We Fly High
| Company type | Single |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Jim Jones |
| Products | Hip hop music single |
We Fly High is a single by American hip-hop artist Jim Jones, released as the lead track from his third studio album, Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment) (2006). This song represents Jim Jones' highest achievement on the charts, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was penned by Jones himself and produced by Zukhan Bey, who also handled production for his earlier single, "Baby Girl".
Music video
The video was co-directed by Dale Resteghini (also known as RAGE) alongside Jim Jones (known as CAPO). It includes appearances from prominent collaborators such as Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Max B, and Stack Bundles. Additionally, the video features Jones' then-partner Chrissy Lampkin and his manager Yandy Smith, recognized from VH1's Love & Hip Hop. Some scenes were filmed utilizing green screen effects.
Weekly charts
Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chartTemplate:Single chart| Chart (2006–2007) | Highest position |
|---|
Year-end charts
| Chart (2006) | Rank |
|---|---|
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 93 |
| Chart (2007) | Rank |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 28 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 33 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard) | 21 |
Remix
The official remix includes contributions from American rappers T.I., Diddy, Juelz Santana, Birdman, and Young Dro. It was released as the lead single for Jim Jones' compilation project A Dipset X-Mas. Both the album and digital editions contain an extra verse by Jermaine Dupri following Diddy's segment.
- Additional Versions:
- "We Fly High" (NY Giants Remix)
- "Brooklyn High" (Jim Jones Diss) (Jay-Z)
- "We Fly High" (Beef Mix) (featuring Juelz Santana & Jim Jones)
- "We Fly High" (Reggaeton Remix) (featuring Tego Calderón & Don Omar)
- "We Fly High" (New Orleans) (Lil Wayne Remix) (Lil Wayne & Mack Maine)
- "We Fly High" (Cassidy Remix) Cassidy
Remix music video
Directed by Dale Restighini (RAGE) and Jim Jones (CAPO), the remix’s music video debuted on December 1 via Access Granted on BET. This version includes an additional verse from Juelz Santana recorded specifically for the Beef Mix and features cameos by Lil Wayne, DJ Drama, J.R. Writer, and Trae. Notably, Jim Jones, Birdman, Lil Wayne, and Juelz Santana are seen with red bandannas hanging from their right pockets, a probable nod to the Bloods gang.
Confrontation with Jay-Z
Soon after the release of "We Fly High," Jay-Z countered with a diss track entitled "Brooklyn High," which utilized the identical instrumental but swapped out "BALLIN'!" for "Brooklyn!" This move was interpreted as a direct provocation aimed at Jim Jones and fellow Dipset member Cam'ron. In response, Jim Jones swiftly produced a remix titled "We Fly High (Beef Mix)" featuring Juelz Santana to address the challenge.
Popularity
The track gained widespread recognition across the United States in October 2006 when New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and his teammates adopted the "jump shot" celebration after recording sacks against the Washington Redskins. This surge in visibility prompted the NFL to issue clarifications regarding multi-player celebrations to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Throughout North American clubs, "We Fly High" became an anthem, with crowds executing the "jump shot" move whenever Jones exclaims "ballin'." The dance featured in the music video, along with this jump shot gesture, was branded as the "Fadeaway" by Jim Jones himself.
The song also found its way into professional wrestling culture; WWE star Montel Vontavious Porter performs the "Fadeaway" prior to his signature elbow drop. Additionally, wrestlers such as Homicide and factions like BLKOUT in Combat Zone Wrestling have incorporated the track into their entrances and routines.
From a commercial standpoint, "We Fly High" stands as Jim Jones' most triumphant single, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart—the highest position of his career. It also climbed to number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and secured the top spot on both Hot Rap Tracks and Hot RingMasters listings. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has awarded the single Platinum status for digital sales and ringtone downloads.
Jim Jones created a dedicated remix honoring the New York Giants and a reggaeton variant produced by Nely 'El Arma Secreta,' featuring artists Tego Calderón and Don Omar. The song's impact extended to other musicians; for instance, The Game performed over its beat on Rap City, and it was featured in Electronic Arts' video game Def Jam Icon. Moreover, Soulja Boy incorporated the memorable "Ballin'" ad-lib into his track "Report Card," while rapper Travie McCoy makes reference to it in his hit "Billionaire."