Blended Family (What You Do for Love)

"Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" is a song by American recording artist Alicia Keys, featuring vocals from rapper ASAP Rocky. It was written by Keys, Rocky, John Bush, Brandon Aly, Tish Hyman, Dave Kuncio, John Houser, Kenneth Withrow and Edie Brickell for her sixth studio album Here (2016), while production was helmed by Keys and Mark Batson. The song refers to the former marriage of Keys' husband Swizz Beatz and musician Mashonda Tifrere. It was released on October 7, 2016 by RCA Records.

Background and release

The song is inspired by family and in particular the themes are those of adoption and extended families. Keys was inspired by her family composed of her husband Swizz Beatz, their two sons Egypt Daoud Dean and Genesis Ali Dean, and Beatz's son Kasseem Dean Jr from his previous marriage with Mashonda Tifrere. Keys, following the controversy that arose due to the alleged dating of the singer-songwriter with Beatz, dedicated the song to Tifrere, writing:

«The understanding, compassion and support we’ve found is a powerful testament to the healing that comes when we choose love. Especially for the kids … the most important part of our lives. Celebrating Mashonda for our commitment to each other with support and true growth»

Critical reception

Nina Corcoran from Consequence of Sound wrote that "It’s an uplifting song" and "an ode to inclusion at large as well as her own multiracial marriage" while being "the only radio-styled hit on the album". According to Nolan Feeney from Entertainment Weekly, the song is a "love letter to her step-children that touches on her time in the tabloids" and named the song one of the key tracks on the album Allison Gauss from Medium wrote that the song is driven by an "authentic story", adding that "the intimate details in the verses make you believe the song in a way generalizations never could". Reviewing Here for Salon, David Masciotra wrote that the song is a "beautiful and infectious blend of hip hop and soulful pop" and opined that the song, discusses "how “love can bring us closer than blood” when divorce, single motherhood, death, and remarriage created families out of the present parts".

Music video

The music video, filmed in black-and-white, was released on November 11, 2016, and features both Keys and ASAP Rocky. In September 2017 it was revealed on IMDb that the video was directed by Hype Williams.

Track listing

Digital download
No.	Title	Length
1.	"Blended Family (What You Do For Love)" (featuring ASAP Rocky)	3:32

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2016)	Peak position
Belgium Urban (Ultratop Flanders)	41
France (SNEP)	62
New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)	9
Japan (Japan Hot 100)	52
Scotland (OCC)	79
South Korea International (Gaon)	60
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)	85
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)	22
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)	9

Year-end charts

Chart (2017)	Position
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)	42

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label
Various	October 7, 2016	Digital download	RCA
Italy	October 14, 2016	Contemporary hit radio	Sony
United States	November 15, 2016	Rhythmic contemporary	RCA
United States	November 15, 2016	Contemporary hit radio	RCA

References

^ Mench, Chris (October 6, 2016). "Hear Alicia Keys and ASAP Rocky's Emotional Family Love Song "Blended Family (What You Do For Love)"". Complex. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
Orcutt, KC (October 6, 2016). "Alicia Keys's New Song Will 'Celebrate' Swizz Beatz's Ex-Wife". BET. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
^ Kaufman, Gil (October 7, 2016). "Alicia Keys Releasing 'Here' on Nov. 4; Listen to 'Blended Family' Single with A$AP Rocky". Billboard. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
Blistein, Jon (October 7, 2016). "Hear Alicia Keys' Heartfelt Ode 'Blended Family' With A$AP Rocky". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
Pearce. Sheldon (October 7, 2016). "Alicia Keys Announces New Album Here, Shares A$AP Rocky Collab "Blended Family (What You Do For Love)": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
"Alicia Keys Tells the Inspiration Behind New Video for 'Blended Family'". ABC News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
"Alicia Keys: Love and Family". Essence. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
"My new song Blended Family (What You Do For Love)! » Alicia Keys". Alicia Keys. October 6, 2016. Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
Corcoran, Nina (November 14, 2016). "Alicia Keys – Here". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
Feeney, Nolan (November 9, 2016). "Alicia Keys' Here: EW Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
Gauss, Allison (February 17, 2017). "15 Reasons HERE by Alicia Keys Is So Good". Medium. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
Masciotra, David (March 11, 2017). "The gospel of Alicia Keys: In an era dominated by phony vulgarity, she stands for wisdom, authenticity and genuine artistic vision". Salon. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018.
Penrose, Natasha (November 11, 2016). "Alicia Keys Celebrates Her 'Blended Family' in New Video". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
"Alicia Keys Feat. A$AP Rocky: Blended Family (What You do for Love)". IMDb. November 11, 2016.
^ Worldwide digital release of "Blended Family (What You Do For Love)":
- "Blended Family (What You Do For Love): Alicia Keys: Amazon.com". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
- "Blended Family (What You Do For Love): Alicia Keys: Amazon.co.uk". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
- "Blended Family (What You Do For Love) - Alicia Keys - Amazon.de". Amazon.de. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
"Alicia Keys feat. A$AP Rocky – Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" (in Dutch). Ultratop Urban. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
"Alicia Keys feat. A$AP Rocky – Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
"NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
"Alicia Keys Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
"Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
"2016년 42주차 Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
"Alicia Keys feat. A$AP Rocky – Blended Family (What You Do for Love)". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
"Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
"Alicia Keys Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
"2017 Year End Chart: ADULT R&B SONGS". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
"ALICIA KEYS "Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" (Radio Date: 14/10/2016)". Radio Date. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
"Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
"Top 40 Mainstream Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on November 15, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016.

