Recorded 2008–09 Label Capitol | Length 4:11 | |
Released July 26, 2011 (2011-07-26) Format CD
12"
digital download Genre Alternative hip hop
dub
neo-psychedelia | ||
"Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" is a song by American hip hop group the Beastie Boys, from their eighth studio album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. Featuring American singer Santigold, the song was released as the fourth single from the album on July 26, 2011. "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" was written and produced by group members Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, with additional writing by Santigold.
Contents
"Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" was the last Beastie Boys single released before the death of Adam Yauch.
Critical reception
"Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Santigold's guest appearance and its reggae feel. Dave Simpson of The Guardian wrote: "Santigold gives 'Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win' some instantly infectious pop reggae sunshine." Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly praised the song, calling it "a perfect reggae-kissed summer jam". Matt Diehl of the Los Angeles Times called Santigold's guest appearance memorable, and wrote that she added to the track "Brooklyn dancehall fire and a welcome feminine contrast to the b-boy stances." Mark Richardson of Pitchfork Media wrote that the pairing between the Beastie Boys and Santigold on the track "feels natural and obvious", adding that one "could argue that the Beastie Boys' polyglot approach in the 90s helped clear the way for her style, which mixes an ear for the sound of other cultures with a touch of Lower East Side artiness."
Music video
The music video for "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" was directed by the group's longtime collaborator Spike Jonze. In the video, the Beastie Boys, along with Santigold, are portrayed in action figure form.
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (Edit) – 2:51
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (SebastiAn Remix) – 3:27
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (Bangladesh Remix) – 4:12
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (Major Lazer Beastie Remix Edition) – 4:04
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (K. Flay Remix) – 3:32
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (Z-Trip's Evil Twin Remix) – 4:13
- "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" (Acapella – Make Your Own Remix) – 4:05