"Die Hard" is a song by American rappers Kendrick Lamar, Blxst, and Bajan singer Amanda Reifer of the disbanded Cover Drive. It was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio on August 9, 2022, as the third single from the former's fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The song was produced by Sounwave, DJ Dahi, and Lamar's cousin Baby Keem, with co-production by FnZ.
Composition and lyrics "Die Hard" is an R&B and pop song that contains a post-chorus that is sung by Amanda Reifer. The song includes a "floating R&B instrumental and tender introspection". Lamar raps: "I got some regrets". It has a "gentle flute line and a blissful melody", which sees Blxst sing on the chorus: "I hope I'm not too late to set my demons straight". In the two verses of the song, Kendrick Lamar uses two different moods as the song about how it is never too late to turn wrongs into rights and chasing dreams. However, it can also be interpreted as a song directed to his wife, Whitney. With the lyrics, Do you love me? Do you trust me? Can I trust you? Don't judge me it can show that Kendrick may be fearful about opening up about the Big 'Truth' which was mentioned in previous songs in the album, which is referenced multiple times in Die Hard, especially with this line: "My truth too complicated to hide now", showing he might decide to open up, compared to his previous attitude towards this 'Truth'.
It samples vocals from Kadhja Bonet's "Remember the Rain".
Credits and personnel
Kendrick Lamar – vocals, songwriting Blxst – vocals, songwriting Boi-1da – production, songwriting Sounwave – production, songwriting DJ Dahi – production, songwriting Baby Keem – production, songwriting, drums J. Lbs – production, songwriting FnZ Michael Mulé – co-production, songwriting Isaac De Boni – co-production, songwriting Sam Dew – songwriting Thundercat – songwriting, bass Marvin Eugene Smith – songwriting Robert T. "Bob" Smith – songwriting Victor Ekpo – songwriting Grandmaster Vic – strings Manny Marroquin – mixing Anthony Vilchis – mixing assistance Trey Station – mixing assistance Zach Pereyra – mixing assistance Andrew Boyd – recording assistance Wesley Seidman – recording assistance Joe Visciano – engineering Beach Noise Matt Schaeffer – engineering Johnny Kosich – engineering Johnathan Turner – engineering Ray Charles Brown, Jr. – engineering
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for "Die Hard" Chart (2022) Peakposition Lithuania (AGATA) 18 Norway (VG-lista) 30 Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100) 34
Year-end charts + 2022 year-end chart performance for "Die Hard" Chart (2022) Position US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 48
Certifications
Release history + Release history for "Die Hard" Region Date Format Label United States August 9, 2022 Rhythmic contemporary radio
References