| Cover | Breakadawn-single.jpg |
|---|---|
| Artist | De La Soul |
| Album | Buhloone Mindstate |
| Released | August 31, 1993 |
| Recorded | 1993 |
| Genre | Hip hop |
| Length | 4:15 |
| Label | Tommy Boy |
| Writer | |
| Producer |
|
| Prev year | 1991 |
| Next year | 1993 |
"Breakadawn" is a song by American hip hop trio De La Soul, released in August 1993, by Tommy Boy Records, as the lead single from their third album, Buhloone Mindstate (1993). It was a number-one hit on the European Dance Radio Chart, while peaking at number 39 in the UK. The song samples "Quiet Storm" by Smokey Robinson and the intro to Michael Jackson's "I Can't Help It", from his Off the Wall album. Additionally, it samples "Sang and Dance" by The Bar-Kays.
Critical reception
Charles Aaron from Spin wrote, "Posdnuos bobs and weaves his lines like a language poet's funky child, Maseo lifts a soothing sample from Smokey Robinson's 'Quiet Storm', and Trugoy tries to enjoy himself, deep as a depth charge. De La Soul Is Dead's grumpy soul-search lost some hip-hop come-latelies; they oughta slink back."[1]
Track listing
- "Breakadawn (Vocal Version)" - 4:15
- "Stickabush" - 1:11
- Guest Appearance: Dres of Black Sheep
- "En Focus (Vocal Version)" - 3:15
- Guest Appearance: Dres of Black Sheep
- "The Dawn Brings Smoke" - 2:11
- "Hsubakcits" - 0:15
- Guest Appearance: Dres of Black Sheep
- "En Focus (Instrumental)" - 3:15
- "Breakadawn (Instrumental)" - 4:15
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (1993) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[2] | 73 |
| Europe (European Dance Radio)[3] | 1 |
| UK Airplay (Music Week)[4] | 20 |
| UK Club Chart (Music Week)[5] | 24 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 76 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 30 |
| US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)[6] | 1 |
| US Cash Box Top 100[7] | 73 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1993) | Position |
|---|---|
| Europe (European Dance Radio)[8] | 18 |
References
- ^ Aaron, Charles (January 1994). "Singles". Spin. p. 80. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- ^ "European Dance Radio". Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 46. 13 November 1993. p. 26. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ "The Airplay Chart". Music Week. 25 September 1993. p. 30. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ "The RM Club Chart". Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). 11 September 1993. p. 4. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ "Hot Dance Music: Maxi-Singles Sales". Billboard. 18 September 1993. p. 27. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ "Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. Vol. LVII, no. 7. 9 October 1993. p. 10. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ "1993 Year-End Airplay Charts: European Dance Radio". Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 51/52. 18 December 1993. p. 18. Retrieved 27 February 2024.