Pass Out (Tinie Tempah song)
Encyclopedia
"Pass Out" is the debut single of English rapper Tinie Tempah
. It is the first single from his debut album Disc-Overy
and his debut single on Parlophone
. The song was a digital-only release and was available to download in the United Kingdom on 28 February 2010. Producer and writer Labrinth
provides vocals on the song's hook, but is uncredited. A remix featuring Snoop Dogg
was released in the United States
on 16 November 2010 for digital download. It won Best British Single at the 2011 BRIT Awards
and Best Contemporary Song at the 2011 Ivor Novello Awards
. The song was featured on the Madden NFL 12
soundtrack. In 2011 Labrinth
revealed that Tinie will be releasing Pass Out in the United States, featuring a major player in the American rap game.
and the collaboration resulted in the first two singles for the label, "Frisky
" and "Pass Out". Parlophone president Miles Leonard
said the label was adamant that "Pass Out" would be the first single, saying: "It set new precedents for British urban music from what had been happening the year before. And it was a new sound; it sounded fresh, and like it came from the clubs. Both "Pass out" & "Frisky" were mixed by London's up and coming mix engineer Mr Jones @ Detox Audio. " However, the label thought the song may have had too much of "an edge" for daytime mainstream radio to take a risk in playing it, and so planned it as a low-key "set up single" that was instead made available to specialist radio stations. The song ended up getting such an enthusiastic reaction from specialist radio audiences that it was crossed over onto daytime mainstream rotation.
Tempah explained to The Sun
that the song “is about getting so out of it that you pass out". The song also mentions Heidi Montag
and Audrina Patridge
of The Hills
, fame and action star Jean-Claude Van Damme
and Prince Charles. BBC Radio 1
coverage includes plays from Zane Lowe
, Jo Whiley
, MistaJam
- who gave the song it's first radio play on 12 December 2009, Ras Kwame
, Tim Westwood
- who gave the record its premiere on BBC Radio 1Xtra
on 7 December 2009, Trevor Nelson
, Fearne Cotton
and Nick Grimshaw
. "Pass Out" has received early playlist support from 1Xtra and Kiss 100 along with strong spot plays on BBC Radio 1
, including a "Record Of The Week" with Nick Grimshaw
. The song is also available as a free download on the game Tap Tap Revenge 3
. "Pass Out" features in the UK commercial for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
. It was also briefly featured in a scene in the 2011 remake of the film "Arthur
". American alternative hip hop group Chiddy Bang
have also issued a remix of the song. McFly also did a cover of "Pass Out" at Towneley Festival 2011.
rapping and Labrinth
, who sings the chorus, coming into the shot. The video on Parlophone's official YouTube channel has had over 28 million views since its upload on 23 December 2009. Tim Bown, the director of the video, said in the behind-the-scenes video that they were trying to create graphical elements, including laser-cut props.
UK 7" Record Store Day Single
UK Promo CD Single
US Digital Download
US Digital Download - Remix
UK 7" Single - Wrongtom Remix
and UK R&B Chart
on 7 March 2010 at number one, selling just over 92,000 copies. The single held on to the top spot for two consecutive weeks before falling to number two in favour of Lady Gaga
and Beyoncé's single "Telephone
" on 21 March 2010. The single spent a total of seven weeks within the top 10 before falling to number 13 on 25 April 2010. As of 13 June 2010, the single had spent a total of 15 weeks within the top 40. Then the song re-entered the Top 40 at number 36 on January 2, 2011, showing the song's popularity, 44 weeks after release. It then re-entered again at 32 on 20 February 2011 due to his performance at the BRIT awards. It has now spent 57 weeks on the official UK Top 75, making it the joint 12th longest runner of all time, and 65 in the Top 100.
"Pass Out" debuted on the Irish Singles Chart
on 12 March 2010 at number 13. In its fourth week on the chart, the single climbed to its peak position of number 6, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. The single spent a total of four weeks in the top 10 and, as of 3 June 2010, a total of 13 weeks within the top 50. "Pass Out" debuted in the New Zealand Singles Chart
on 10 May 2010 at number 40. The following week, it climbed 7 places to number 33, where it remained for two consecutive weeks.
!Chart (2010)
!Position
|-
|European Hot 100 Singles
|align="center"|70
|-
|UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)
|align="center"|10
Tinie Tempah
Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu , better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper. He made his first mixtape in 2007 with 28 songs, freestyles and remixes, the album features Mz Bratt, Chipmunk and G-Unit...
