Released February 19, 2015 Recorded 2014 Length 4:04 | Format Digital download Genre Hip hop, R&B | |
Writer(s) Santiago Leyva
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins | ||
"Something to Believe In" is a song by American rapper Fashawn, with guest appearances by Nas and Aloe Blacc. It was released on February 19, 2015 as a single from Fashawn's second studio album The Ecology. The song is produced by DJ Khalil. It has received positive critical reception and is also featured on the soundtrack for the video games Madden NFL 16 and WWE 2K16.
Contents
Background and development
The song came to fruition after Fashawn signed to Nas' Mass Appeal Records. According to Fashawn, the original instrumental was part of an unreleased collection of material held by Aloe Blacc and his band. Aloe Blacc sent the instrumental to Fashawn, who then recruited DJ Khalil to put together a newer version that contained a more hip-hop feel. Coincidentally, both Fashawn and Nas wrote their verses while touring separately in Europe. In an interview, Fashawn reflected upon the song's creation by saying, "I felt like it was the perfect canvas to paint on and epitomizes what we stand for in rap."
Critical reception
Elias Leight of Billboard commended "Something to Believe In" for preserving hip-hop's history of being grounded in soul and funk. Alicia Miller of Zumic stated that "Fashawn and Nas both drop deep bars in their verses and Blacc croons on the hook with thought-provoking lines".
Popular culture
"Something to Believe In" appears on the soundtrack for the video game WWE 2K16 by 2K Sports, released on October 27, 2015. The song also appears on Madden NFL 16 by EA Sports, released on August 25, 2015.