Superhero (Heroes & Villains)

Album: Heroes & Villains (2022)
Charted: 34 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This energetic song is split into two parts. Future takes the mic for the first two thirds as he raps with his typical, chant-like flow about his trap lifestyle. The debauched rapper's consumption of alcohol and drugs makes him feel like someone else - a superhero.

    After Future's rhymes, Metro Boomin's instrumental transitions into melancholic synths as Chris Brown takes the baton. Breezy bemoans how people don't want him to succeed and see him as a villain.
  • Chris Brown's verse starts with a sample from Jay-Z's bars on "So Appalled" from Kanye West's 2010 My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album.

    Dark Knight feeling, die and be a hero
    Or live long enough to see yourself become a villain


    The rhymes reference Harvey Dent's quote in the 2008 movie The Dark Knight. It relates to the album's title, Heroes and Villains, and to what Chris Brown has to say in his verse.
  • All three artists have worked with each other before, with Metro Boomin and Future teaming up on many occasions. Metro served as executive producer for Drake and Future's collaborative mixtape What a Time to Be Alive. Their other notable collaborations include "Low Life" and "Mask Off."
  • Metro Boomin produced the track with co-production from Allen Ritter and David X Eli. It originated with an alternative version of Future's "Superhero" part that features FBG artist Lil Double 0 and leaked online on May 6, 2021. Chris Brown added his "Villain" contribution at a later stage.
  • The song is the title track of Metro Boomin's second album, Heroes and Villains. It's the sequel to his 2018 longplayer Not All Heroes Wear Capes.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?