"Deadwood" is a song by American recording artist Toni Braxton released on September 14, 2017.[1] The song serves as the lead single from Braxton's eighth studio album Sex & Cigarettes (2018). Written by Braxton, Royce Doherty, Kwame Ogoo and Fred Ball and produced by Ball.
"Deadwood" | ||||
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Single by Toni Braxton | ||||
from the album Sex & Cigarettes | ||||
Released | September 14, 2017 | |||
Recorded | 2017 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:59 | |||
Label | Def Jam | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Toni Braxton singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Deadwood" on YouTube |
Background and release
edit"Deadwood" was initially written and performed by singer-songwriter Emil Kwame Ogoo (simply known as EMiL at the time). Emil's version was originally released in 2012, with a music video being released earlier in December 2011.[2] Emil later sold the song which led to Braxton receiving and recording it. On August 25, 2017, it was announced that director Bille Woodruff was directing a new music video for Braxton confirming the name of a new single titled "Deadwood".[3][4] On September 5, 2017, in an interview with The Insider, Braxton confirmed the title of her upcoming eighth studio album Sex & Cigarettes stating "I feel like I'm older, I wanna say what I feel. I don't wanna be censored".[5] Braxton released the cover art of the single on September 12, 2017.[6]
Critical reception
editThe song was met with positive reviews from critics. That Grape Juice favored the track "Ever in fine-form, this gorgeous guitar-led offering proves that her tone has lost none of its buttery brilliance. The production serves as a slick, crisp vehicle driving the song's lyrical agenda and does so dynamically. Marvellous melody and memorable hook too."[7] Essence stated: "Deadwood, is the first step to revealing an uncensored Braxton. It's the debut track from her upcoming album, which is set for release at the top of 2018, and sees the singer exploring a complicated love."[8] Rap-Up gave a positive review of the track stating "Toni Braxton comes back to life with 'Deadwood,' the first single off her forthcoming album Sex & Cigarettes. Over guitar strums, hard drums, and soothing violin strings, the R&B songbird sings about heartbreak and rejuvenation with a soulful air."[9]
Music video
editThe music video was filmed on August 24, 2017, and directed by Bille Woodruff.[10] The audio video for the song was released to Braxton's Vevo account on September 14, 2017.[11] The video premiered on October 6, 2017.[12]
Credits and personnel
editCredits adapted from the liner notes of Sex & Cigarettes.[13]
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Charts
editChart (2017-18) | Peak position |
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US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[14] | 7 |
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[15] | 34 |
Release history
editRegion | Date | Format | Label | Ref |
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United States | September 14, 2017 | Digital download | Def Jam | [1] |
References
edit- ^ a b "Deadwood – Single by Toni Braxton on Apple Music". Apple Music (US). Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "EMiL - Deadwood". YouTube. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Bille Woodruff on Instagram "Back together again⚡️🎬⚡️ @tonibraxton @dpjmw5 @iamjoycewashington #Deadwood"". Instagram. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "Bille Woodruff on Instagram "On set making magic with the legendary @tonibraxton My #BFF"". Instagram. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "Toni Braxton Talks New Album: 'I'm Excited to Be Doing What I Love Doing'". The Insider. 5 September 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "Toni Braxton on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
- ^ "New Song: Toni Braxton – Deadwood". That Grape Juice. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Toni Braxton's New Music Is 'About Me Feeling Sexy and Independent'". Essence. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "New Music: Toni Braxton – 'Deadwood'". Rap-Up. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "Toni Braxton Prepping New Music; Shoots Video For 'Deadwood'". Singersroom. 28 August 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ "Toni Braxton - Deadwood (audio)". YouTube. 13 September 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Toni Braxton - Deadwood (Official Music Video). YouTube.
- ^ Sex & Cigarettes (Media notes). Toni Braxton. Def Jam Recordings. 2018.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
- ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2020.