Risin' to the Top

"Risin' to the Top" is a seminal song by former Five Stairsteps member Keni Burke. Released in 1982 from the Changes album, it became his most successful hit as a solo artist, peaking at number 63 on the Black Singles chart and is now widely considered Burke's signature song. Produced by Burke himself, the song was a defining hit for Burke, showcasing his work outside of Five Stairsteps.

"Risin' to the Top"
Single by Keni Burke
from the album Changes
Released	May 1982
Recorded	1981
Genre	R&B[1]
Length	5:15
Label	RCA (JT-13272, US)
Songwriter(s)	Norma Jean Wright, Kenneth M. Burke, Allan W. Felder
Producer(s)	Kenneth M. Burke
Keni Burke singles chronology
"Shakin'" (1982) "Risin' to the Top" (1982) "Hang Tight" (1982)

Since its 1982 release, the song (particularly its distinctive bassline) has been sample extensively in various R&B and Hip-Hop songs, beginning the following year with the Mary Jane Girls prominently featuring the bassline in their break-out hit, "All Night Long" (which has sometimes been sampled in tandem with "Risin' to the Top" in subsequent recordings). It has a somewhat electronic feel, with drums over the percolating bass, guitar, strings, and keyboards.

Track listing

1. "Risin' To The Top" (Stereo) – 5:16
2. "Risin' To The Top" (Acoustic Mix) – 5:56
3. "Risin' To The Top" (Instrumental) – 5:02

Chart performance

Chart (1982)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[2]	63

Chart (1987)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart[3]	96

Chart (1992)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart[4]	70

References

1. "Keni Burke on Allmusic". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
2. "Keni Burke Music VF, US charts". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
3. "KENI BURKE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Retrieved March 20, 2020.
4. "Risin' to the top {1992} | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Retrieved March 20, 2020.

External links

• Keni Burke's Rising to the Top Discogs page