The Show Goes On (song)
Encyclopedia
"The Show Goes On" is a song by recording artist Lupe Fiasco
, released on October 26, 2010 as the first single from his third studio album Lasers
. Prominently built on the bassline
of Pachelbel's Canon, the song was produced by Kane Beatz
, and the melody of the song was taken from the 2004 song "Float On
" by Modest Mouse
. Unlike Canon
, which is traditionally in the key
of D, the song transposes
it to the G key. The song features backing vocals from JR Get Money. It was released to iTunes on November 9, 2010 and debuted at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100
, eventually reaching a peak of #9. It was released in the UK on February 20, 2011.
came down to play the single for the protest turned celebrating fan base situated outside Atlantic Records. In a NovaFM
interview, he gave an analysis of the first verse. He went on to say, "For them it was 'why is he talking about the record label, but it's still a great song. For me, I was like 'No, that's my therapy... To give you this song... Now you have to make it a worldwide smash. You have to play it on the radio... So every time you hear it, you're going to hear me talking about your ass." He also has stated during his radio promo tours that he "didn't notice" the song sample during recording, but he is a fan of "Float On".
On February 28, 2011, what the Complex magazine published an interview with Lupe that detailed the background behind the single.
In an interview with The Adelaide Tribune, Lupe expanded further on his feelings toward the record.
The song was released on Lupe Fiasco's website on October 26 for download. This marked the first officially planned released single off of Lasers ("Shining Down
" and "I'm Beamin" were leaks re-released as street singles). "The Show Goes On" appeared on the iTunes Music Store on November 9.
and not Lupe Fiasco's post-punk band, Japanese Cartoon
. It was MTV's last Jam Of The Week of 2010. The video itself has been nominated for a MTV's VMA for Best Hip Hop Video.
, his second top ten hit and biggest hit to date. "The Show Goes On" is Lupe Fiasco's best selling and highest charting song to date. As of June 2011, the single has sold more than 2,000,000 digital units in the US.
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Lupe Fiasco
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food...
, released on October 26, 2010 as the first single from his third studio album Lasers
Lasers (album)
Lasers is the third studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released on 8 March 2011 by Atlantic Records in the United States. Production for the album took place between 2008 and 2010. Lasers features production by The Audibles, The Neptunes, Needlz, Alex da Kid, Syience, and long-time...
. Prominently built on the bassline
Bassline
A bassline is the term used in many styles of popular music, such as jazz, blues, funk, dub and electronic music for the low-pitched instrumental part or line played by a rhythm section instrument such as the electric bass, double bass, tuba or keyboard...
of Pachelbel's Canon, the song was produced by Kane Beatz
Kane Beatz
Daniel Johnson , better known as Kane Beatz, is an American record producer from Orlando, Florida.Originally born in Miami, Johnson's family moved to Orlando when he was two years old. He was originally exposed to music by spending time in the church run by his father...
, and the melody of the song was taken from the 2004 song "Float On
Float On (Modest Mouse song)
"Float On" is a single released by indie rock band Modest Mouse. It also appears on their album Good News for People Who Love Bad News. The track is generally considered to be the band's signature song.The song was nominated for a Grammy in 2005....
" by Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse
Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington, by singer/lyricist/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy. They are based in Portland, Oregon. Since their 1996 debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think...
. Unlike Canon
Canon (music)
In music, a canon is a contrapuntal composition that employs a melody with one or more imitations of the melody played after a given duration . The initial melody is called the leader , while the imitative melody, which is played in a different voice, is called the follower...
, which is traditionally in the key
Key (music)
In music theory, the term key is used in many different and sometimes contradictory ways. A common use is to speak of music as being "in" a specific key, such as in the key of C major or in the key of F-sharp. Sometimes the terms "major" or "minor" are appended, as in the key of A minor or in the...
of D, the song transposes
Transposition (music)
In music transposition refers to the process, or operation, of moving a collection of notes up or down in pitch by a constant interval.For example, one might transpose an entire piece of music into another key...
it to the G key. The song features backing vocals from JR Get Money. It was released to iTunes on November 9, 2010 and debuted at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, eventually reaching a peak of #9. It was released in the UK on February 20, 2011.
Background
Lupe Fiasco announced the name of the single at the Fiasco Friday protest on October 15, 2010. On that day, Lyor CohenLyor Cohen
Lyor Cohen is the North American Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Music Group . He has been a pioneer in the development of hip hop music and influential in the development of hip hop music acts, including Beastie Boys, Foxy Brown, LL Cool J, Jam Master Jay, Nas, Run-D.M.C...
came down to play the single for the protest turned celebrating fan base situated outside Atlantic Records. In a NovaFM
Nova (radio network)
Nova is a name given to a group of Australian radio stations. The group comprises five stations all owned by DMG Radio Australia, apart from the Perth station, which is a joint venture between DMG and the Australian Radio Network....
interview, he gave an analysis of the first verse. He went on to say, "For them it was 'why is he talking about the record label, but it's still a great song. For me, I was like 'No, that's my therapy... To give you this song... Now you have to make it a worldwide smash. You have to play it on the radio... So every time you hear it, you're going to hear me talking about your ass." He also has stated during his radio promo tours that he "didn't notice" the song sample during recording, but he is a fan of "Float On".
On February 28, 2011, what the Complex magazine published an interview with Lupe that detailed the background behind the single.
In an interview with The Adelaide Tribune, Lupe expanded further on his feelings toward the record.
The song was released on Lupe Fiasco's website on October 26 for download. This marked the first officially planned released single off of Lasers ("Shining Down
Shining Down
"Shining Down" is a song by Lupe Fiasco. It was intended to be the first single of Everywhere, the first of three CDs of Lupe Fiasco's triple album, Lupe Fiasco's LupE.N.D., but because of its release being withheld, there was speculation circulating that it may be the first single of his third...
" and "I'm Beamin" were leaks re-released as street singles). "The Show Goes On" appeared on the iTunes Music Store on November 9.
Music video
The music video for "The Show Goes On" was released on December 25, 2010. It was directed by Hiro Murai and shows Lupe backstage preparing for a performance. Contrary to popular belief , the skull and crossbones glove is actually associated with Mastermind JapanMastermind Japan
Mastermind Japan is a specialty menswear manufacturer started in Tokyo in 1997. They specialize in punk-inspired printed t-shirts which range in price from $305 to nearly US$900. Other products include ties, gloves, boots, caps, jeans and rings, all emblazoned with the Mastermind Japan skull and...
and not Lupe Fiasco's post-punk band, Japanese Cartoon
Japanese Cartoon (band)
Japanese Cartoon is an American rock band that was formed in 2008 by rapper Lupe Fiasco as a side-project to explore his interest in rock music. The band consists of Jaco , Graham Burris , Matt Nelson , and Le Messie of Streetwear Brand FALSE...
. It was MTV's last Jam Of The Week of 2010. The video itself has been nominated for a MTV's VMA for Best Hip Hop Video.
Chart performance
"The Show Goes On" reached at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, his second top ten hit and biggest hit to date. "The Show Goes On" is Lupe Fiasco's best selling and highest charting song to date. As of June 2011, the single has sold more than 2,000,000 digital units in the US.
Charts
| Chart (2010–11) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA Australian Recording Industry Association The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956... ) |
5 |
| New Zealand (RIANZ 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... ) |
18 |
| US Pop Songs (Billboard Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... ) |
6 |
|-
Certifications
| Country | Certification |
|---|---|
| Australia Australian Recording Industry Association The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956... |
2× Platinum |
| United States Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... |
2×Platinum |