Earthquake
by Labrinth (featuring Tinie Tempah)

Album: Electronic Earth (2011)
Charted: 2
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Songfacts®:

  • This is the second single by the English singer-songwriter Labrinth. He described it to MTV UK as "a hip-hoppy, hooky song with a Super Nintendo influence and a lot of energy."
  • The song features the Nigerian British rapper Tinie Tempah. Labrinth previously co-wrote and produced Tempah's hit singles "Pass Out," "Frisky" and "Wonderman."
  • Both the royal trumpets and the operatic monk chorus part were last minute additions to the record. Labrinth inserted the monks' bit after a friend dared him to put it in.
  • Labrinth explained the song's meaning to MTV UK: "For me, the track is about making an earthquake and having people look my way because of how much noise I'm making. Sometimes, the one that shouts the loudest is the one that gets heard so, earthquake is shouting as high as it can."
  • Legendary American spitter Busta Rhymes jumps on a remake recorded for the American market, whilst the All-Star remix features all new verses from Tinie Tempah, Kano, Wretch 32 as well as Bussa Buss.
  • Here's a bit of history for you: The Shaanxi earthquake was the deadliest ever earthquake. It devastated the Shaanxi province, China in 1556 and it is thought the death toll may have been as high as 830,000.
  • Labrinth told The Sun: This is my version of 'Pass Out.' I wanted it to sound like a huge robot or Godzilla walking through a city.
  • Labrinth picked up the best song trophy for this song at the 2012 MOBO Awards.

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