"The Devil Is a Lie"
Single by Rick Ross featuring Jay-Z
from the album Mastermind
ReleasedDecember 19, 2013
Recorded2013
GenreHip hop
Length5:12
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Rick Ross singles chronology
"No Games"
(2013) 		"The Devil Is a Lie"
(2013) 		"Thug Cry"
(2014)
Jay-Z singles chronology
"Drunk in Love"
(2013) 		"The Devil Is a Lie"
(2013) 		"Part II (On the Run)"
(2014)

"The Devil Is a Lie" is a hip hop song by American rapper Rick Ross, featuring Jay-Z. It was released as the lead single from his sixth studio album, Mastermind on December 19, 2013.[3][4] The song was produced by Major Seven and K.E. on the Track.

Background

On October 23, 2013, Rick Ross announced that the album's second single, which will feature Jay-Z, will be released in early November 2013.[3] The following day, Ross revealed that the song is titled "The Devil Is A Lie". He explained that song saying, "We're pushing the envelope once again and it's just one of those records I can't wait to hit the streets. We went in another direction but it's just one of those records that's gonna speak for itself and everybody's gonna have their opinion of it, but it's most definitely what the streets need."[3] On December 19, 2013, the song was released for digital download.[4] It was sent to urban contemporary radio in the United States on January 21, 2014.[5] Dan Rys of XXL called the instrumental "the most massive beat we've heard this year".

Music video

The video for "The Devil Is A Lie" was released on March 20, 2014, and does not include Jay-Z's verse.[6] An unofficial music video directed by Ashley Smith, has amassed a considerable view count on YouTube as well. This video in question has reached 20 million views, while the official has around 3 million as of March 2022. The video features 2 catholic priests lip syncing the entire song, rapping Ross and Jay-Z's respective verses.[7]

Track listing

Digital single
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."The Devil Is A Lie" (featuring Jay-Z)William Roberts, LeShawn Rogers, Willie McNeal, Shawn "Jay-Z" CarterMajor Seven, K.E. on the Track5:12

Chart performance

Chart (2014) Peak
position
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[8] 27
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[9] 143
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 86
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] 26
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[12] 16

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[13] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Country Date Format Label Ref.
United States December 19, 2013 Digital download Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide Records, Def Jam Recordings [4]
January 13, 2014 Mainstream urban radio [14]
January 21, 2014 Urban contemporary radio [15]

References

  1. ^ "K.E. On The Track Stole Devil Is A Lie Beat". Complex. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  2. ^ "Producer Major Seven Clears Up "The Devil Is A Lie" Controversy With K.E. On The Track – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-12-21. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  3. ^ a b c "Rick Ross' Next Single Will Feature Jay Z – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
  4. ^ a b c "iTunes – Music – The Devil Is a Lie (feat. JAY Z) – Single by Rick Ross". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
  5. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |". Allaccess.com. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
  6. ^ "Rick Ross Drops Fiery New Video For "The Devil Is A Lie"". XXL. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  7. ^ "Rick Ross' 'Devil is a Lie' Gets an Unofficial Visual Treatment".
  8. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  9. ^ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart: CLUK Update 15.03.2014 (wk10)". Zobbel.de. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  10. ^ "Rick Ross Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  11. ^ "Rick Ross Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  12. ^ "Rick Ross Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
  13. ^ "American single certifications – Rick Ross – The Devil Is a Lie". Recording Industry Association of America.
  14. ^ "Frequency News". Frequency News. 2014-01-13. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
  15. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |". Allaccess.com. Retrieved 2014-02-08.


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