v t e Alicia Keys songs
Discography
Songs in A Minor	"Girlfriend" "How Come You Don't Call Me" "Fallin'" "A Woman's Worth"
The Diary of Alicia Keys	"Karma" "If I Was Your Woman / Walk On By" "You Don't Know My Name" "If I Ain't Got You" "Diary"
Unplugged	"Unbreakable" "Every Little Bit Hurts" "Wild Horses" "Love It or Leave It Alone / Welcome to Jamrock"
As I Am	"Superwoman" "No One" "Like You'll Never See Me Again" "Teenage Love Affair"
The Element of Freedom	"Doesn't Mean Anything" "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" "Wait Til You See My Smile" "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" "Put It in a Love Song" "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" "We're Almost There"
Girl on Fire	"Brand New Me" "New Day" "Girl on Fire" "Fire We Make" "Tears Always Win" "Not Even the King"
Here	"Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" "In Common"
Alicia	"Show Me Love" "Time Machine" "Underdog" "So Done" "Perfect Way to Die" "Good Job" "Love Looks Better" "A Beautiful Noise" "Wasted Energy"
Keys	"Lala" "Best of Me" "Trillions" "Come for Me"
Santa Baby	"December Back 2 June" "The Christmas Song"
As featured artist	"Brotha" "Calma" "Empire State of Mind" "Fireworks" "Gangsta Lovin'" "Ghetto Story" "I Will Pray (Pregherò)" "International Party" "Looking for Paradise" "New Day" "What's Going On"
Other songs	"28 Thousand Days" "America the Beautiful" "Another Way to Die" "Back to Life" "City of Gods" "Die Without You" "Don't Give Up (Africa)" "Finally" "Lifeline" "If This World Were Mine" "It's On Again" "Kaleidoscope" "Little Drummer Girl" "My Boo" "People Get Ready" "Rapture" "Someday We'll All Be Free" "Speechless" "Us" "Wake Me Up" "We Are Here" "We Gotta Pray"
Category

v t e ASAP Rocky songs
Discography Awards and nominations
Live. Love. ASAP	"Peso"
Long. Live. ASAP	"Long Live ASAP" "Goldie" "PMW (All I Really Need)" "Fuckin' Problems" "Wild for the Night" "1 Train" "Fashion Killa" "Phoenix"
At. Long. Last. ASAP	"LSD" "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2)" "Electric Body" "Jukebox Joints" "M's" "Everyday"
Testing	"ASAP Forever" "Fukk Sleep" "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)"
Don't Be Dumb	"D.M.B." "Shittin' Me" "Same Problems?" "Riot (Rowdy Pipe'n)" "Highjack" "Tailor Swif" "Ruby Rosary"
Other songs	"Multiply" "Cocky" "Bad Company" "Potato Salad" "Sundress" "Live Fast" "Babushka Boi" "T.D" "Doja" "Feel the Fiyaaaah" "Am I Dreaming" "Gangsta"
Featured songs	"Hands on the Wheel" "Cockiness (Love It) (Remix)" "Wildest Moments (Remix)" "U.O.E.N.O. (Remix)" "Shabba" "Pretend" "I'm Not the Only One (Remix)" "Good for You" "Blended Family (What You Do for Love)" "Raf" "Who Dat Boy" "Summer Bummer" "Groupie Love" "No Limit" "Whiskey" "Pick It Up" "Count On Me"

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