Panda (song)

"Panda" is the debut single by American rapper Desiigner. The song premiered in December 2015 and was released for digital download on the iTunes Store as a single, before being re-released on February 26, 2016.[1] The song was written by Desiigner and the track's producer was Menace. "Panda" was heavily sampled by GOOD Music labelmate and founder Kanye West for "Pt. 2", a song on West's seventh studio album The Life of Pablo, and inspired a number of remixes. The single received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. A music video was released on May 10, 2016.[2] It was nominated for Best Hip Hop Video at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

For other uses, see Panda (disambiguation) § Music.
"Panda"
Single by Desiigner
from the album New English
ReleasedDecember 15, 2015 (2015-12-15)
Recorded2015
Genre
Length
  • 4:10 (album version)
  • 3:46 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Menace
Desiigner singles chronology
"Panda"
(2015)		 "Champions"
(2016)
Music video
"Panda" on YouTube

Composition

"Panda" is a hip hop and trap song.[3][4] The hook was written about a white BMW X6, which he likens to the appearance of a panda. "I'm just putting it in a greater way of how I say and the way I live."[5] Desiigner discovered the song's beat on YouTube, which was produced by up-and-coming Rochdale-based[6] producer Menace.[7][8][9] Menace has stated the track takes influence from the UK grime scene.[10]

Critical reception

Rolling Stone named "Panda" one of the 30 best songs of the first half of 2016, writing "The Future-esque rapping and menacing trap beat that underlies 'Panda''s ridiculous repetition were already making Internet waves, but a prominent sample on Kanye West's The Life of Pablo made Desiigner a fixture everywhere from car stereos to Vogue shoots."[11] Billboard ranked "Panda" at number 24 on their "100 Best Pop Songs of 2016" list: "Visions of a black-and-white BMW X6 sparked Desiigner's breakout joyride anthem 'Panda'. The Brooklyn upstart's spazzy, high-octane bars may have required a Genius.com lyric video to decipher, but the energy was so contagious that Kanye West had to tap the melodic G.O.O.D. Music MC's smash for his own zeitgeist-capturing album."[12] Pitchfork listed "Panda" on their ranking of the 100 best songs of 2016 at number 56.[13]

Commercial performance

"Panda" debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the chart issue dated March 12, 2016,[14] and reached the top five in its seventh week.[15] On its ninth week, "Panda" reached number one on the Hot 100 for the chart dated May 7, 2016, ending the nine-week reign of "Work" by Rihanna featuring Drake. The feat ended a record-setting 41-week streak of non-Americans topping the chart. It stayed at number one for two weeks, until it was replaced by "One Dance" by Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla on the chart issue dated May 21, 2016.[16] Desiigner is the first rapper to crown the Hot 100 with a debut chart entry since Iggy Azalea arrived with "Fancy" (featuring Charli XCX), which ruled for seven weeks beginning June 7, 2014.

At 18 years and 11 months old, Desiigner is the youngest artist to top the Hot 100 since Lorde, who was 16 years and 11 months old when "Royals" assumed the top spot (for nine weeks) on October 12, 2013.[16] The song spent seventeen weeks in the top ten of the Hot 100 before dropping out. It also reached number one on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Among the Hot 100's component charts, "Panda" peaked at number 2 on Digital Songs and 10 on Radio Songs, and topped Streaming Songs.[17][18] As of December 2016, it has sold 1,524,000 copies in the United States.[19] The song had the most on demand streams (audio and video combined) in the US in 2016 (791,000).[20]

Remixes, samples and media usage

"Panda" has been unofficially remixed several times by various rappers, including T-Pain, Lil Mama, Uncle Murda, Montana of 300, Dave East, Lupe Fiasco, Futuristic, Meek Mill, Lil' Kim, Cupcakke, Maino, Kash Doll, Fabolous, Joyner Lucas and Fat Trel among others.[21][22]

A Spanish version was released by Cuban Latin trap artist Almighty on the Miami-based label Carbon Fiber Music.[23] Borrowing the original version's beat, it features Farruko, owner of said label, while a subsequent remix adds Daddy Yankee and Cosculluela.[21] Additionally, fellow Latin trap artist Anuel AA released a scathing diss track towards Almighty, entitled "RIP Panda", after being taken down from the remix.[24]

Kanye West sampled the song for his song "Pt. 2" which appeared on his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). In an interview with Big Boy on June 3, 2016, Kanye West announced an official "15 minute" Panda remix, featuring verses from all GOOD Music artists.[25] However, as of 2022, the remix has not seen any release.

