Silent Hill

Album: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022)
Charted: 7
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Silent Hill" is a melodic trap song where Kendrick Lamar links up with Kodak Black. Lamar talks about the stresses that come with being a successful artist, such as dealing with fakes and hangers on. Kodak Black tackles his opps and drug use, flexes about his wealth, and touches on fatherhood.
  • The title does not appear in the lyrics, and it's unclear how it fits into the song's concept. Some reviewers have pointed out that Silent Hill is the name of a survival-horror video game series that dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Kodak Black's feature on the track raised some eyebrows, as he has a controversial legal history, including an accusation of rape. The Florida rapper pops up on four Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers tracks in total, though this is his only featured credit. Black also appears on several other major 2022 projects, such as Gunna's DS4Ever and Future's I Never Liked You.
  • Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet and Sounwave produced the subdued, ominous trap tune with additional production by Beach Noise. Sounwave and Beach Noise contributed to multiple Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers tracks, while Florida producer Jahaan Sweet and frequent Drake collaborator Boi-1da also worked on "N95."

    "He's just a creative free spirit and so am I," Boi-1da told Billboard about collaborating with Lamar. "When we both connect, it's just a bunch of ideas being shot out there."

    Boi-1da explained that they did the two songs on the spot in California. He worked on the tracks then took them to Lamar, who "made them what he wanted."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

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."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.