Success Is Certain | ||||
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Studio album by Royce da 5'9" | ||||
Released | August 9, 2011 | |||
Recorded | 2010–2011 | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 40:55 | |||
Label | Gracie Productions | |||
Producer | Tony Bucher (exec.) Dorian Washington (exec.) Eminem, Mr. Porter, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Streetrunner, Nottz, The Futuristiks, Sarom |
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Royce da 5'9" chronology | ||||
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Singles from Success Is Certain | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
The A.V. Club | (B) |
Allmusic | |
HipHopDX | |
RapReviews | (8/10) |
XXL |
Success Is Certain is the fifth album by rapper Royce da 5'9" and his last independent album, released on August 9, 2011. The first single is "Writer's Block" featuring Eminem, which was released in March 2011. Production for the album came from DJ Premier, Mr. Porter, Eminem, Nottz, Streetrunner, The Futuristiks and The Alchemist among others. Guest appearances include Eminem, Joe Budden, Kid Vishis and Travis Barker.
The album artwork, track listing, and related promo art (such as a full-website "takeover" on RapRadar) was created by Brett Lindzen. The official artwork was revealed on July 4, 2011. The artwork depicts a black Rolls-Royce car parallel parked in front of the Detroit Savings Bank. The photo is in black and white. Instead of Royce da 5'9"'s full stage name, the cover shows only "R5'9"" with "Royce" written in smaller font below. The track list was revealed the same day with the availability for pre-order.
"Writer's Block" was announced to be the first single from Success Is Certain. It was released March 29, 2011, on iTunes. The song features Detroit rapper Eminem, but only on the hook. It is produced by Streetrunner and Raymond (SAROM) Diaz. Royce da 5'9" originally reached out to Eminem for this song. Later, they started recording for Bad Meets Evil's EP, Hell: The Sequel. It was confirmed that this would still be used on Royce's Success Is Certain. "Second Place" was released on June 14, 2011, as the second single from the album. It was produced by DJ Premier. There were rumors that Royce had originally planned for this song to feature Raekwon and Method Man, but did not because of the leak. Later this was confirmed false. "Legendary" was released on July 19, 2011, on iTunes as the third single from the album. All three singles from the album can be streamed at Royce's website.