"International Party" is a song by American rapper and record producer Swizz Beatz, released as a

single Single may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Single (music), a song release Songs * "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004 * "Single" (New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo song), 2008 * "Single" (William Wei song), 2016 * "Single", by ...

through Everest Entertainment on August 1, 2011. The song was written by Beatz, Avery Chambliss and Tyrone Reginald Johnson, and produced by Beatz. It features vocals from American singer and songwriter Alicia Keys. The music video for the single was directed by Chris Robinson. The song was released as part of the Reethym of Lite footwear campaign by

Reebok Classic Reebok Classic is a lifestyle shoe brand that consists of athletic shoes that became popular casual wear. The brand evolved from the Classic Leather, the Workout, the Ex-O-Fit, the Newport Classic and the Freestyle. Reebok Classic also include ...

, for which Beatz at the time served as creative director.

Background

In April 2011, while working on his second studio album ''Haute Living'', it was reported that Beatz was appointed global creative director for Reebok Classics. In July 2011, Reebok and Beatz launched the Reethym of Lite campaign for Reebok Lite footwear and apparel collection. Beatz said that he "directed, wrote the treatment" for the campaign. Beatz chose the song "International Party" for the campaign, because "for me, the Reethym of Lite is an 'International Party' – it connects the sneakers being light, the rhythm of dance, music, art and style and the rhythm of the people". Beatz further explained that “When I finished the record I knew it was a perfect fit for the campaign - it just felt right”. The song was also going to be featured on the ''Haute Living'' album, but Beatz decided not to release the album, but instead release individual songs, saying:

Music video

Commissioned by Reebok, music video for the song, directed by Chris Robinson, was filmed at

Downey Studios The Downey Studios was a production studio in Downey, California. The studio featured of indoor and outdoor production space including a building and a building which was home of the largest indoor water tank in North America. A suburban residen ...

in March 2011. Robinson said of the video that "it’s about connecting all the continents on the planet on the world stage". Choreographer

Hi-Hat A hi-hat (hihat, high-hat, etc.) is a combination of two cymbals and a pedal, all mounted on a metal stand. It is a part of the standard drum kit used by drummers in many styles of music including rock, pop, jazz, and blues. Hi-hats consist o ...

selected dancers to appear in the video, including street dancers

Lil Buck Charles "Lil Buck" Riley (born May 25, 1988) is an American dancer, actor and model from Memphis, Tennessee who specializes in a style of street dance called jookin. He gained popularity after director Spike Jonze used his cell phone to record a ...

Haspop Hassan El Hajjami (born 1 August 1977), also known as Haspop, is a French stage director, choreographer and dancer. In solo performance and as a former member of the dancing group Pockemon Crew, he has won several contests, including standing a ...

, Destini Rogers, B-Boy L.L. Flex, Kelli Divincen, Daniel Graham, Duncan Tran and B-Boy Lil’ Bob. The video features laser lights installations by artist Eliav Kadosh. Anthony Osei from '' Complex'' described the video as "high-powered and light scattering". The video was released on August 1, 2011 and reportedly cost $1.4 million to make.

Composition and critical reception

"International Party" is a dance track that runs for a duration of two minutes and thirty-seven seconds. The website ''Freshness Mag'' described the song as "fast paced techno dance anthem". ''

Rap-Up ''Rap-Up'' is a magazine launched in 2001 by founder Devin Lazerine. The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers. The magazine is focused on the ...

'' wrote that the "feel good" song "boasts a rock-tinged beat" while according to ''

MTV News MTV News is the news production division of MTV. The service is available in the US with localized versions on MTV's global network. In February 2016, MTV Networks confirmed it would refresh the MTV News brand in 2016, to compete with the likes ...

'' the song is a "grinding, electro-hop track". ''The Boombox'' described it as "electronic dance track that marks a stylistic departure from Alicia and Swizz' respective genres". Trent Fitzgerald from ''PopCrush'' opined that Beatz and Keys "seem to be out of their elements with this hyper dance track" adding that Beatz "could use some work on his rap skills" while Keys "phon din her vocals".

Live performances

On 22 August 2011, Beatz performed the song live at Reethym of Lite event during the Magic trade show at the Mandalay Bay’s Moorea Beach Club in Las Vegas.

References

{{Alicia Keys songs Alicia Keys songs Swizz Beatz songs 2011 singles Song recordings produced by Swizz Beatz Songs written by Swizz Beatz Music videos directed by Chris Robinson (director)