Talibans (song)

"Talibans" is a song by Jamaican-born Kittitian recording artist Byron Messia, released on January 20, 2023, from his debut studio album No Love. Considered his breakout song, it went viral in early 2023. An official remix of the song titled "Talibans II" with Nigerian singer Burna Boy was released on July 20, 2023.

"Talibans"
Cover art for the official remix
Single by Byron Messia
from the album No Love
ReleasedJuly 20, 2023
Length3:08
LabelZtekk
Songwriter(s)
  • Dylan Byron
  • Onugba Enojo Paul
Producer(s)
  • Kelly Beatz
  • Ej Fya
  • Spaceship Billy
Byron Messia singles chronology
"I Hate Byron"
(2023)		 "Talibans"
(2023)		 "Tropicana"
(2023)
Burna Boy singles chronology
"Masculine"
(2023)		 "Talibans II"
(2023)		 "Big 7"
(2023)
Music video
"Talibans" on YouTube
"Talibans II" on YouTube

Background

Byron Messia has explained that "Talibans" is "more of a warning song", and "It's not a crime organization song, it's more like telling somebody 'If you want, we can get down like how di people dem in Afghanistan get down' song." He added, "In the making of 'Taliban', it wasn't even something serious. I never wrote down the lyrics for Taliban. It's based on pure inside jokes".[1]

Composition

The production of the song includes syncopated percussion and "atmospheric" synth pads.[2]

Critical reception

Brandon Callender of The Fader wrote that in the song Byron Messia "oscillates between sinking into the song's deep groove and spotlighting his resonant vibrato. His vocal control makes me think of how artists like NoCap switch from tough-talking raps to full-blown yelps seemingly without warning."[3]

Music video

A music video for the song was directed by Ty Lott and Neatz Films. It contains a wide presence of guns and a murder is simulated toward the end.[1]

Remix

The official remix of the song, released on July 20, 2023, is a collaboration with Burna Boy and the second single from his seventh studio album I Told Them... (2023). It features a new verse from Byron Messia, in which he brags about his relationship with Jamaican singer Jada Kingdom.[4]

Critical reception

The remix was well received by music critics. Wongo Okon of Uproxx commented, "The remix begins with a strong entrance from Burna before Byron returns with his original verse."[4] Gabriel Bras Nevares of HotNewHipHop wrote of the production, "Of course, it may sound sparse at first glance, but it actually creates special emphasis on the performers here for them to lead 'Talibans II' to its peaks." Nevares further wrote, "Burna Boy and Byron Messia are in top form here, flowing with ease, confidence, and charisma through their melodic verses and refrains. While the lyrical matter here ranges from boastful to threatening, the sonic pallet keeps things chilled out, and their voices inject passion into the song."[2]

Music video

The music video premiered alongside the single. Filmed in Jamaica,[4][5] it finds Byron Messia and Burna Boy hanging out at a resort by the beach,[5] a tennis court and golf course.[6][7]

Charts
Chart performance for "Talibans II"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[8] 53
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[9] 39
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 99
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[11] 20

References
  1. Nattoo, Michael (May 22, 2023). "Byron Messia On 'Talibans' And His Meteoric Rise In Music". Dancehall Mag. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  2. Nevares, Gabriel Bras (July 23, 2023). "Burna Boy & Byron Messia Float On New Single "Talibans II"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  3. Callender, Brandon (May 25, 2023). "The Rap Report: Don't sleep on these song of the summer 2023 candidates". The Fader. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  4. Okon, Wongo (July 20, 2023). "Burna Boy Travels To Jamaica To Remix Byron Messia's Summer Hit With 'Talibans II'". Uproxx. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  5. Zemler, Emily (July 21, 2023). "Hear Burna Boy Join Byron Messia for Vibe-Laden Single 'Talibans II'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  6. Keith, James (July 21, 2023). ""Talibans", Byron Messia's Song Of The Year Contender, Gets Burna Boy Remix". Complex. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  7. Renshaw, David (July 21, 2023). "Burna Boy remixes song of the summer-contender "Talibans"". The Fader. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  8. "Burna Boy Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  9. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 31, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  10. "Burna Boy Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  11. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
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