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Both of Us
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| "Both of Us" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by B.o.B featuring Taylor Swift | ||||
| from the album Strange Clouds | ||||
| Released | May 22, 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2011 | |||
| Studio |
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| Genre | Country rap[4] | |||
| Length | 3:36 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers | ||||
| B.o.B singles chronology | ||||
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| Taylor Swift singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Both of Us" on YouTube | ||||
"Both of Us" is a song by American rapper B.o.B, released on May 22, 2012, as the third single from his second studio album, Strange Clouds (2012).[5] The song features vocals from American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The artists co-wrote the song alongside Ammar Malik and the song's producers, Dr. Luke and Cirkut.
"Both of Us" was released to critical acclaim, most praising Swift's feature, with some calling the collaboration as a sweet and melodic catchy song.[6] It debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number 46. The song sold 143,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States, debuting at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the week's top debut.
Background
[edit]The lyrics of "Both of Us" talks about racism and bullying. It was Swift who came up with the idea for the collaboration after she visited B.o.B's label, Grand Hustle Records. The rapper explained, "She came to Atlanta and she hit up Grand Hustle. I wasn't there. Tip was there and I eventually linked with her in Dallas and the rest is history." This is not the first time Swift contributed to a hip hop song; her other collaborations include a song with T-Pain at the 2009 CMT Music Awards, and inviting T.I., Nicki Minaj, and Flo Rida to her Speak Now World Tour in 2011.[7]
Music video
[edit]The music video, directed by Jake Nava, was released on June 27, 2012. B.o.B announced the video on Twitter, sharing a photo and a release date time frame: "On the set of the #BothOfUs music video in Nashville with @taylorswift13. Video premieres end of June!".[8]
Synopsis
[edit]The video begins with B.o.B standing before a small American flag then cuts to Swift singing the song's hook in a dark lit pool hall. B.o.B then takes to the train tracks and streets to deliver his verses while Swift croons the hook in a picturesque field while donning a white cotton dress, and shows a dog that leaves Swift awestruck with his high flying antics. Footage of the artists is interspliced with scenes of life in Nashville's less glamorous neighborhoods like tatted locals, cowboy-boot-wearing young women, shirtless youths playing in sprinklers, teens kissing, a mobile home (this leaves viewers knowing that the video isn't glamorous, but instead leaves viewers appreciating the little things in life – It's not about the money, it's understanding that a romp through a sprinkler or a good game of billiards is enough to take you away from the mundane moments of everyday life). As the first chorus precedes Swift is shown singing at a field covered with dandelions and flowers and several shots of B.o.B and Swift are interspliced. As the video closes out, viewers are left with a sort of fantasy, with B.o.B and Swift re-imagined as the every man and every woman living simple life in rural Tennessee, much like the folks in the video. At the end, B.o.B. is seen standing in a driveway with a car backing up and B.o.B staring at it.
Chart performance
[edit]The song was successful in Australia and New Zealand, charting within the top ten in both Australia and New Zealand. It debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number 46 and eventually peaked at number five. The song also peaked at number ten in New Zealand. The song sold 143,000 copies in its first week, along with the album release, debuting at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the week's top debut. The single sold over 1,000,000 digital copies as of November 2017.[9]
Live performances
[edit]Swift performed the song with B.o.B on April 19, 2013 in the State Farm Arena in Atlanta when the rapper was invited as a surprise guest for the show for Swift's Red Tour.
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[23] | Platinum | 70,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[24] | Gold | 7,500* |
| United States (RIAA)[25] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | May 22, 2012 | Digital download | Atlantic |
| United States[26][27] | Contemporary hit radio |
| |
| United Kingdom[28] | July 22, 2012 | Digital download | Atlantic |
References
[edit]- ^ Credits: Strange Clouds.
- ^ Credits: Strange Clouds.
- ^ Credits: Strange Clouds.