"Panda" was used by NBA player Shaquille O'Neal as his WrestleMania 32 entrance music.[26]

The song is also heard in the television shows Empire, Rosewood, Black-ish, Son of Zorn, Skam,[27] and The Last Man on Earth.

The song is also heard in the films The Secret Life of Pets 2 (in which Kevin Hart briefly covers the track) and Baywatch.

Beyoncé used the song as part of a dance break during her song "Diva" in The Formation World Tour.

Music video

The song's official music video was released on May 10, 2016, through the subscription-based digital music streaming platform, Tidal. The music video features Desiigner himself, with a cameo appearance by Kanye West.[2]

Charts

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[81] 5× Platinum 350,000‡
Belgium (BEA)[82] Platinum 20,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[83] 4× Platinum 320,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[84] Platinum 90,000‡
France (SNEP)[85] Diamond 233,333‡
Germany (BVMI)[86] Platinum 400,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[87] 2× Platinum 100,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[88] Platinum 15,000*
Poland (ZPAV)[89] 3× Platinum 150,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[90] Platinum 10,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[91] Gold 20,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[92] 3× Platinum 120,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[93] 2× Platinum 1,200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[94] 5× Platinum 5,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

References
  1. "Panda - Single". iTunes Store (US). 26 February 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  2. "THE VIDEO FOR DESIIGNER's "PANDA" IS FINALLY HERE". Pigeons and Planes. May 11, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  3. Pitchfork Staff (December 12, 2016). "The 100 Best Songs of 2016". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  4. Peltz, Jonathan (April 12, 2016). "'Panda' Rapper Desiigner on Why His Mind Operates in a 'Crazy' Way and Working With Kanye West". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
  5. "Interview: Desiigner Talks About the Success of "Panda" and Comparisons to Future". Complex. February 18, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  6. Richardson, Sam (March 25, 2016). "Rochdale mobile phone shop worker features on Kanye West's new album (but it didn't pay that well)". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  7. "Who Is Desiigner? 5 Things You Didn't Know About The 'Panda' Rapper". February 23, 2016. Archived from the original on May 20, 2016.
  8. "Desiigner Bought the "Panda" Beat for $200 Off YouTube - DJBooth Article".
  9. "Did Designer Make A Hit Out Of a "Future Type Beat" YouTube Search? - DatWAV.com". April 24, 2016. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  10. Thompson, Desire (May 12, 2016). "Producer Menace Says UK Grime Scene Influenced "Panda" Sound, Not Future". Vibe. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  11. "30 Best Songs of 2016 So Far". Rolling Stone. June 23, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  12. "Billboard's 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016: Critics' Picks". Billboard. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  13. "The 100 Best Songs of 2016". Pitchfork Media. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  14. "The Hot 100 (March 12, 2016)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  15. "The Hot 100 (April 23, 2016)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  16. Trust, Gary (April 25, 2016). "Desiigner's 'Panda' Claws to No. 1 on Hot 100, Bringing Americans Back to the Top". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  17. "Desiigner - Chart history - Billboard". Billboard.
  18. "Desiigner's 'Panda' Claws to No. 1 on Hot 100, Bringing Americans Back to the Top". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  19. "The Best-Selling Singles of 2016". Yahoo! Music. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
  20. "Nielsen Music Year-End Report U.S. 2016" (PDF). Nielsen. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  21. "8 "Panda" Remixes You Need to Hear". XXL. April 6, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  22. "T-Pain Hopped On Desiigner's "Panda"". Fader. April 21, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  23. "Spanish Version of Desiigner's 'Panda' by Puerto Rican Rapper Almighty Debuts on Hot Latin Songs". Billboard. April 29, 2016.
  24. "Almighty - Al Grano Con El Guru (2da entrevista)". YouTube.
  25. "There Will Apparently Be A "Panda" Remix Featuring Every G.O.O.D. Music Artist". HotNewHipHop. June 3, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  26. "Shaquille O'Neal Walks Out To Desiigner's "Panda" At Wrestlemania 32". HipHopDX. April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  27. "Skam". IMDb. 2015-09-25. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
  28. "Desiigner – Panda". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  29. "Desiigner – Panda" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  30. "Desiigner – Panda" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  31. "Desiigner – Panda" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  32. "Desiigner Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  33. "Desiigner – Panda". Tracklisten. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  34. "Desiigner: Panda" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  35. "Desiigner – Panda" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  36. "Desiigner – Panda" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  37. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
