{{Short description|2013 single by MØ featuring Diplo}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox song | name = XXX 88 | cover = MØ - XXX 88 - Cover.jpg | alt = Cover artwork of "XXX 88": Stylized text reading "X8X8X", "Feat. Diplo", and "MØMØMØ" appear over a black-and-white image of palm trees | border = yes | type = single | artist = MØ featuring Diplo | EP = Bikini Daze | released = {{Start date|2013|10|20}} | genre = * Dark pop * electropop | length = {{Duration|m=3|s=39}} | label = * Chess Club * RCA | composer = * Diplo * Karen Marie Ørsted * Ronni Vindahl | lyricist = Karen Marie Ørsted | producer = * Diplo * Ronni Vindahl | chronology = MØ | prev_title = Waste of Time | prev_year = 2013 | next_title = Don't Wanna Dance | next_year = 2014 | misc = {{Extra chronology| | artist = Diplo | type = single | prev_title = Elastic Heart | prev_year = 2013 | title = XXX 88 | year = 2013 | next_title = Take Ü There | next_year = 2014}} {{External music video|{{YouTube|bmLMPFXzBLA|"XXX 88"}}}} }}
"'''XXX 88'''" is a song by the Danish singer-songwriter MØ featuring the American producer Diplo. The two decided to collaborate after MØ mentioned in an interview that she wanted to work with Major Lazer, and fans implored Diplo on Twitter to accept her request. A dark pop and electropop song, "XXX 88" was first premiered on BBC Radio 1 on August 29, 2013, and was officially released as the first single of her debut extended play ''Bikini Daze'' on October 20. The song was also included as part of ''No Mythologies to Follow'', MØ's debut studio album released on March 7, 2014.
"XXX 88" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised how well the collaboration worked. The song's release was accompanied by a music video released on September 9, 2013, featuring MØ as a daydreaming teenager. The song charted in Belgium and in the United Kingdom.
== Background and composition == {{Listen | filename = MØ - XXX 88.ogg | title = "XXX 88" | description = A 21-second audio sample from the chorus of "XXX 88". The electropop song is mostly driven by synthesizers and a "marching band" beat, and has been stylistically compared to Grimes. | pos = right | type = music }} In 2012, MØ released her first single, "Maiden". This song caught the attention of Ronni Vindahl, who would go on to become a long-time collaborator with MØ, and began her rise to stardom.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |last=Bradley |first=Tyler |date=February 11, 2014 |title=MØ Wants To Dance: Danish Singer Talks Debut Album, Working With Diplo |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mo-wants-to-dance-danish-singer-talks-debut-album-working-with-5901223/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130072211/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mo-wants-to-dance-danish-singer-talks-debut-album-working-with-5901223/ |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Myers |first=Owen |date=May 13, 2016 |title=How Mø Finessed Anarchist Punk Life Into Global Pop Stardom |url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/05/13/mo-interview-final-song-new-album |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130110001/https://www.thefader.com/2016/05/13/mo-interview-final-song-new-album |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=The Fader}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |last=Zeichner |first=Naomi |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Stream: MØ f. Diplo, 'XXX 88' |url=https://www.thefader.com/2013/08/29/stream-mo-f-diplo-xxx-88 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124235244/https://www.thefader.com/2013/08/29/stream-mo-f-diplo-xxx-88 |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=The Fader}}</ref> Later, in a 2013 interview with ''The Fader'', MØ commented that the artist she would most like to work with was the electronic group Major Lazer.<ref name=":0" /> This caused fans to message Major Lazer member Diplo on Twitter to "please make this happen", leading to MØ's manager pursuing the collaboration; the two artists subsequently met up in Amsterdam and worked together.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 14, 2013 |title=''Elle'' Meets MØ |url=https://www.elle.com.au/culture/elle-meets-moe-7659/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612180457/https://www.elle.com.au/culture/elle-meets-moe-7659/ |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=Elle Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Payne |first=Lauren |date=October 14, 2013 |title=Interview: MO |url=https://themusic.com.au/features/interview-mo/iMmQmp2cn54/14-10-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206203143/https://themusic.com.au/features/interview-mo/iMmQmp2cn54/14-10-13 |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=The Music}}</ref>