- ^ Billboard Staff (December 11, 2019). "Taylor Swift's 40 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 31, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
- ^ "Both Of Us ft. Taylor Swift - B.o.B Official Blog". Bobatl.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ "Song of the Week: 'Both of Us,' B.o.B featuring Taylor Swift". NJ.com. May 18, 2012. Archived from the original on April 24, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ "Both of Us by B.o.B Songfacts". Songfacts.com. April 11, 2012. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
- ^ "Twitter / MTV: MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE @bob..." Twitter.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ Trust, Gary (November 26, 2017). "Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Album & Song Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 26, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
- ^ "B.o.B Feat. Taylor Swift – Both Of Us". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "ARIA Urban Singles Chart - 23/3/15". ARIA Colle scheissearts. October 11, 2015. Archived from the original on June 13, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
- ^ "Club Music, Hot Dance Songs, Club Songs, Dance Club Music Charts". Billboard.com. June 2, 2012. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography B.o.B". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ "B.o.B Feat. Taylor Swift – Both Of Us". Top 40 Singles.
- ^ "ZPAV :: Bestsellery i wyróżnienia - AirPlays - Nowości - Archiwum" (in Polish). Polish Airplay New. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2016-10-04.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
- ^ "R&B Singles Top 40 - 22nd July 2012". Official Charts. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
- ^ "Club Music, Hot Dance Songs, Club Songs, Dance Club Music Charts". Billboard.com. June 2, 2012. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ "Chart Highlights: Katy Perry's 'Wide Awake' Debuts on Pop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
- ^ "ARIA End of Year Singles Chart 2012". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – B.O.B – Both Of Us". Recorded Music NZ.
- ^ "American single certifications – B.o.B – Both of Us". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Both Of Us ft. Taylor Swift - B.o.B Official Blog". B.o.B Official Website. Archived from the original on January 10, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates ..." All Access. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
- ^ "Both Of Us (Feat. Taylor Swift) – MP3 Single". Tesco Entertainment. Retrieved July 22, 2012.[permanent dead link]
Both of Us
View on GrokipediaThe track blends hip-hop verses with pop-oriented choruses, exploring themes of mutual support and overcoming adversity through lyrics emphasizing resilience and partnership.
It garnered moderate commercial success, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately peaking at number 18 after spending 19 weeks on the chart.[2][3]
An official music video, directed by Hiro Murai, intercuts scenes of B.o.B in urban settings with Swift performing in a dimly lit environment, amplifying the song's narrative of solidarity.[4]
B.o.B announced that all proceeds from the single would benefit charitable causes aiding those in need, aligning with the song's message of upliftment.
Background and Production
Collaboration Origins
The collaboration between rapper B.o.B (Bobby Ray Simmons Jr.) and Taylor Swift on "Both of Us" stemmed from an initial onstage partnership that built rapport between the artists. On October 8, 2011, during Swift's Speak Now World Tour concert at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, B.o.B made a surprise appearance to perform his hit "Airplanes" alongside her, marking one of Swift's early high-profile hip-hop crossovers.[5][6] Swift initiated the idea for "Both of Us" in early 2012 after visiting B.o.B's Grand Hustle Records headquarters in Atlanta, where she proposed working together on a track. B.o.B later described the encounter: Swift arrived at the label and directly stated her interest in collaborating, to which he responded affirmatively. Following the visit, Swift contacted B.o.B via text from an unknown number, messaging, "Yo, I got a song for you," which initially puzzled him until she identified herself, leading to their agreement to proceed.[7][8] This partnership resulted in "Both of Us" serving as the third single from B.o.B's second studio album, Strange Clouds, issued on May 1, 2012, by Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records. The single was released to radio and digital platforms on May 22, 2012.[9][10]Recording and Production Details
