911 (Gorillaz and D12 song)
| Company type | Collaboration |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Gorillaz, D12 |
| Headquarters | West London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music track |
911 is a collaboration between the British virtual ensemble Gorillaz and the American hip-hop collective D12, featuring guest vocal contributions from the Specials member Terry Hall. The track was produced in 2001 in West London without the involvement of Eminem, during a period when D12 was stranded in England following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Subsequently, rapper Bizarre renamed the song “London” for one of his compilation releases.
Background
In Damon Albarn's private studio located in West London, Gorillaz and D12 recorded the song without Eminem. After the 9/11 events left D12 unable to leave England, Albarn invited the group to his studio where he shared an early demo version. With an interest in incorporating Middle Eastern musical elements, Albarn recognized this track as a suitable vehicle for that exploration. D12 contributed their verses and production elements, while Terry Hall provided vocal harmonies on the chorus alongside Albarn. Although Albarn and Hall had previously discussed working together, it was Hall’s Middle Eastern vocal training that inspired Albarn to guide the song’s style toward those influences.
Music video
The music video reuses visuals from "Clint Eastwood" and "19-2000" with an altered backdrop, prominently displaying D12 running toward the camera. Terry Hall does not appear in the video.
Live performances
This track has been performed live only twice: once at the New York City Hammerstein Ballroom during the 2002 Gorillaz Live event, and once more alongside Luton-based hip-hop group Phi Life Cypher at Lisbon’s Isle of MTV Festival.
Track listing
Available as a free download from gorillaz.com
- "911" – 05:48
- Initially released via the Gorillaz Kong Studios website, including accompanying artwork in PDF format.
Song credits
- Gorillaz – vocals
- Proof, Kuniva, Bizarre, Swifty McVay, Mr. Porter – vocals
- Terry Hall – vocals
- Tom Girling – engineering, Pro Tools
- Jason Cox – engineering, Pro Tools