Runaway
by Devlin (featuring Yasmin)

Album: Bud, Sweat and Beers (2010)
Charted: 15
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the second official single by British MC and rapper Devlin from his debut album, Bud, Sweat and Beers. The song was produced by the duo Future Cut and released on October 24, 2010 for digital download.
  • This features Hip Hop DJ and singer Yasmin. The British-Iranian DJ told MTV UK how she came to work with Devlin on this track: "I have worked quite a lot with some producers Future Cut and the day after I signed my record deal, I wanted to celebrate with those guys and they were like 'we are in the studio with Devlin but it's fine come on up.' When I went there, Devlin had put three verses down on this song and there was no chorus but I thought it was amazing and got an idea there and then. I sang it to them and they loved it and that's how it happened. Devlin is an incredible talent, he's raw and what you see is what you get and for me, it's always a pleasure to work with someone like that."
  • The song's music video was directed by Emil Nava, who won the Best Music Video at the 2010 Soho Shorts Festival for "Our House Is Dadless" by Kid British. Devlin is seen in the clip around the neighbourhoods of his home town of Dagenham whilst Yasmin sings from a council estate balcony in the Isles Of Dogs.
  • Before signing signed a deal with Island Records, Devlin had a strong reputation in the underground Hip-Hop scene. However, he explained to MTV UK that he doesn't feel like he has compromised his music in return for chart success. "The lyrics I've spat are true. I would have spat them on any beat," he said. "All that's changed, is that in a single, we'll get a female singer and we'll make the beat sound a bit nicer, for instance, in 'Runaway.' But if you listen to what I'm saying, that's just what I've been doing for years. To a degree, you've got to play the game for singles, but there's nothing that I've spat where I feel like I've compromised."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).