The production of "Both of Us" was led by Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald) and Cirkut (Henry Walter), who constructed the beat incorporating electronic synths, stuttering effects, and pop-oriented hooks during sessions in early 2012.[11][12] B.o.B recorded his verses in Atlanta studios affiliated with his Grand Hustle label, emphasizing layered flows over the producers' framework, while Taylor Swift tracked her chorus vocals separately to align with the track's inspirational tone.[13] Final mixing and engineering, handled by team members including additional vocal contributions from Cirkut, were completed by late March 2012 to meet deadlines for B.o.B's sophomore album Strange Clouds, released May 1, 2012.[12] This timeline positioned the song for its official single release on May 22, 2012, following an unauthorized leak earlier in April.[14]Composition and Lyrics
Musical Elements
"Both of Us" employs a mid-tempo beat clocking at 125 beats per minute in 4/4 time, fostering a moderate pace suitable for its hip-hop/pop fusion.[15] The track spans 3:36 in duration and adheres to a conventional verse-chorus structure: intro, verse (B.o.B's rap), chorus (Taylor Swift's vocal hook), second verse, second chorus, bridge, and outro, with the chorus repeating to emphasize its melodic anchor.[16][17] The verses feature B.o.B's rhythmic rap delivery over sparse beats, shifting to Swift's chorus where her vocals adopt a country-inflected timbre—marked by smooth phrasing and emotional vibrato—layered atop a pop-oriented melody in G major.[18][17] This genre blend is evident in the hip-hop rhythmic foundation of the verses contrasting the anthemic, hook-driven pop elevation in the choruses, produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut to create dynamic tension and release.[17][19] Instrumentation centers on acoustic guitar strumming for an organic, uplifting texture in the intro and choruses, augmented by subtle electronic production elements that enhance the track's emotional swell without overpowering the vocal interplay.[18][20] The chord progression—primarily G, C, Em, and D—provides harmonic simplicity, allowing the rhythm and vocal melodies to drive the song's accessibility and replay value.[17]Thematic Content
The lyrics of "Both of Us" center on a narrative of mutual support amid personal and societal adversity, portraying the protagonists as underdogs striving for resilience against external critics and internal doubts. B.o.B's verses depict encounters with "haters" and a dismissive establishment that labels dreamers as part of a "lost generation," emphasizing defiance through lines such as "They say we are the lost generation, the truth is so hard to swallow / They say that we're just a product of what they don't want to follow / And we live in a world full of haters, they say that we're just a fad / But we got the fire in our hearts, and we ain't going out like that."[21] Taylor Swift's recurring chorus reinforces this by expressing a desire for collective upliftment: "I wish I was strong enough / To lift not one but both of us / Someday I will be strong enough / To lift not one but both of us," framing the song as an anthem of aspirational solidarity.[21] B.o.B's contributions specifically address perceived systemic barriers, invoking imagery of mental strain—"Ever thought about losing it, two straight jackets that would fit"—and persistent opposition, as in "No matter how many times that you tell me it's over / I know that it's not because you still got that fire."[22] These elements underscore a theme of perseverance against doubt, with the rapper positioning himself and his counterpart as outsiders challenging conventional expectations. Swift's hook complements this by shifting focus to empathetic partnership, avoiding individual triumph in favor of shared endurance. The overall structure alternates between introspective vulnerability and motivational resolve, prioritizing textual declarations of inner strength over explicit resolution of conflicts. Interpretations linking the lyrics to racism or bullying arise from references to "haters" and generational alienation, which some observers connect to broader social hostilities faced by minorities or youth.[23] However, the content remains general, emphasizing universal resilience rather than detailing specific incidents of discrimination or interpersonal aggression; no direct mentions of racial epithets, institutional bias, or peer victimization appear, suggesting an inspirational archetype over autobiographical specificity. This abstraction allows broad relatability but invites scrutiny of authenticity, as both artists had achieved substantial commercial success by the song's 2012 release—B.o.B with prior multi-platinum singles like "Nothin' on You" and Swift as a global superstar from an affluent Pennsylvania upbringing—potentially rendering the underdog portrayal motivational fiction rather than lived hardship.[21] Empirical assessments of such themes in hip-pop collaborations often highlight performative solidarity, though no peer-reviewed studies isolate "Both of Us" for causal analysis of intent versus impact.[24]Music Video
Production and Direction