  38. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  39. "Chart Track: Week 20, 2016". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  40. "Desiigner – Panda". Top Digital Download. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  41. "Desiigner Lebanese Chart Top 20 History". The Official Lebanese Top 20. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  42. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 24, 2016" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  43. "Desiigner – Panda" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  44. "Desiigner – Panda". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  45. "Desiigner – Panda". VG-lista. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  46. "Portuguesecharts.com - Singles (Week 21)". Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  47. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  48. "EMA Top 10 Airplay: Week Ending 2016-07-26". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  49. "Desiigner – Panda" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  50. "Desiigner – Panda". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  51. "Desiigner – Panda". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  52. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  53. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  54. "Desiigner Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  55. "Desiigner Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  56. "Desiigner Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  57. "Desiigner Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  58. "ARIA Top 100 Singles 2016". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  59. "Ö3 Austria Top 40 - Single-Charts 2016". oe3.orf.at. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  60. "Jaaroverzichten 2016". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  61. "Rapports Annuels 2016". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  62. "Canadian Hot 100 - Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  63. "Track Top-100, 2016". Hitlisten.NU. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  64. "Top de l'année Top Singles 2016" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  65. "Top 100 Jahrescharts 2016". GfK Entertainment (in German). viva.tv. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  66. "Dance Top 100 - 2016". Mahasz. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
  67. "Single Top 100 - eladási darabszám alapján - 2016". Mahasz. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  68. "Classifiche "Top of the Music" 2016 FIMI-GfK: La musica italiana in vetta negli album e nei singoli digitali" (Click on Scarica allegato to download the zipped file containing the year-end chart PDF documents) (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  69. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2016". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  70. "Jaaroverzichten - Single 2016". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  71. "Top Selling Singles of 2016". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
  72. "Årslista Singlar – År 2016" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  73. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2016 – hitparade.ch". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  74. Myers, Justin (December 30, 2016). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of 2016". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  75. "Hot 100 Songs - Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  76. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  77. "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  78. "Dance Top 100 - 2017". Mahasz. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  79. "Decade-End Charts: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  80. "Decade-End Charts: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  81. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2022 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  82. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2016". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  83. "Canadian single certifications – Desiigner – Panda". Music Canada. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  84. "Danish single certifications – Desiigner – Panda". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  85. "#PANDA @LifeOfDesiigner certifié SINGLE DIAMANT avec + de 35 millions Equivalent ventes #download + #streaming #Congrats". SNEP. November 29, 2016. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  86. "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Desiigner; 'Panda')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
  87. "Italian single certifications – Desiigner – Panda" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Select "2016" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Select "Panda" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  88. "New Zealand single certifications – Desiigner – Panda". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  89. "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  90. "Portuguese single certifications – Desiigner – Panda" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  91. "Spanish single certifications – Desiigner – Panda". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  92. "Sverigetopplistan – Desiigner" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  93. "British single certifications – Desiigner – Panda". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  94. "American single certifications – Desiigner – Panda". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.