. It is the first single from his debut album Disc-Overy
Disc-Overy
Upon its release, Disc-Overy received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 71, based on 16 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".-Track...
and his debut single on Parlophone
Parlophone
Parlophone is a record label that was founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch was formed in 1923 as "Parlophone" which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz label. It was acquired in 1927 by the Columbia Graphophone Company which...
. The song was a digital-only release and was available to download in the United Kingdom on 28 February 2010. Producer and writer Labrinth
Labrinth
Timothy McKenzie , better known by his stage name Labrinth, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. McKenzie is signed to Simon Cowell's record label Syco, becoming the first non-talent show signing in six years...
provides vocals on the song's hook, but is uncredited. A remix featuring Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
was released in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on 16 November 2010 for digital download. It won Best British Single at the 2011 BRIT Awards
2011 BRIT Awards
The 2011 BRIT Awards was held on Tuesday 15 February 2011.It was the 31st edition of the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The award ceremony was held at The O2 Arena...
and Best Contemporary Song at the 2011 Ivor Novello Awards
Ivor Novello Awards
The Ivor Novello Awards, named after the Cardiff born entertainer Ivor Novello, are awards for songwriting and composing. They are presented annually in London by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors and were first introduced in 1955.Nicknamed The Ivors, the awards take place...
. The song was featured on the Madden NFL 12
Madden NFL 12
Madden NFL 12 is an American football video game based on the National Football League published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It was released on August 30, 2011 in North America and September 2, 2011 in Europe...
soundtrack. In 2011 Labrinth
Labrinth
Timothy McKenzie , better known by his stage name Labrinth, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. McKenzie is signed to Simon Cowell's record label Syco, becoming the first non-talent show signing in six years...
revealed that Tinie will be releasing Pass Out in the United States, featuring a major player in the American rap game.
Background
After signing to Parlophone, Tinie Tempah was put together with producer LabrinthLabrinth
Timothy McKenzie , better known by his stage name Labrinth, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. McKenzie is signed to Simon Cowell's record label Syco, becoming the first non-talent show signing in six years...
and the collaboration resulted in the first two singles for the label, "Frisky
Frisky (song)
"Frisky" is the second single by English rapper, Tinie Tempah and features the English long-time collaborator, producer and writer Labrinth. It was released on June 7, 2010 via Parlophone records. It was released exclusively on iTunes...
" and "Pass Out". Parlophone president Miles Leonard
Miles Leonard
Miles Leonard is a British music industry executive and is currently president of Parlophone and Virgin A&R labels at EMI Music UK. He has previously worked for Roadrunner Records and been credited as signing and breaking artists including Gorillaz, Coldplay, Tinie Tempah, The Verve and for...
said the label was adamant that "Pass Out" would be the first single, saying: "It set new precedents for British urban music from what had been happening the year before. And it was a new sound; it sounded fresh, and like it came from the clubs. Both "Pass out" & "Frisky" were mixed by London's up and coming mix engineer Mr Jones @ Detox Audio. " However, the label thought the song may have had too much of "an edge" for daytime mainstream radio to take a risk in playing it, and so planned it as a low-key "set up single" that was instead made available to specialist radio stations. The song ended up getting such an enthusiastic reaction from specialist radio audiences that it was crossed over onto daytime mainstream rotation.
Tempah explained to The Sun
The Sun (newspaper)
The Sun is a daily national tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom and owned by News Corporation. Sister editions are published in Glasgow and Dublin...
that the song “is about getting so out of it that you pass out". The song also mentions Heidi Montag
Heidi Montag
Heidi Blair Pratt is an American media personality and singer. She came to prominence with her starring role on the MTV reality series The Hills from 2006 to 2010. Montag has also appeared on I'm a Celebrity.....
and Audrina Patridge
Audrina Patridge
Audrina Cathleen Patridge is an American reality television personality, actress, and model. She is known for being one of the four original primary cast members featured on the MTV reality series The Hills. She has also starred in the films Sorority Row and Into The Blue 2...
of The Hills
The Hills
The Hills is a reality television series which originally aired on MTV from May 31, 2006 until July 13, 2010. The show uses a reality television format, following the personal lives of several young adults living in Los Angeles, California, but tends towards a narrative format more commonly found...