"XXX 88" is a "punchy" song<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zoladz |first=Lindsay |date=August 29, 2013 |title='XXX 88' [ft. Diplo] |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/15956-m-xxx-88-ft-diplo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206203455/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/15956-m-xxx-88-ft-diplo/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> which has been described as being dark pop<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lobenfeld |first=Claire |date=August 29, 2013 |title=MØ – 'XXX 88' (Prod. Diplo) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1453441/mo-xxx-88-prod-diplo/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206203349/https://www.stereogum.com/1453441/mo-xxx-88-prod-diplo/news/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> and electropop,<ref name=":11">{{Cite magazine |last=Cirisano |first=Tatiana |date=July 17, 2017 |title=Diplo's 15 Best Songs: Critic's Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/diplo-songs-best-hits-list-7865821/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206203529/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/diplo-songs-best-hits-list-7865821/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> with influences from trap<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last=Murray |first=Sean |date=July 19, 2024 |title=MØ - Bikini Daze |url=https://diymag.com/article/mo-bikini-daze |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241206203735/https://diymag.com/article/mo-bikini-daze |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=DIY}}</ref> and hip-hop.<ref name=":10">{{Cite magazine |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=August 30, 2013 |title=MØ Pairs Up With Diplo |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/mø-pairs-up-with-diplo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403182819/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/m%C3%B8-pairs-up-with-diplo |archive-date=April 3, 2014 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Clash}}</ref> Instrumentally, the song consists primarily of layered synthesizers and brass stabs,<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite magazine |last=Day |first=Laurence |date=October 16, 2013 |title=MØ — ''Bikini Daze'' EP |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/mo-bikini-daze-ep-139375 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206203808/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/mo-bikini-daze-ep-139375 |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref> alongside a "marching band" beat consisting of trap drums, claps, and "slick" hi-hats.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite magazine |last=Milton |first=Jamie |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Listen: MØ Streams New 'XXX 88 Feat. Diplo' Single |url=https://diymag.com/news/listen-mo-streams-new-xxx-88-feat-diplo-single |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201232301/https://diymag.com/news/listen-mo-streams-new-xxx-88-feat-diplo-single |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=DIY}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite magazine |last=Carson |first=Dan |date=August 30, 2013 |title=Listen: MØ – XXX 88 ft. Diplo |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/mo-xxx-88-ft-diplo-136007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425135052/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/mo-xxx-88-ft-diplo-136007 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref> MØ also chants 'hey!' repeatedly during the song's chorus,<ref name=":7" /> and at one point "hollers" Diplo's name.<ref name=":8" /> Dan Carson of ''The Line of Best Fit'' stylistically compared "XXX 88" to songs by the Canadian singer-songwriter Grimes,<ref name=":12" /> while Robin Murray of ''Clash'' noted that MØ's vocal performance was reminiscent of R&B singers like Brandy and Aaliyah.<ref name=":10" />
== Release == "XXX 88" first premiered on BBC Radio 1 on August 29, 2013,<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |date=August 30, 2013 |title=House Playlist: Karen O, Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys, Frankie Rose, & MØ featuring Diplo |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/house-playlist-karen-o-paul-mccartney-arctic-monkeys-frankie-rose-mo-featuring-diplo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205201503/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/house-playlist-karen-o-paul-mccartney-arctic-monkeys-frankie-rose-mo-featuring-diplo/ |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=Slant Magazine}}</ref> and was released for digital download and streaming the next day.