Deuces (song)

"Deuces" was written by Chris Brown, Michael "Tyga" Stevenson and Kevin McCall, who also produced the track.{{cite AV media notes |title=F.A.M.E.|title-link=F.A.M.E. (Chris Brown album)|others=Chris Brown |year=2011 |type=Booklet |publisher=Jive Records}} Vocals were recorded by Michael Congdon at the In Your Ear Studios in Richmond, Virginia, with assistance by Dustin Faltz. The recordings were later mixed by Brian Springer at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, with assistance by Anthony Taglianett. According to McCall, "Deuces," was originally his song, and he wanted it to be his single, however, he had Brown listening to it while working with him on his collaborative mixtape with Tyga, Fan of a Fan, and the singer told him that “[he needed] that song”, requesting it to him for two weeks. McCall eventually gave it to Brown when the latter told him that he would have his own part on the track.{{cite web | url=https://www.vladtv.com/article/275566/kevin-mccall-chris-brown-i-fell-out-when-strip-dropped-flashback | title=EXCLUSIVE: Kevin McCall: Chris Brown & I Fell Out when "Strip" Dropped (Flashback) }}

"Deuces" leaked online on May 20, 2010, and was later released digitally on June 25, 2010 as the first single from Brown's collaborative mixtape with Tyga, Fan of a Fan (2010).{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/10/new-music-chris-brown-f-tyga-and-kevin-mccall-deuces/|title=New Music: Chris Brown f/ Tyga and Kevin McCall – 'Deuces'|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-05-10|access-date=2012-03-17}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/deuces-single/id378611185|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704004337/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/deuces-single/id378611185|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 4, 2010|title=iTunes – Music – Deuces – Single by Chris Brown|work=iTunes Store (United States)|publisher=Apple|access-date=2012-03-17}} In an interview with MTV News, Tyga elaborated on "Deuces" and its theme, stating: "Basically it's about you getting rid of this girl, you tried to make it work, but you got to move on. So you put up one finger, put up another, and then 'Deuces{{'"}}.{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639906/chris-brown-tyga-premiere-two-fan-fan-videos.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106083825/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639906/chris-brown-tyga-premiere-two-fan-fan-videos.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 6, 2012|title=Chris Brown And Tyga Premiere Two Fan Of A Fan Videos|work=MTV News|publisher=Viacom|date=2010-05-24|access-date=2012-03-17}} The song appeared as the opening track on Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011).{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/f-a-m-e/id421561980|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327070716/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/f-a-m-e/id421561980|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 27, 2011|title=iTunes – F.A.M.E. by Chris Brown|work=iTunes Store (United States)|publisher=Apple|access-date=2011-04-15}}

{{listen|filename=Chris Brown - Deuces.ogg|title="Deuces"|description=A 27-second audio sample of the song, containing lyrics about a failed relationship.|pos=left|format=Ogg}}

Musically, "Deuces" is a slow, down-tempo R&B ballad{{cite web|last=Dorken|first=Joanne|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/chris-brown/262531-chris-brown-fame-track-by-track-review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727150849/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/chris-brown/262531-chris-brown-fame-track-by-track-review|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 27, 2011|title=Chris Brown 'F.A.M.E.' – Track By Track Review|work=MTV UK|publisher=Viacom|date=2011-03-16|access-date=2012-03-17}} that displays elements of house and pop music.{{cite news|last=Brown|first=August|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/03/the-singer-or-the-song-reconciling-chris-browns-fame-with-his-infamy.html|title=The singer of the song? Reconciling Chris Brown's 'F.A.M.E.' with his infamy|work=Los Angeles Times|date=2011-03-25|access-date=2012-03-17}}{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/fame-mw0002109334|title=F.A.M.E. – Chris Brown > Review|work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=2012-03-17}} The song has a length of four minutes and thirty-six seconds. It is backed by synth chords and "eerie harmonies", with Brown's "smooth vocals" making use of auto-tune effects.{{cite web|last=Grischow|first=Chad|url=http://au.music.ign.com/articles/115/1156826p1.html|title=Chris Brown: F.A.M.E. Review|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|date=2011-03-22|access-date=2012-03-17}} According to Sara D. Anderson of AOL Radio, the song contains lyrical content about "breaking it off with a girl after failed attempts to make the relationship work".{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Sara|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/06/30/chris-brown-deuces/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703233910/http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/06/30/chris-brown-deuces/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 3, 2010|title=Chris Brown, 'Deuces' – New Song|work=AOL Radio|publisher=AOL|date=2010-06-30|access-date=2012-03-17}} In the first verse, Brown sings: "All that bullshit is for the birds, you ain't nothing but a vulture / Always hoping for the worst, waiting for me to fuck up / You'll regret the day when I find another girl, that knows just what I need / She knows just what I mean."