The music video for "Both of Us" was directed by Jake Nava.[25] Filming took place in Nashville, Tennessee, during mid-June 2012, capturing scenes in local settings such as pool halls, house parties, barns, and rural areas to evoke everyday American life.[26] [27] On-set footage documented collaborative interactions between B.o.B and Taylor Swift, including moments of them posing together between takes in Tennessee.[28] Access Hollywood captured behind-the-scenes clips showing the artists on location amid minor disruptions like insects, highlighting the practical challenges of outdoor shooting.[29] [26] The completed video premiered on June 27, 2012, via platforms including MTV and YouTube.[30][31]Visual Narrative
The music video for "Both of Us" opens with B.o.B positioned in front of a small American flag, establishing a motif of national identity and perseverance, before transitioning to Taylor Swift performing the chorus in a dimly lit pool hall.[32] This sequence intercuts with vignettes of ordinary individuals facing daily hardships, such as single parents working multiple jobs, children in modest homes, and young athletes training amid limited resources, highlighting themes of resilience through authentic, unpolished imagery. Subsequent scenes feature B.o.B rapping verses while navigating urban streets and abandoned lots in Nashville's less affluent neighborhoods, contrasting his rise from humble beginnings with the surrounding decay of rundown buildings and empty fields.[33] Swift's appearances emphasize a grounded persona, including shots of her wandering alleyways and interacting briefly with locals, while montages depict community moments like families gathering for meals and workers toiling in factories, underscoring collective endurance without celebrity gloss.[32] B.o.B and Swift share limited on-screen moments together, such as synchronized performance clips amid these real-life backdrops, filmed entirely in Nashville to capture the city's working-class essence on June 15-16, 2012.[26] The narrative culminates in uplifting sequences of triumph, showing underdogs achieving small victories—like a kid scoring a goal or a musician busking successfully—interwoven with the artists' delivery, portraying unity across diverse struggles in southern American locales. These elements avoid high-production glamour, opting for raw, documentary-style footage of Nashville's outskirts, including barns, rural roads, and urban fringes, to evoke genuine relatability.[26]Release and Promotion
Single Release
"Both of Us" was released digitally on May 22, 2012, as the third single from B.o.B's album Strange Clouds.[34][35] The track was distributed by Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records in digital download format via platforms including iTunes.[36] On the same date, it was serviced to Top 40 mainstream radio stations to promote airplay.[37] No physical retail editions, such as CDs or vinyl, were produced for the single's commercial release, with distribution limited to digital and promotional formats.[38] A promotional CD single was prepared for industry use in select markets like the UK.[38]Promotional Strategies
The collaboration on "Both of Us" was strategically positioned as a surprise feature to leverage Taylor Swift's pop-country appeal for B.o.B's hip-hop audience, with the track first previewed via online streaming snippets on April 11, 2012, generating early buzz prior to the May 1 release of the parent album Strange Clouds.[39] This pre-album tease highlighted the duet's inspirational theme and cross-genre potential, aiming to expand reach beyond traditional rap listeners.[7] B.o.B employed social media, particularly Twitter, for targeted announcements that emphasized the unexpected pairing, including posts about recording sessions and the track's inclusion on Strange Clouds to surprise and engage fans.[23] Promotional interviews, such as B.o.B's April 20, 2012, discussion with HipHopDX on the song's organic development from shared studio time, underscored the authenticity of the partnership to build media narratives around unity and underdog resilience.[7] Radio promotion focused on contemporary hit and rhythmic formats to bridge hip-hop and pop-country playlists, with the May 22, 2012, single release timed as the third from Strange Clouds following "So Good" to sustain album momentum. This included airplay pushes that capitalized on Swift's vocal hook for broader accessibility, integrating the single into the album's sponsorship-backed rollout without separate genre-specific campaigns.[40] The approach was described as a calculated pop crossover effort, prioritizing viral sharing and playlist inclusion over traditional rap channels.[41]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release as a single on May 22, 2012, "Both of Us" received praise for its uplifting message of mutual support and perseverance amid hardship. The BBC Music review highlighted Taylor Swift's contribution as delivering the album's equivalent to B.o.B's earlier hit "Airplanes," describing it as a "disarming passion pledge" that evoked sincere emotional resonance.[42] Similarly, RapReviews acknowledged the "undoubtedly sincere" sentiments in B.o.B's lyrics, emphasizing themes of overcoming personal and societal neglect without reliance on fame or wealth.