<ref name="itunes1" /> The song was later released on October 20, 2013 as part of the EP ''Bikini Daze'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geslani |first=Michelle |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Listen to MØ's sweeping new pop song, 'Never Wanna Know' |url=https://consequence.net/2013/09/listen-to-mos-sweeping-new-pop-song-never-wanna-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205201449/https://consequence.net/2013/09/listen-to-mos-sweeping-new-pop-song-never-wanna-know/ |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Consequence}}</ref> and was officially released as a single the same day.<ref name=":1" /> "XXX 88" was later re-released on March 7, 2014 as part of MØ's debut studio album ''No Mythologies to Follow'', alongside other songs first released on ''Bikini Daze''.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Terry |first=Josh |date=March 10, 2014 |title=Album Review: MØ – ''No Mythologies to Follow'' |url=https://consequence.net/2014/03/album-review-mo-no-mythologies-to-follow/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206204110/https://consequence.net/2014/03/album-review-mo-no-mythologies-to-follow/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Consequence}}</ref> On November 1, 2019, the song was included on ''Walshy Fire Presents: MMMMØ – The Mix'', a remix album by MØ and Major Lazer member Walshy Fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=October 23, 2019 |title=MØ Covers Smashing Pumpkins' 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings': Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/mo-covers-smashing-pumpkins-bullet-with-butterfly-wings-listen/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> "XXX 88" also appeared on the deluxe re-issue of ''No Mythologies to Follow'' on March 15, 2024, in honor of the album's tenth anniversary.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Jamieson |first=Sarah |date=January 24, 2024 |title=MØ to celebrate tenth anniversary of ''No Mythologies to Follow'', set to play London's XOYO |url=https://diymag.com/news/mo-tenth-anniversary-no-mythologies-to-follow-london-xoyo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303191908/https://diymag.com/news/mo-tenth-anniversary-no-mythologies-to-follow-london-xoyo |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=DIY}}</ref>
=== Music video === An accompanying music video for "XXX 88", directed by Tim Erem, was released on September 9, 2013 to MØ's YouTube channel.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=September 9, 2013 |title=MØ – 'XXX 88' Video |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1465562/mo-xxx-88-video/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206204354/https://www.stereogum.com/1465562/mo-xxx-88-video/news/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Stereogum}}</ref> The video, recorded in Los Angeles over the course of two days, stars MØ as a teenager who, as described by ''Stereogum''{{'}}s Tom Breihan, "imagines herself as some sort of world-traveling glam-pop superhero".<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> Over the course of the video, MØ, wearing a long ponytail, a gold chain, and a "petite red-striped top",<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bloodgood |first=Sarina |date=June 16, 2014 |title=The Styling of MØ's New Video for 'Walk This Way' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-styling-of-ms-new-video-for-walk-this-way/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130193235/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-styling-of-ms-new-video-for-walk-this-way/ |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |magazine=Vice}}</ref> daydreams in her bedroom, dances in an open desert, and rides on a gold motorcycle.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Pelly |first=Jenn |date=September 9, 2013 |title=Video: MØ: 'XXX 88' Featuring Diplo |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52211-video-m-xxx-88-featuring-diplo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123104855/https://pitchfork.com/news/52211-video-m-xxx-88-featuring-diplo/ |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> Diplo also makes a cameo in the video, appearing "oiled-up naked-except-for-tightie-whities" on the cover of a magazine being read by MØ.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> The video received over 800,000 views in the first five months after its release.<ref name=":2" />