, fame and action star Jean-Claude Van Damme
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg , professionally known as Jean-Claude Van Damme, is a Belgian martial artist and actor, best known for his martial arts action films, the most successful of which include Bloodsport , Kickboxer , Double Impact , Universal Soldier , Hard Target , Timecop ,...
and Prince Charles. BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
coverage includes plays from Zane Lowe
Zane Lowe
Zane Lowe also known as 'Zipper', is a radio DJ and television presenter. He was born in New Zealand and grew up in Auckland, where he was a presenter on the local music station Max TV, before moving to England...
, Jo Whiley
Jo Whiley
Johanne "Jo" Whiley is a British radio disc jockey and television presenter. She was the host of the long running weekday Jo Whiley Show on Radio 1.-Early life and education:...
, MistaJam
MistaJam
MistaJam is an award-winning DJ and Radio presenter for BBC Radio 1, joining in 2008 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, joining in 2005.His show on BBC Radio 1, taglined the "Saturday Night Soundclash", is broadcast on Saturday nights between 11pm - 1am and is simulcast on BBC Radio 1Xtra. The show is part of...
- who gave the song it's first radio play on 12 December 2009, Ras Kwame
Ras Kwame
Ras Kwame is a British radio DJ and presenter. He started in the music industry as a club DJ playing hip hop, R&B and reggae in the early 1990s. He then moved on to promoting for Kiss100's groundbreaking Starlight Club night and the Mean Fiddler’s Subterranea Club, bringing over talent from the US...
, Tim Westwood
Tim Westwood
Timothy Westwood is an English DJ and presenter of radio and television. He also presents the UK version of the MTV show Pimp My Ride...
- who gave the record its premiere on BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital radio station in the United Kingdom from the BBC specialising in new black music, sometimes referred to as urban music. Launched at 18:00 on 16 August 2002, it had been codenamed Network X during the consulation period and is the sister station to BBC Radio 1...
on 7 December 2009, Trevor Nelson
Trevor Nelson
Trevor Nelson MBE is an English DJ and presenter.Born in Hackney to a family of St Lucian heritage, he attended Central Foundation Boys' Grammar School in Cowper St, Islington, London EC2 and Westminster Kingsway College...
, Fearne Cotton
Fearne Cotton
Fearne Cotton is an English television and radio presenter who is known for presenting a number of popular TV programmes such as Top of the Pops and the Red Nose Day telethon. In 2007, she became the first regular female presenter of BBC Radio 1's Chart Show...
and Nick Grimshaw
Nick Grimshaw
Nicholas Peter "Nick" Grimshaw is a British television and radio presenter. Commonly known as 'Grimmy', he has presented shows for Channel 4, E4, BBC One, BBC Two and Channel 4 youth strand T4...
. "Pass Out" has received early playlist support from 1Xtra and Kiss 100 along with strong spot plays on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
, including a "Record Of The Week" with Nick Grimshaw
Nick Grimshaw
Nicholas Peter "Nick" Grimshaw is a British television and radio presenter. Commonly known as 'Grimmy', he has presented shows for Channel 4, E4, BBC One, BBC Two and Channel 4 youth strand T4...
. The song is also available as a free download on the game Tap Tap Revenge 3
Tap Tap Revenge 3
Tap Tap Revenge 3 was the number 1 application in the App Store within the first 24 hours of its release and stayed there for over 2 weeks.Once released as a free application in the App Store, it rose to the 2nd most downloaded application in the App Store within 24 hours with 300,000 new members...
. "Pass Out" features in the UK commercial for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a historical third person, stealth action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. It was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November 2010, Microsoft Windows in March 2011 and Mac OS X in May 2011...
. It was also briefly featured in a scene in the 2011 remake of the film "Arthur
Arthur (2011 film)
Arthur is a 2011 comedy film written by Peter Baynham and directed by Jason Winer. It is a remake of the 1981 film written and directed by Steve Gordon...
". American alternative hip hop group Chiddy Bang
Chiddy Bang
Chiddy Bang is an American alternative hip hop band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group consists of Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege and Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Beresin. The duo was introduced through former band member Zachary Sewall in late 2008 during their freshman year at Drexel University, in...
have also issued a remix of the song. McFly also did a cover of "Pass Out" at Towneley Festival 2011.
Music video
The music video is focused around Tinie TempahTinie Tempah
Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu , better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper. He made his first mixtape in 2007 with 28 songs, freestyles and remixes, the album features Mz Bratt, Chipmunk and G-Unit...
rapping and Labrinth
Labrinth
Timothy McKenzie , better known by his stage name Labrinth, is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. McKenzie is signed to Simon Cowell's record label Syco, becoming the first non-talent show signing in six years...
