"Never Sleep" is a song by Canadian rapper Nav and American rapper Lil Baby featuring fellow American rapper Travis Scott, released on July 29, 2022 as the lead single on the former's fourth studio album, Demons Protected by Angels. The song was written by the artists alongside producers Tay Keith, Grayson, and Mike Dean.[1]
| "Never Sleep" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Nav and Lil Baby featuring Travis Scott | ||||
| from the album Demons Protected by Angels | ||||
| Released | July 29, 2022 | |||
| Recorded | May 2022 | |||
| Length | 3:05 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Nav singles chronology | ||||
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| Lil Baby singles chronology | ||||
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| Travis Scott singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Never Sleep" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editIn an interview with Complex, Nav stated that he began as a producer and engineer when composing the song, and that it was recorded two months before it was released. In that interview, he also revealed that he was so focused on mixing the album Demons Protected by Angels that he forgot to announce the song, until his assistant angrily reminded him.[2] Nav teased the song on July 25, 2022, before releasing it on July 29.[3]
Composition
editThe song finds the three rappers describing their increasing income and rich lifestyles, using "colorful" metaphors that highlight them.[4][5]
Music video
editThe official music video was released on September 13, 2022, along with the music video of Nav and Don Toliver's song "One Time". Directed by Evan Larsen, it finds the three artists in a Las Vegas casino. While performing his portion, Travis Scott appears on the backs of pennies from a slot machine, on a jumbotron and playing cards. Nav becomes small in size and raps atop a card table with poker chips scattered around him, while Lil Baby, also shrunk down in size, raps on top of a stack of chips. The clip also features a cameo from fellow Canadian singer and XO label boss The Weeknd, who is seen laughing with Nav as they play blackjack.[6][7]
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[8] | 23 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[9] | 71 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[10] | 7 |
| South Africa (TOSAC)[11] | 87 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[12] | 95 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[13] | 50 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] | 19 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[15] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ Strauss, Matthew (July 29, 2022). "Nav Taps Lil Baby and Travis Scott for New Song "Never Sleep": Listen". Pitchfork.
- ^ Blanchet, Brenton (July 29, 2022). "Nav, Before the Storm". Complex.
- ^ A., Aron (July 25, 2022). "Nav Teases New Collaboration With Travis Scott & Lil Baby". HotNewHipHop.
- ^ Williams, Aaron (July 29, 2022). "Nav, Lil Baby, And Travis Scott Stay Up All Night To Grind On 'Never Sleep'". Uproxx.
- ^ Cho, Regina (July 29, 2022). "Nav enlists Lil Baby and Travis Scott for new "Never Sleep" single". Revolt.
- ^ Sadler, Armon (September 14, 2022). "Nav Goes Back To Back With New Videos For 'One Time' And 'Never Sleep'". Uproxx. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
- ^ Nevares, Gabriel Bras (September 15, 2022). "NAV Drops Music Video For "Never Sleep" With Travis Scott & Lil Baby". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 8, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
- ^ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 31-2022". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 20, 2022.