Song 33

Album: single release only (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Song 33" is Noname's direct response to J Cole's "Snow On Tha Bluff," which was released two days earlier. She addresses the rapper's criticism of her on that track.
  • On the first verse Noname addresses the "patriarchy" of black men who would rather attack women like her than focusing on the injustices against African Americans. She then talks about Oluwatoyin "Toyin" Salau, a 19-year-old Black Lives Matter activist who was found dead on June 13, 2020, a week after she went missing. Shortly before her disappearance, Toyin had tweeted about being sexually assaulted by a man who had offered her a ride.
  • During the second and third verses, Noname hits back at J. Cole for focusing on her rather than devoting his platform to more relevant topics.

    He really 'bout to write about me when the world is in smokes
    When it's people in trees
    When George was beggin' for his mother, saying he couldn't breathe
    You thought to write about me


    NoName is telling Cole he should be talking about more important matters, She gives as examples the riots that followed the killing of George Floyd, and several mysterious incidences of black men found hanging from trees since the protests began in late May 2020.
  • "Song 33" is Noname's third track with a "Song & Number" format, following her 2019 releases "Song 31," and, "Song 32."
  • Noname admitted having regrets over releasing the track, saying, "I tried to use it as a moment to draw attention back to the issues I care about but I didn't have to respond. My ego got the best of me."

    The rapper went on to apologize and said she would donate proceeds from the song to various mutual aid funds.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?