The Weekend (Stormzy and Raye song)
| "The Weekend" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Stormzy and Raye | ||||
| Released | 20 July 2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:26 | |||
| Label | EMI | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
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| Stormzy singles chronology | ||||
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| Raye singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "The Weekend" on YouTube | ||||
"The Weekend" is a song by British rapper Stormzy and singer-songwriter Raye. It was released on 20 July 2023 through Def Jam Recordings. The song marks the second collaboration between the two artists, following "Ambition", a track from Raye's 2016 EP Second.[1][2] The song was sent to Italian radio as a radio single on 5 September 2023 through EMI Records.[3]
Composition
Written and composed by Stormzy and Raye, who also produced the song with ThisizLondon,[4] the track incorporates elements of 2000s R&B and hip-hop.[5][6]
Critical reception
El Hunt of Evening Standard described Raye as a "perfect co-conspirator", praising the production for its "smooth, Noughties pop beat" with jazz and gospel influences.[7] Tom Breihan of Stereogum described Raye's vocals as "downright jazzy", while nothing that Stormzy "brings a whole lot of pop-rap swagger to his pickup lines", finding the track "futuristic and familiar".[4] Clash's writer Robin Murray explained that the song "leans on the soulful charms" of both singers, defining it as a "breezy, R&B-influenced track".[8]
Music video
An accompanying music video was directed by Omar Jones and filmed in London. It was released alongside the song on 20 July 2023.[9]
Charts
| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Ireland (IRMA)[10] | 48 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 22 |
| UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[12] | 10 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[13] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[14] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 22 July 2023 | Def Jam | [15] | |
| Italy | 5 September 2023 | Radio airplay | EMI | [3] |
References
- ^ Williams, Kyann-Sian (20 July 2023). "Stormzy and RAYE team up for sultry, romantic collab 'The Weekend'". NME. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Keith, James (20 July 2023). "Stormzy Taps RAYE For New Single 'The Weekend'". Complex. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ a b "The Weekend - Stormzy, RAYE - Radio date: 05/09/2023". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ a b Breihan, Tom (20 July 2023). "Stormzy & Raye Team Up On New Single 'The Weekend': Listen". Stereogum. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Alexandria, Lavender (19 July 2023). "Stormzy And RAYE Deliver Vintage Vibes On 'The Weekend'". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Reilly, Nick (20 July 2023). "Stormzy and Raye team up on new noughties-facing track 'The Weekend'". Rolling Stone UK. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Hunt, El (20 July 2023). "Stormzy and RAYE's The Weekend single review: a south London stand-out". Evening Standard. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Murray, Robin (20 July 2023). "Stormzy, RAYE Combine On 'The Weekend'". Clash. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Powell, Jon (20 July 2023). "Stormzy and RAYE are living life in 'The Weekend' clip". Revolt. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Stormzy". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 28/7/2023 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart on 28/7/2023 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Stormzy and RAYE – The Weekend". Radioscope. Retrieved 12 September 2025. Type The Weekend in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "British single certifications – Stormzy & Raye – The Weekend". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 15 September 2025. Select singles in the Formats field. Type The Weekend Stormzy & Raye in the "Search:" field.
- ^ Jamieson, Sarah (20 July 2023). "Stormzy teams up with RAYE for new collaborative track 'The Weekend'". DIY. Retrieved 12 September 2025.