Deadwood (Toni Braxton song)

"Deadwood" is a song, originally written and performed by singer-songwriter Emil Kwame Ogoo (simply known as EMiL at the time). Emil's version was originally released as his debut single in 2012, with a music video being released earlier in December 2011. The song was then covered six years later by American recording artist Toni Braxton, and was released on September 14, 2017. Braxton's version served as the lead single from her eighth studio album Sex & Cigarettes (2018), and featured extra co-writing from Braxton herself, Royce Doherty, and Fred Ball, who also produced the song.

Background and release
On August 25, 2017, it was announced that director Bille Woodruff was directing a new music video for Braxton confirming the name of a new single titled "Deadwood". On September 5, 2017, in an interview with The Insider, Braxton confirmed the title of her upcoming eighth studio album Sex & Cigarettes stating "I feel like I'm older, I wanna say what I feel. I don't wanna be censored". Braxton released the cover art of the single on September 12, 2017.

Critical reception
The song was met with positive reviews from critics. That Grape Juice favored the track "Ever in fine-form, this gorgeous guitar-led offering proves that her tone has lost none of its buttery brilliance. The production serves as a slick, crisp vehicle driving the song's lyrical agenda and does so dynamically. Marvellous melody and memorable hook too." Essence stated: "Deadwood, is the first step to revealing an uncensored Braxton. It's the debut track from her upcoming album, which is set for release at the top of 2018, and sees the singer exploring a complicated love." Rap-Up gave a positive review of the track stating "Toni Braxton comes back to life with 'Deadwood,' the first single off her forthcoming album Sex & Cigarettes. Over guitar strums, hard drums, and soothing violin strings, the R&B songbird sings about heartbreak and rejuvenation with a soulful air."

Music video
The music video was filmed on August 24, 2017, and directed by Bille Woodruff. The audio video for the song was released to Braxton's Vevo account on September 14, 2017. The video premiered on October 6, 2017.

Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Sex & Cigarettes.


 * Jonathan Allen – recording
 * Fred Ball – instruments, producer, writer
 * Paul Boutin – mixing, percussion
 * Toni Braxton – producer, vocals, writer
 * Royce Doherty – writer
 * Ben Epstein – bass


 * Clarissa Farran – strings arranger
 * Steve Fitzmaurice – recording
 * Earl Harvin – drums
 * Kwame Ogoo – backing vocalist, guitar, writer
 * Hilary Skewes – stings contractor