Escapism (Raye song)
"Escapism" is a song by British singer and songwriter Raye featuring American rapper 070 Shake. It was released independently on 12 October 2022 as the third single from her debut album My 21st Century Blues (2023) as a double A-side with "The Thrill Is Gone". It was co-written by Raye, 070 Shake and Mike Sabath, with Sabath handling production. "Escapism" is an uptempo R&B, electropop and hip hop song with lyrics speaking of escaping from reality and dealing with heartbreak.
"Escapism" | ||||
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Single by Raye featuring 070 Shake | ||||
from the album My 21st Century Blues | ||||
Released | 12 October 2022 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:32 | |||
Label | Human Re Sources | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Mike Sabath | |||
Raye singles chronology | ||||
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070 Shake singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Escapism" on YouTube |
"Escapism" is considered as Raye's breakout single as a solo artist. It gained attraction on TikTok in 2022 and became her first number-one single in the UK and has been certified platinum by the BPI. It also topped the charts in Ireland, and Denmark and entered the top ten of the charts in over twenty countries. It has been certified gold, platinum or higher in over twelfth regions. It became both Raye's and 070 Shake's first song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 22.
The song's accompanying music video, directed by Raye and Otis Dominique, depicts the singer turning to "partying, drinking and drugs to escape her emotions and numb her feelings" after breaking up with her boyfriend. It won "Best Social Trended Song" at the Global Awards, "Best Contemporary Song" at the Ivor Novello Awards, and was nominated for "Best Independent Track" and "Best Independent Video" at the AIM Independent Music Awards. It also received a nomination for "Best British Pop Single" at the Popjustice £20 Music Award Show. In 2024, it won for "Song of the Year" at the Brit Awards 2024.