Dance Now
{{Short description|2022 single by JID and Kenny Mason}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Dance Now
| type = single
| artist = JID and Kenny Mason
| album = The Forever Story
| released = August 9, 2022
| recorded =
| genre = Hip hop
| length = 3:47
| label = {{hlist|Dreamville|Interscope}}
| writer = {{hlist|Destin Route|Edwin Green, Jr.|John Welch|Aviad Poznansky|Shlomo Gaisin|Zachary Goldschmiedt|Elisha Mlotek}}
| producer = {{hlist|Christo|Aviad}}
| chronology = JID
| prev_title = Talk About Me
| prev_year = 2022
| next_title = 2007
| next_year = 2022
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Kenny Mason
| type = single
| prev_title = Overseas
| prev_year = 2022
| title = Dance Now
| year = 2022
| next_title = Dracula
| next_year = 2023
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|EVlGLtCnN-Y|"Dance Now"}}}}
}}
"Dance Now" is a song by American rappers JID and Kenny Mason, released on August 9, 2022 as the second single from the former's third studio album The Forever Story (2022). Produced by Christo and Aviad, it contains additional vocals from American singer-songwriter Fousheé and a sample of "Yoel's Niggun" by Zusha.
Background
The song was first mentioned by JID's manager Barry Hefner via Twitter on June 7, 2022.{{cite web |title=Dance Now 🤷🏾♂️ |url=https://twitter.com/BarryHefner/status/1534201007579840512 |website=Twitter |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=June 7, 2022}} On August 8, JID announced that the song would be released the following day.{{cite web |title=new single tonight 🖤🕊 |url=https://twitter.com/JIDsv/status/1556749463460388864 |website=Twitter |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 8, 2022}}
Composition
"Dance Now" features a looped melody,{{cite web |last1=Breihan |first1=Tom |title=JID – "Dance Now" (Feat. Kenny Mason & Foushée) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2195664/jid-dance-now-feat-kenny-mason-foushee/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 9, 2022}} over which JID raps in a quick but controlled manner{{cite web |last1=Saponara |first1=Michael |title=JID Shares New Single 'Dance Now' & 'The Forever Story' Album Cover Art |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72412/title.jid-dance-now-the-forever-story-release-date-cover-art |website=HipHopDX |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 9, 2022}} accompanied with wordplay.{{cite web |last1=Helfand |first1=Raphael |title=J.I.D shares "Dance Now," reveals upcoming album art and release date |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/08/09/jid-dance-now |website=The Fader |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 9, 2023}} Lyrically, he discusses the expectations placed on him,{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Regina |title=JID returns with brand new "Dance Now" single |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-08-09/185089/jid-dance-now-song/ |website=Revolt |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 9, 2022}} as well as the "allures and pitfalls of dancing with the devil".{{cite web |last1=Wicker |first1=Jewel |title=Atlanta Rapper J.I.D on New Album, Working With Doja Cat, and Why He Keeps a Low Profile |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/jid-new-album-interview-1393185/ |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 10, 2022}} JID also makes a reference to Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant. The chorus is performed by Kenny Mason, with backing vocals from Fousheé.{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=JID & Kenny Mason Impress On "Dance Now" Single |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/411192-jid-and-kenny-mason-impress-on-dance-now-single-new-song |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 9, 2022}}
Critical reception
Tom Breihan of Stereogum wrote the song is "a nice indicator of what JID can do. JID recorded the track with longtime collaborator Christo, and it’s got a big, clomping beat with a weirdly catchy looped melody. JID raps all over it, his flow reaching unstable speed-levels but never tripping over his own complicated patterns. He sounds playful and energized." Erika Marie of HotNewHipHop stated "You'll find JID beasting through bars over a beat that will make listeners bounce, and it's poised for any mood as you kick back and listen to the rapper showcase the art of Hip Hop storytelling."
Music video
The music video was released alongside the single. Directed by Trey Leons, it finds JID rapping as he appears in a suburban area where violence occurs in some corners, with scenes of "riot police, disgruntled citizens, and twerking exotic dancers."{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Aaron |title=JID Stands Firm In The Chaotic ‘Dance Now’ Video |url=https://uproxx.com/music/jid-kenny-mason-dance-now-video/ |website=Uproxx |access-date=14 October 2023 |date=August 9, 2022}} The cover art of The Forever Story is captured by Naskademini from a late scene in the video.
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Chart performance for "Dance Now" ! scope="col"| Chart (2022) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2022-09-16|title=NZ Hot Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=August 22, 2022|access-date=October 14, 2023}}
| 16 |
|---|
| {{single chart|Billboardbubbling100|13|artist=J.I.D-2|rowheader=true|access-date=October 14, 2023}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|43|artist=J.I.D-2|rowheader=true|access-date=October 14, 2023}} |