The accompanying music videos for "Deuces" and "No Bullshit" premiered simultaneously online on May 24, 2010, and both were directed by Colin Tilley. The video was shot in black-and-white, and is set at the Los Angeles River.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/23/video-chris-brown-tyga-f-kevin-mccall-deuces/|title=Video: Chris Brown & Tyga f/ Kevin McCall – 'Deuces'|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-05-23|access-date=2012-05-22}} It begins with a woman walking down the river's culvert. As the song begins, Brown, wearing a dark sleeveless jacket, sunglasses, and light-colored pants, sings his verse while standing against a car with Tyga and Kevin McCall. This scene is intercut with scenes of Brown singing alone at the culvert, wearing a hooded jumper and skinny jeans. During the chorus, Brown is seen dancing in a tunnel. As Tyga raps his verse, he is sitting on a graffitied concrete barrier, while Brown appears in the background. This scene is intercut with scenes of Tyga, Brown and McCall walking down a street with a lowrider driving slowly behind them. As the second chorus begins, earlier scenes from the video are intercut with each other. McCall then begins to rap his verse while leaning against a wall, which is then intercut with scenes of him rapping from previous settings of the video. During the final chorus of the song, more scenes of Brown dancing in the tunnel are shown.

File:Chris Brown 2, 2012.jpg in Australia, April 2012.]]

On May 15, 2010, Brown performed "Deuces" with Tyga at the "Virginia Stand Up! A Call to Action" benefit concert as part of a set list, which included "Say Goodbye", "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)", "Gimme That", "Kiss Kiss", "Take You Down" and "Forever".{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639310/chris-brown-plays-packed-house-at-virginia-benefit-concert.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726224513/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639310/chris-brown-plays-packed-house-at-virginia-benefit-concert.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 26, 2012|title=Chris Brown Plays To Packed House At Virginia Benefit Concert|work=MTV News|publisher=Viacom|date=2010-05-16|access-date=2012-05-22}} The concert was organized by Brown to help with continued relief efforts in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake. Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News wrote that "the superstar singer couldn't have been more giving, doing his best to please the packed house". On December 3, 2010, Brown, wearing a charcoal grey suit with Adidas sneakers, performed the song with Tyga and Kevin McCall as part of his set list at the Cali Christmas concert.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/12/04/video-chris-brown-performs-at-cali-christmas/|title=Video: Chris Brown Performs at Cali Christmas|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-12-04|access-date=2012-05-22}} In March 2011, Brown and Tyga performed "Deuces" on the television music show, 106 & Park.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/03/22/chris-brown-visits-106-park-with-bow-wow-busta-rhymes-tyga/|title=Chris Brown Visits '106 & Park' with Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, & Tyga |work=Rap-Up|date=2011-03-22|access-date=2011-04-15}} "Deuces" was also added to the set list of Brown's F.A.M.E. Tour. In his review of the tour, Jeremy Trucker of The Baltimore Sun criticized Brown for lip syncing his performances, and remained unconvinced that Brown's "talent was special enough to warrant his continued, well, fame".{{cite news|last=Trucker|first=Jeremy|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2011/09/29/review-a-powerful-revival-of-trouble-in-mind/|title=Review: Chris Brown at 1st Mariner Arena Sept. 28|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=2011-09-29|access-date=2012-05-22|archive-date=2013-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022012450/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-09-29/entertainment/bal-review-chris-brown-at-1st-mariner-arena-september-28-20110929_1_chris-brown-brown-first-lackluster-show|url-status=live}} In April 2012, Brown performed "Deuces" at the Supafest tour in Australia as part of a set list, which included "Run It!", "Yeah 3x", "Look at Me Now", "She Ain't You", "Wet the Bed" and "Turn Up the Music", among others.{{cite web|last=Vout|first=Elise|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/ac64c92b-supafest-2012-review-part-II/|title=Supafest Review Part II|work=MTV Australia|publisher=Viacom|date=2012-04-17|access-date=2012-05-22|archive-date=2012-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704045949/http://www.mtv.com.au/news/ac64c92b-supafest-2012-review-part-II/|url-status=dead}} A reviewer for Rap-Up magazine praised his set, writing "A tatted Chris Brown thrilled with his chart-topping hits".{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/04/15/chris-brown-kelly-rowland-big-sean-trey-songz-storm-sydney-for-supafest/|title=Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Big Sean, & Trey Songz Storm Sydney for Supafest|work=Rap-Up|date=2012-04-15|access-date=2012-05-22}}

