Wiki
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Length
3:55
In contrast to “Kill Jay Z” which features Jay seeking to kill his ego, “Bam” finds him acknowledging its importance to his success. The patois word that gives the song its title is generally used as an interjection for a sudden happening, though the phrase ‘bam bam’ usually refers to a contentious situation or an exciting event, among other things.
Damian was initially invited to a studio in Los Angeles, where he was presented with the idea for the song’s chorus. The final verse was created after Jay asked him to freestyle for a few minutes, with this being chopped up and rearranged.
Jigga subsequently arrived in Jamaica with engineer Young Guru on June 8th and others to shoot the music video and tour Kingston, meeting with the Marley, Sister Nancy and others between Trench Town and Tuff Gong Studios. This marks the first time the two have collaborated, though they have known each other since as early as the mid-2000’s. Marley is one of TIDAL’s co-owners.
Building on its foundation, “Bam” features multiple dub-style delays, reverb, a subtle dub siren and rhythmic, dancehall-esque cuts during Jr. Gong’s verse. It joins the long line of songs sampling Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” including Kanye West’s “Famous” and a reggae remix of Alicia Keys‘ “No One” which also features Damian. Its chorus interpolates Jacob Miller’s “Tenement Yard.”
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