, who sings the chorus, coming into the shot. The video on Parlophone's official YouTube channel has had over 28 million views since its upload on 23 December 2009. Tim Bown, the director of the video, said in the behind-the-scenes video that they were trying to create graphical elements, including laser-cut props.
Track listing
UK Digital Download- "Pass Out" (Album Version) – 4:27
- "Pass Out" (Clean Radio Edit) – 3:56
- "Pass Out" (DC Breaks Remix) – 4:31
- "Pass Out" (Instrumental) – 4:27
- "Pass Out" (Video) – 3:56
UK 7" Record Store Day Single
- "Pass Out" (Album Version) – 4:27
- "Pass Out" (SBTRKT Remix) – 4:46
UK Promo CD Single
- "Pass Out" (Clean Radio Edit) - 3:56
US Digital Download
- "Pass Out" (US Version) (feat. Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
) - 4:28
US Digital Download - Remix
- "Pass Out" (Remix) (Chiddy BangChiddy BangChiddy Bang is an American alternative hip hop band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group consists of Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege and Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Beresin. The duo was introduced through former band member Zachary Sewall in late 2008 during their freshman year at Drexel University, in...
vs. Tinie TempahTinie TempahPatrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu , better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper. He made his first mixtape in 2007 with 28 songs, freestyles and remixes, the album features Mz Bratt, Chipmunk and G-Unit...
) - 3:14
UK 7" Single - Wrongtom Remix
- "Pass Out" (Wrongtom vs. Tinie TempahTinie TempahPatrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu , better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper. He made his first mixtape in 2007 with 28 songs, freestyles and remixes, the album features Mz Bratt, Chipmunk and G-Unit...
) - 3:35 - "Riddim' Killin'" (Wrongtom vs. Rodney PRodney PRodney P is an English MC who entered the UK hip hop scene in the 1980s. He started out as a member of the London Posse, one of the UK's first home grown hip hop acts who were highly influential in the development of the genre. Rodney P has had one of the longest and most respected careers in UK...
) - 4:14
Chart performance
"Pass Out" first debuted on the UK Singles ChartUK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
and UK R&B Chart
UK R&B Chart
The Official UK R&B Chart is a forty-position R&B/Hip-Hop chart compiled by The Official UK Charts Company. Although the chart does not receive any airplay, its compilation is viewed on BBC Radio 1's website and publications such as ChartsPlus and Music Week...
on 7 March 2010 at number one, selling just over 92,000 copies. The single held on to the top spot for two consecutive weeks before falling to number two in favour of Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
and Beyoncé's single "Telephone
Telephone (song)
"Telephone" is a song written and performed by Lady Gaga. It was released from her third extended play and second major release The Fame Monster . The song, featuring American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles, was written by Gaga and Rodney Jerkins...
" on 21 March 2010. The single spent a total of seven weeks within the top 10 before falling to number 13 on 25 April 2010. As of 13 June 2010, the single had spent a total of 15 weeks within the top 40. Then the song re-entered the Top 40 at number 36 on January 2, 2011, showing the song's popularity, 44 weeks after release. It then re-entered again at 32 on 20 February 2011 due to his performance at the BRIT awards. It has now spent 57 weeks on the official UK Top 75, making it the joint 12th longest runner of all time, and 65 in the Top 100.
"Pass Out" debuted on the Irish Singles Chart
Irish Singles Chart
The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured...
on 12 March 2010 at number 13. In its fourth week on the chart, the single climbed to its peak position of number 6, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. The single spent a total of four weeks in the top 10 and, as of 3 June 2010, a total of 13 weeks within the top 50. "Pass Out" debuted in the New Zealand Singles Chart
Recording Industry Association of New Zealand
The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand...
on 10 May 2010 at number 40. The following week, it climbed 7 places to number 33, where it remained for two consecutive weeks.
| Chart (2010) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| European Hot 100 Singles | 7 |
| Germany (German Black Chart Deutsche Black Charts Deutsche Black Charts DBC, also known by various names including Deutsche Urban Charts and Deutsche Hip Hop/R&B/Dancehall Singles is a chart released weekly by Deutsche Trend Charts in Germany.... ) |
6 |
Year-end charts
{| class="wikitable"!Chart (2010)
!Position
|-
|European Hot 100 Singles
|align="center"|70
|-
|UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)
|align="center"|10
Chart procession and succession
See also
- List of number-one singles from the 2010s (UK)
- List of number-one R&B hits of 2010 (UK)
- List of number-one singles of 2010 (Scotland)