Words I Never Said
Encyclopedia
"Words I Never Said" is the second single from Hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco
released from his third studio album Lasers
. The single features vocals from singer-songwriter Skylar Grey and was released for digital download on February 8, 2011. "Words I Never Said" contains references by Lupe Fiasco to controversial political and socioeconomic
topics, including 9/11, government fiscal policy
, and the occupation of Gaza
. The song's message of standing up for the people and being against the government has been used as a theme song for Internet group Anonymous
.
on January 18, 2011 featuring only samples of lyrics and audio from the song. 'Words I Never Said' officially premiered on Lupe Fiasco's website on February 1, 2011 along with its single cover. When the full audio was released, #wordsineversaid was a trending topic on Twitter. It became available to stores and iTunes on February 8, 2011. On February 18, 2011, in an interview with DJ Semtex
on BBC 1Xtra, Lupe revealed that the record was given to him by Atlantic, but he cut out a bridge sung by Skylar Grey who meant for it to be a song about relationships. This is the second time they have been featured on a track together, the first being "Be Somebody" from Fort Minor's The Rising Tied
with Grey performing under the name Holly Brook. Originally the record company gave him the beat and the hook as a song about relationships.
and later onto Youtube
as well. It was directed by Sanaa Hamri
, who was previously directing Nicki Minaj
's "Super Bass
".
.
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 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...
. The single features vocals from singer-songwriter Skylar Grey and was released for digital download on February 8, 2011. "Words I Never Said" contains references by Lupe Fiasco to controversial political and socioeconomic
Socioeconomics
Socioeconomics or socio-economics or social economics is an umbrella term with different usages. 'Social economics' may refer broadly to the "use of economics in the study of society." More narrowly, contemporary practice considers behavioral interactions of individuals and groups through social...
topics, including 9/11, government fiscal policy
Fiscal policy
In economics and political science, fiscal policy is the use of government expenditure and revenue collection to influence the economy....
, and the occupation of Gaza
Gaza
Gaza , also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of about 450,000, making it the largest city in the Palestinian territories.Inhabited since at least the 15th century BC,...
. The song's message of standing up for the people and being against the government has been used as a theme song for Internet group Anonymous
Anonymous (group)
Anonymous is an international hacking group, spread through the Internet, initiating active civil disobedience, while attempting to maintain anonymity. Originating in 2003 on the imageboard 4chan, the term refers to the concept of many online community users simultaneously existing as an anarchic,...
.
Background
A teaser video was uploaded on YouTubeYouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
on January 18, 2011 featuring only samples of lyrics and audio from the song. 'Words I Never Said' officially premiered on Lupe Fiasco's website on February 1, 2011 along with its single cover. When the full audio was released, #wordsineversaid was a trending topic on Twitter. It became available to stores and iTunes on February 8, 2011. On February 18, 2011, in an interview with DJ Semtex
DJ Semtex
DJ Semtex is a disc jockey and presenter for BBC Radio 1Xtra digital radio station, presenting the flagship hip-hop shows, the Friday and Saturday Night Mixtapes from 19:00-22:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.-Biography:...
on BBC 1Xtra, Lupe revealed that the record was given to him by Atlantic, but he cut out a bridge sung by Skylar Grey who meant for it to be a song about relationships. This is the second time they have been featured on a track together, the first being "Be Somebody" from Fort Minor's The Rising Tied
The Rising Tied
The Rising Tied is the debut studio album of hip hop ensemble Fort Minor, the side project by Linkin Park rapper Mike Shinoda. The album was released on November 22, 2005 to critical acclaim and achieved moderate success...
with Grey performing under the name Holly Brook. Originally the record company gave him the beat and the hook as a song about relationships.
Music video
On April 29 the official music video for 'Words I Never Said' was premiered by MTVMTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
and later onto Youtube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
as well. It was directed by Sanaa Hamri
Sanaa Hamri
Sanaa Hamri is a Moroccan American music video and film director. She is one of the few prominent female film and music video directors of color.-Early life and breakthrough:...
, who was previously directing Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Maraj , better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj; ), is a Trinidadian-born American recording artist...
's "Super Bass
Super Bass
"Super Bass" is a song by Trinidadian-American recording artist and songwriter Nicki Minaj, from her debut album, Pink Friday. The song impacted radio as the album's seventh single on April 5, 2011 and was released on May 13, 2011. Written by Minaj, along with Daniel Johnson and Ester Dean, the...
".
Chart performance
On the week of February 26, 2011, "Words I Never Said" debuted at #89 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...
.
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
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