[41] Critics noted strong vocal chemistry between the artists, particularly Swift's soaring, anthemic chorus that served as the track's emotional anchor and propelled its pop appeal. However, some reviews expressed skepticism about the genre fusion's authenticity, with HipHopDX observing that the song's inspirational tone and execution "would make more sense on a Taylor Swift album" than B.o.B's hip-hop-oriented project, as her hook overshadowed his verses.[43] RapReviews further critiqued the track's formulaic production by Dr. Luke—known for mainstream pop hits—as a calculated move for crossover success, suggesting it slightly undermined the lyrical sincerity by prioritizing commercial viability over artistic depth.[41] Certain outlets pointed to potential lyrical inconsistencies, including a line in B.o.B's verse deemed offensive by some for its implications amid the song's empathetic themes. The Boot described the track as inspirational overall but flagged the rap section's content as something "some may deem offensive," potentially clashing with the collaborative ethos of shared struggle.[44] Niche hip-hop commentary echoed mixed fan sentiments, praising Swift's performance while questioning B.o.B's integration into the pop-leaning arrangement, viewing it as a derivative follow-up to prior crossover experiments like "Airplanes."[43]Analyst Perspectives
Analysts have retrospectively critiqued "Both of Us" as a calculated crossover effort prioritizing commercial synergy over substantive exploration of its themes of unity and resilience against adversity. Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone characterized the track as a "nice try at remaking 'Airplanes,'" noting its failure to replicate the emotive spark of B.o.B's prior collaboration with Hayley Williams, which underscores a perceived reliance on formulaic pop-rap hybrid structures rather than innovative artistic intent.[45] Similarly, in comprehensive rankings of Taylor Swift's discography, the song consistently places low—such as 217th out of 284 by music professor Andrew Ledbetter—highlighting its limited enduring artistic resonance despite initial chart momentum.[46] The collaboration's social messaging, emphasizing mutual uplift amid bullying and socioeconomic challenges as visualized in the music video, has faced scrutiny for superficiality when juxtaposed against the artists' trajectories. B.o.B's post-2012 pivot toward promoting conspiracy theories, including flat Earth advocacy and critiques of institutional narratives, has prompted observers to question the causal depth of his contributions to a song advocating mainstream harmony and empathy.[47] This shift contrasts with Swift's maintenance of a curated, image-conscious persona, where the duet is often framed as an early, opportunistic foray into rap rather than a genuine fusion of perspectives on division.[48] SPIN described the result as a "gooey duet" split between acoustic earnestness and electronic rap, implying stylistic disconnects that dilute thematic authenticity.[49] Comparatively, "Both of Us" underperformed relative to other rap-pop crossovers in sustaining impact, with its chart trajectory—debuting at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 driven by 143,000 first-week digital downloads—suggesting transient appeal to a blended audience of hip-hop and pop listeners rather than demographic transformation.[50] Unlike B.o.B's "Airplanes," which achieved multi-platinum status and broader cultural permeation, this track's metrics indicate primary traction among younger, genre-fluid fans but limited penetration into core demographics of either artist's base, as evidenced by its modest 12-week Hot 100 run without topping genre-specific charts long-term.[51] Non-mainstream critiques have neutrally highlighted such efforts as potential virtue-signaling for sales, though empirical data on listener retention post-release remains sparse, reinforcing views of intent as market-driven over causally transformative.[52]Commercial Performance
Chart Achievements
"Both of Us" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at its peak position of number 18 on the chart dated May 19, 2012, and spent a total of 12 weeks on the chart.[51] Its chart performance was primarily driven by digital download sales and significant radio airplay, as the song topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs chart for one week during this period.[53] The single achieved stronger results in Canada, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.[54] In Australia, it reached number 5 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[54] On the UK Singles Chart, "Both of Us" peaked at number 22.[55]| Country/Region | Chart | Peak Position | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 18 | [Billboard] |
| Canada | Billboard Canadian Hot 100 | 5 | [aCharts] |
| Australia | ARIA Singles Chart | 5 | [aCharts] |
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 22 | [Official Charts] |