File:Rihanna 2012 cropped.jpg (pictured).]]

"Deuces" received mostly positive reviews from critics. Joanne Dorken of MTV UK wrote that the song was "a good platform for Brown to show off his silky-smooth vocals". Hannah Ash of The Harber Herald called it "a great rap track" with "fantastic beats".{{cite news|last=Ash|first=Hannah|url=http://www.harberherald.com/ae/2011/04/25/chris-brown-f-a-m-e-review/|title=Chris Brown F.A.M.E. review|work=The Harber Herald|date=2011-04-25|access-date=2012-03-18}} In an album review for F.A.M.E., Mark Edward Nero of About.com wrote that "Deuces" was one of "the album's best material".{{cite web|last=Nero|first=Mark|url=http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/Review-Chris-Brown-F-A-M-E.htm|title=Chris Brown – F.A.M.E.|work=About.com|publisher=The New York Times Company|access-date=2012-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521035914/http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/Review-Chris-Brown-F-A-M-E.htm|archive-date=2012-05-21|url-status=dead}} A reviewer for Girlfriend magazine wrote that "Deuces" along with "Yeah 3x" and "Beautiful People", were the most "worth listening to" of the album.{{cite web|url=http://nz.youth.yahoo.com/girlfriend/entertainment/article/-/9057592/album-review-chris-brown-f-a-m-e/|title=Album review: Chris Brown F.A.M.E.|work=Girlfriend|publisher=Pacific Magazines|date=2011-03-23|access-date=2012-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330224855/http://nz.youth.yahoo.com/girlfriend/entertainment/article/-/9057592/album-review-chris-brown-f-a-m-e/|archive-date=2012-03-30|url-status=dead}} Mesfin Fekadu of the Associated Press labeled "Deuces" as one of the "best songs" of 2010,{{cite web|last=Fekadu|first=Mesfin|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/comments?type=story&id=13186559#.T-CCK5GVqsZ|title=Review: Brown Has R&B on Lock, but What About Pop?|agency=Associated Press|work=ABC News|date=2011-03-21|access-date=2012-03-18}} while August Brown of Los Angeles Times called it his "favorite single" of 2010. According to Steve Jones of USA Today, the song shows that "Brown is taking it to the next phase".{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Steve|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2011-03-22-listen22_ST_N.htm|title=Listen Up: Chris Brown, The Strokes, more|work=USA Today|date=2011-03-22|access-date=2012-03-18}} Sean Fennessey of The Washington Post characterised "Deuces" as "the effervescent kiss-off" track.{{cite news|last=Fennessey|first=Sean|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/click-track/post/album-review-chris-brown-fame/2011/03/22/AB5RkIDB_blog.html|title=Album review: Chris Brown, 'F.A.M.E.'|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=2011-03-22|access-date=2012-03-18}} Shahryar Rizvi of Dallas Observer was critical of the song, writing that it "sounds minimally produced and quiet. As a result, it sounds kind of boring".{{cite news|last=Rizvi|first=Shahryar|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2010/09/the_problem_with_chris_browns.php|title=The Problem With... Chris Brown's "Deuces"|work=Dallas Observer|publisher=Kevin Thornburg|date=2010-09-17|access-date=2012-03-18|archive-date=2010-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228154039/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2010/09/the_problem_with_chris_browns.php|url-status=dead}} Phoenix New Times called it "a hot track".{{cite web | url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/chris-brown-and-tyga-drop-the-hotness-on-deuces-with-kevin-mccall-6615669 | title=Chris Brown and Tyga Drop the Hotness on "Deuces" with Kevin McCall }} HotNewHipHop listed it among Brown's best singles in his discography, and defined "Deuces" as a "slow, moody rap and R&B ballad".{{cite web | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/666079-chris-brown-songs | title=Chris Brown Songs: His Best Singles | website=HNHH | date=25 April 2023 }} Billboard wrote that with the track "Chris Brown showed his fans and haters that he can’t be stopped with the perfect mix of smooth vocals and soundscapes".{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/chris-browns-20-biggest-billboard-hits-6251630/ | title=Chris Brown's 20 Biggest Billboard Hits | magazine=Billboard }}