== Reception == "XXX 88" received positive reviews from music critics, with Nick Levine of ''NME'' quipping that the song is "snappier than its title".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=October 28, 2013 |title=MØ – ''Bikini Daze'' EP |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-mo-14890-319586 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207042349/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-mo-14890-319586 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=NME}}</ref> Michelle Geslani of ''Consequence'' wrote that the song "works on so many levels", particularly praising its "sweet yet pulverizing" and "hypnotic yet volatile" nature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geslani |first=Michelle |date=August 29, 2013 |title=Listen to MØ's pulverizing new song, 'XXX 88' featuring Diplo |url=https://consequence.net/2013/08/listen-to-mos-pulverizing-new-song-xxx-88-featuring-diplo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207043729/https://consequence.net/2013/08/listen-to-mos-pulverizing-new-song-xxx-88-featuring-diplo/ |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=Consequence}}</ref> Laurence Day of ''The Line of Best Fit'' similarly called "XXX 88" "equal measures dancefloor catnip... and jagged future-R&B".<ref name=":8" /> Various critics particularly praised how the sounds of MØ and Diplo worked well together on the song. Jamie Milton of ''DIY'' commented that the combination of Diplo's electronic sound and MØ's "signature old-school synths" rendered the song a "bonafide triumph".<ref name=":9" /> Similarly, in their ranking of Diplo's 15 Best Songs, ''Billboard'' placed "XXX 88" in the fifteenth spot citing MØ's "breezy" vocal performance combined with a display of "how far Diplo's creative range can really go".<ref name=":11" />
In Belgium, "XXX 88" charted on the Ultratip Bubbling Under at a peak position of 42.<ref name=flanders /> The song also appeared on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart at number 53.<ref name=uk />
== Track listing == {{Track listing | headline = Digital download<ref name="itunes1">{{Cite web |title=XXX 88 (feat. Diplo) — Single by MØ |publisher=Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/my/album/xxx-88-feat-diplo-single/692721824 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204210608/https://music.apple.com/my/album/xxx-88-feat-diplo-single/692721824 |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=December 4, 2024}}</ref> | title1 = XXX 88 | note1 = featuring Diplo | length1 = 3:40 }} {{tracklist | headline = ''XXX 88 (feat. Diplo) Remixes 1'' track listing<ref name="itunes2">{{Cite web |title=XXX 88 (feat. Diplo) [Remixes 1] — Single by MØ |publisher=Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/my/album/xxx-88-feat-diplo-remixes-1-single/751048996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204210839/https://music.apple.com/my/album/xxx-88-feat-diplo-remixes-1-single/751048996 |archive-date=December 4, 2024|access-date=December 4, 2024}}</ref> | total_length = 12:45 | title1 = XXX 88 | note1 = Faustix & Imanos remix | length1 = 4:21 | title2 = XXX 88 | note2 = Joe Hertz remix | length2 = 4:07 | title3 = XXX 88 | note3 = Oceaan remix | length3 = 4:17 }} {{tracklist | headline = ''XXX 88 (feat. Diplo) [Remixes 2]'' track listing<ref name="itunes3">{{Cite web |title=XXX 88 (feat. Diplo) [Remixes 2] — Single by MØ |publisher=Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/my/album/xxx-88-remixes-2-feat-diplo-single/765489271 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204212614/https://music.apple.com/my/album/xxx-88-remixes-2-feat-diplo-single/765489271 |archive-date=December 4, 2024|access-date=December 4, 2024}}</ref> | total_length = 14:44 | title1 = XXX 88 | note1 = Kilter remix | length1 = 4:54 | title2 = XXX 88 | note2 = Dreamtrak remix | length2 = 6:10 | title3 = XXX 88 | note3 = Nonsens remix | length3 = 3:40 }}
== Personnel == Credits are adapted from Apple Music.<ref name="itunes1" />
* Karen Marie Ørsted{{snd}}vocals, composer, lyrics * Diplo{{snd}}all instruments, musician, composer, producer * Ronni Vindahl{{snd}}all instruments, musician, composer, producer, mixing engineer * Michael Patterson{{snd}}mixing engineer, mastering engineer * Paul Logus{{snd}}mastering engineer * Thomas Edinger{{snd}}horn * Anders Bast{{snd}}horn
== Charts == {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Chart performance ! scope="col"| Chart (2013) ! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position |- {{single chart|Flanders Tip|42|artist=MØ feat. Diplo|song=XXX 88|rowheader=true|date=20240126|access-date=September 17, 2024|refname="flanders"}} |- ! scope="row"| UK Physical Singles Sales (OCC)<ref name=uk>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/physical-singles-chart/20131027/1/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241204223800/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/physical-singles-chart/20131027/1/ |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |title=Official Physical Singles Chart|publisher=Official Charts|access-date=December 4, 2024}}</ref> | 53 |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{MØ}} {{Diplo}}
Category:MØ songs Category:Diplo songs Category:2013 singles Category:2013 songs Category:Songs written by MØ Category:Songs written by Diplo Category:Song recordings produced by Diplo