Down Bad
by J. Cole (featuring Young Nudy)

Album: Revenge of the Dreamers III (2019)
Charted: 64
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Down Bad" is a posse cut featuring Dreamville artists J.I.D, Bas, J. Cole, and Johnny Venus (of Earthgang). The quartet drop bars about their younger days when they were "down bad." Each recounts how they escaped their impoverished circumstances by means of rap music.

    The song also features a guest verse by Atlanta rapper Young Nudy. The track represents his first time working with each of the other four artists.
  • The beat comes courtesy of Plass. The Atlanta producer has also worked with the likes of Beyoncé ("Formation") and Kendrick Lamar ("HUMBLE.").
  • Plass' beat pays homage to "Rebel Without A Pause," the 1987 song by Public Enemy. Though it sounds similar, it is not a direct sample of the classic rap tune.
  • The song was recorded for the Dreamville artists compilation album Revenge of the Dreamers III. Recording sessions for the record took place in Atlanta for ten days from January 6, 2019.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.