Critics also speculated that the lyrics of the song were about Brown's former relationship with pop singer Rihanna. Becky Bain of Idolator described "Deuces" as a "bitter woman-hating track" that could be "about Rihanna or just females in general", and wrote that "as damning as some of the lyrics are, this emotional jam is actually a step in the right direction for Brown".{{cite web|last=Bain|first=Becky|url=http://idolator.com/5502092/chris-brown-drops-a-deuce-with-tyga|title=Chris Brown Drops A "Deuce" With Tyga|work=Idolator|publisher=Buzz Media|date=2010-05-10|access-date=2012-03-18}} Anthony Benigno of The Faster Times observed that the song could be a reference to "the Rihanna incident", writing "is it about RiRi? Maybe, maybe not. He ain't telling, in any case".{{cite news|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|url=http://www.thefastertimes.com/music/2011/03/22/new-music-review-chris-brown-f-a-m-e-music-video/|title=New Music Review: Chris Brown; 'F.A.M.E.' (Music Video)|work=The Faster Times|date=2011-03-22|access-date=2012-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530075338/http://thefastertimes.com/music/2011/03/22/new-music-review-chris-brown-f-a-m-e-music-video/|archive-date=2011-05-30|url-status=usurped}} Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News wrote that "Deuces" was indeed a "standout" track from the Fan of a Fan mixtape, and that it "appears to be a dig at Rihanna".{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639324/chris-brown-tyga-drop-fan-fan-mixtape.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810020607/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1639324/chris-brown-tyga-drop-fan-fan-mixtape.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 10, 2012|title=Chris Brown, Tyga Drop Fan of a Fan Mixtape|work=MTV News|publisher=Viacom|date=2010-05-17|access-date=2012-03-18}} The song was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 53rd Grammy Awards,{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/homeentertainment/la-et-env-grammys-nominees-2010-list,0,2090144.htmlstory|title=Grammy Awards 2011: Winners and nominees for 53rd Grammy Awards|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2012-03-18}} and Best Collaboration at the 2011 BET Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/26/chris-brown-wins-big-at-bet-awards/|title=Chris Brown Wins Big at BET Awards|work=Rap-Up|date=2011-06-26|access-date=2012-03-18}}

