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"Bye Baby" is a song by hip hop recording artist Nas, from his 2012 album Life Is Good. The song was produced by 40 and Nas's frequent collaborator Salaam Remi. Sampling "Goodbye Love" by Guy, the song recounts Nas's failed marriage with Kelis.

Background

"Bye Baby" was produced by Noah "40" Shebib and Salaam Remi, a regular collaborator who has been producing for Nas since his 2001 album Stillmatic. Remi and Nas were able to work with 40 through his manager, whom Remi had a close relationship with. Remi sent Shebib the looped sample from "Goodbye Love" by Guy and Nas's vocals, as he subsequently incorporated various elements of the original song, including Aaron Hall's vocals. 40 allowed Remi to lead the production credit, as the original sample was his idea.

Music Video

A music video for "Bye Baby" was released on August 30, 2012. Scenes include Nas rapping in an empty home, attending divorce proceedings, viewing old film of his wedding, and imagery that directly references the cover of Life Is Good. The video also features singer Aaron Hall of Guy, whose vocals are sampled from the 1988 song "Goodbye Love". The video was directed by Aristotle Torres.

Reception

The song was highlighted on multiple year-end lists. Billboard critics named "Bye Baby" the 14th best song of 2012. PopMatters ranked the song 60th on its "75 Best Songs of 2012" list.

Credits and personnel

The credits for "The Don" are adapted from the liner notes of Life Is Good.

Recording

• Recorded at: Instrument Zoo Studios in Miami, Florida, and Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.

Personnel

• Nas – songwriting, vocals
• Salaam Remi – songwriting, production, guitar
• Noah "40" Shebib – songwriting, production, drums, keyboards, mixing
• Gleyder Disla – recording
• Brian Summer – recording
• Chris Gehringer – mastering

Samples

• Contains samples of "Goodbye Love", performed by Guy and written by Timmy Gatling, Gene Griffin, Aaron Hall, and Teddy Riley.

References

1. "Vibe". www.vibe.com. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
2. Markman, Rob (August 30, 2012). "Nas Toasts to the Good Life In 'Bye Baby' Video". MTV News. MTV. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
3. "Respect the Hustle: Aristotle's Rise From Bronx Orphan to Industry Genius – XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
4. "20 Best Songs of 2012: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
5. "65–56". PopMatters. 2012-12-02. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
6. Life Is Good (CD liner). Nas. Def Jam Recordings. 2012. B001705602.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)

• Nas songs
• 2012 songs
• Songs written by Nas
• Songs written by Salaam Remi
• Songs written by 40 (record producer)
• Songs written by Aaron Hall (singer)
• Songs written by Teddy Riley
• Songs written by Timmy Gatling