-23. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  14. ↑ Fekadu, Mesfin (2011-03-21). "Review: Brown Has R&B on Lock, but What About Pop?". Associated Press. ABC News. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  15. ↑ Jones, Steve (2011-03-22). "Listen Up: Chris Brown, The Strokes, more". USA Today. Gannett Company. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  16. ↑ Fennessey, Sean (2011-03-22). "Album review: Chris Brown, 'F.A.M.E.'". The Washington Post. Katharine Weymouth. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  17. ↑ Rizvi, Shahryar (2010-09-17). "The Problem With... Chris Brown's "Deuces"". Dallas Observer. Kevin Thornburg. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  18. ↑ Bain, Becky (2010-05-10). "Chris Brown Drops A "Deuce" With Tyga". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  19. ↑ Benigno, Anthony (2011-03-22). "New Music Review: Chris Brown; 'F.A.M.E.' (Music Video)". The Faster Times. Sam Apple. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  20. ↑ Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-05-17). "Chris Brown, Tyga Drop Fan of a Fan Mixtape". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  21. ↑ "Grammy Awards 2011: Winners and nominees for 53rd Grammy Awards". Los Angeles Times. Eddy Hartenstein. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  22. ↑ "Chris Brown Wins Big at BET Awards". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2011-06-26. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  23. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of July 17, 2010". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2010-07-17. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  24. 1 2 Caulfield, Keith (2010-09-03). "Chris Brown Scores No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart with 'Deuces'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  25. 1 2 "Chris Brown – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Chris Brown.
  26. ↑ Grein, Paul (2011-01-12). "Week Ending Jan. 9, 2011: Songs: Another Taboo Falls". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  27. 1 2 3 "Charts.org.nz – Chris Brown feat. Tyga & Kevin McCall – Deuces". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  28. ↑ "Artist Chart History > Chris Brown > Singles". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  29. 1 2 "Archive Chart: 2010-10-20" UK R&B Chart. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Video: Chris Brown & Tyga f/ Kevin McCall – 'Deuces'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-05-23. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  31. 1 2 3 Rodriguez, Jayson (2010-05-16). "Chris Brown Plays To Packed House At Virginia Benefit Concert". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  32. ↑ "Video: Chris Brown Performs at Cali Christmas". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-12-04. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  33. ↑ "Chris Brown Visits '106 & Park' with Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, & Tyga". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2011-03-22. Retrieved 2011-04-15.
  34. 1 2 Trucker, Jeremy (2011-09-29). "Review: Chris Brown at 1st Mariner Arena Sept. 28". The Baltimore Sun. Timothy E. Ryan. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  35. ↑ Vout, Elise (2012-04-17). "Supafest Review Part II". MTV Australia. Viacom. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  36. ↑ "Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Big Sean, & Trey Songz Storm Sydney for Supafest". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  37. ↑ "Chris Brown Announces Guests for All-Star 'Deuces' Remix". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-09-27. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  38. ↑ "New Music: Chris Brown f/ Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross, & André 3000 – 'Deuces (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-10-01. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  39. 1 2 3 "iTunes – Music – Deuces Remix – EP by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (United States). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  40. ↑ "New Music: Ciara – 'Deuces (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-10-02. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  41. ↑ "New Music: Teairra Marí – 'Deuces (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  42. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2010-10-20" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  43. ↑ "Chris Brown – Chart history" Billboard Adult R&B Songs for Chris Brown.
  44. ↑ "Chris Brown – Chart history" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Chris Brown.
  45. ↑ "Chris Brown – Chart history" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Chris Brown.
  46. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 – Year-End Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  47. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  48. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  49. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  50. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces –Single von Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Austria) (in German). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  51. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Belgium). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  52. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Canada). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  53. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Denmark). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  54. ↑ "iTunes – Musique – Deuces –Single par Chris Brown". iTunes Store (France) (in French). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  55. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces –Single von Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Germany) (in German). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  56. ↑ "iTunes – Musica – Deuces – Single di Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Italy) (in Italian). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  57. ↑ "iTunes – Muziek – Deuces – Single van Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Netherlands) (in Dutch). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  58. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (New Zealand). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  59. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces – Single av Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Sweden) (in Swedish). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  60. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces –Single von Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Switzerland) (in German). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  61. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (United Kingdom). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  62. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces Remix – EP von Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Austria) (in German). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  63. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces Remx – EP by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Belgium). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  64. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces Remix – EP by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Canada). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  65. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Deuces Remix – EP by Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Denmark). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  66. ↑ "iTunes – Musique – Deuces Remix – EP par Chris Brown". iTunes Store (France) (in French). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  67. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces Remix – EP von Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Germany) (in German). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  68. ↑ "iTunes – Musica – Deuces Remix – EP di Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Italy) (in Italian). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  69. ↑ "iTunes – Muziek – Deuces Remix – EP van Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Netherlands) (in Dutch). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  70. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces Remix – EP av Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Sweden) (in Swedish). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  71. ↑ "iTunes – Musik – Deuces Remix – EP von Chris Brown". iTunes Store (Switzerland) (in German). Apple. Retrieved 2012-05-22.

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