In September 2010, during a Ustream session with fans, Brown announced plans of releasing an "all-star" remix to "Deuces", which would feature rappers Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross, and André 3000."{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/09/27/chris-brown-announces-guests-for-all-star-deuces-remix/|title=Chris Brown Announces Guests for All-Star 'Deuces' Remix|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-09-27|access-date=2012-05-22}} The remix appeared online on October 1, 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/01/new-music-chris-brown-f-drake-ti-kanye-west-fabolous-andre-3000-deuces-remix/|title=New Music: Chris Brown f/ Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross, & André 3000 – 'Deuces (Remix)'|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-10-01|access-date=2012-05-22}} and was released as a digital EP on November 2, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/deuces-remix-ep/399911435 |title=iTunes – Music – Deuces Remix – EP by Chris Brown|work=iTunes Store (United States)|date=2 November 2010 |publisher=Apple|access-date=2012-05-22}} A day after the "all-star" remix premiered online, American R&B singer Ciara released her own remix of the song, which was supposed to be included on her Basic Instinct mixtape.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/02/new-music-ciara-deuces-remix/|title=New Music: Ciara – 'Deuces (Remix)'|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-10-02|access-date=2012-05-22}} American R&B singer Teairra Marí also recorded her own remix of "Deuces" for her mixtape, The Night Before X-Mas (2010).{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/19/new-music-teairra-mari-deuces-remix/|title=New Music: Teairra Marí – 'Deuces (Remix)'|work=Rap-Up|date=2010-10-19|access-date=2012-05-22}}

In the United States, "Deuces" debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 72 on the issue dated July 17, 2010.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2010-07-17/r-b-hip-hop-songs?order=gainer|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Week of July 17, 2010|magazine=Billboard|date=2010-07-17|access-date=2012-03-18}} It peaked at number one in its ninth week on the chart, becoming Brown's first number-one single on the chart since "Say Goodbye" (2006).{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956532/chris-brown-scores-no-1-on-rbhip-hop-songs-chart-with-deuces|title=Chris Brown Scores No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart with 'Deuces'|magazine=Billboard|date=2010-09-03|access-date=2012-03-18}} "Deuces" was tied with Monica's single "Everything to Me" (2010), for both being the fastest songs in 2010 to climb to the number one spot in nine weeks. "Deuces" peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 19 weeks on the chart. On the New Zealand Singles Chart, "Deuces" debuted and peaked at number 23 on July 26, 2010. It spent six weeks on the chart. In the United Kingdom, "Deuces" debuted and peaked at number 68 on November 20, 2010, and appeared on the chart for one week.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/chris%20brown/#singles|title=Artist Chart History > Chris Brown > Singles|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=2012-03-18}} It also charted on the UK R&B Singles Chart at number fourteen.

• Digital download

1. "Deuces" (featuring Tyga and Kevin McCall) – 4:36
2. "No Bullshit" – 4:07

• Digital Remix EP

1. "Deuces" (featuring Drake and Kanye West) – 4:34
2. "Deuces" (featuring T.I. and Rick Ross) – 3:42
3. "Deuces" (featuring Fabolous and André 3000) – 4:34
4. "Deuces" (featuring Drake, Kanye West and André 3000) – 5:38
5. "Deuces" (featuring Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross and André 3000) – 6:43

• Chris Brown – lead vocals
• Kevin McCall – songwriter, producer, featured vocals
• Brian Springer – audio mixing
• Anthony Taglianett – assistant audio mixing
• Michael Stevenson – songwriter, featured vocals

Credits adapted from the liner notes for F.A.M.E.

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Deuces"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Chris Brown|title=Deuces|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2010|access-date=December 25, 2024|certyear=2020|source=radioscope}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Chris Brown|title=Deuces|award=Gold|relyear=2010|certyear=2023|access-date=November 24, 2023|id=15379-1138-1}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Chris Brown|title=Deuces|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2010|certyear=2021}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true | noshipments=true}}

• List of number-one R&B singles of 2010 (U.S.)

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Chris Brown singles}}

{{Tyga}}

{{Drake songs}}

{{T.I. songs}}

{{Kanye West songs}}

{{Fabolous}}

{{Rick Ross}}

{{André 3000}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Deuces (Song)}}

Category:2010s ballads

Category:2010 singles

Category:Chris Brown songs

Category:Tyga songs

Category:Kevin McCall songs

Category:Contemporary R&B ballads

Category:Music videos directed by Colin Tilley

Category:Black-and-white music videos

Category:2010 songs

Category:Songs written by Chris Brown

Category:Songs written by Tyga

Category:Jive Records singles

Category:Songs written by Kevin McCall