Killah (song)

2025 song by Lady Gaga featuring Gesaffelstein

"Killah"

Song by Lady Gaga featuring Gesaffelstein
from the album  Mayhem
Released| March 7, 2025 (2025-03-07)
Studio| Shangri-La (Malibu)
Genre|

* Electro-funk
* industrial
* techno
* funk rock

Length| 3:30
Label| Interscope
Songwriter(s)|

* Lady Gaga
* Andrew Watt
* Henry Walter
* Mike Lévy

Producer(s)|

* Lady Gaga
* Gesaffelstein
* Andrew Watt
* Cirkut

Official audio
"Killah" on YouTube

"Killah" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lady Gaga featuring French musician Gesaffelstein, included in her studio album Mayhem (2025). It was written and produced jointly by Gaga, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Gesaffelstein. The song is characterized by its electro-funk industrial sound, blending elements of alternative rock, dark techno, and synth-pop.

## Production and composition

[edit]

Gesaffelstein is a featured artist on the track.

Gaga wrote and produced "Killah" with Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Gesaffelstein. Paul Lamalfa recorded the track at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California; Marco Sonzini provided additional engineering, while Tyler Harris worked as the assistant engineer. "Killah" was mixed by Serban Ghenea at Mixstar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound Studios in Edgewater, New Jersey. Gaga, Watt, and Cirkut played keyboards; Chad Smith played drums; and Cirkut and Gesaffelstein played synthesizer and provided drum and bass programming. Watt additionally played electric guitar. Bryce Bordone worked as the assistant mixing engineer, and Marc VanGool served as the studio technician.[1]

"Killah" was combines the industrial and dark aesthetic characteristic of Gesaffelstein with the maximalist approach of Mayhem.[2][3] The song encompasses electro-funk, industrial, and dance genres and has been compared to the sound of David Bowie,[4] Nine Inch Nails and Prince due to its use of dense synthesizers, heavy bass, and aggressive electronic rhythms.[5][6][7] Structurally, the track builds on what some media outlets have described as "a hypnotic groove," with whispered verses that gradually intensify until culminating in a high-energy chorus.[8][9] Various reviews noted that Gesaffelstein's production influence becomes particularly evident in the second half of the song, where the instrumentation breaks into a distorted techno interlude before returning to the chorus with greater impact.[2][9] The lyrics of "Killah" explore a dangerous game of seduction, with Gaga embodying the role of a femme fatale, alternating between seductive and threatening tones.[9] The song uses metaphors of power, desire, and destruction, suggesting that the protagonist is both irresistible and lethal.[9] Some critics interpreted the lyrics as a representation of female strength and autonomy, highlighting how Gaga takes control of the narrative rather than being merely the object of desire.[7][10]

Gaga described “Killah” as one of her favorite tracks on the album and highlighted her collaboration with Gesaffelstein, calling him the creative force behind the production.[11] In an interview with Rolling Stone, she stated it was one of the songs that most pushed her out of her comfort zone during the album's recording, affirming:

> "I love the production of Killah. The only live instrumentation on the entire album is a guitar, and it's so much fun. It has so much confidence. I've never worked with a rhythm and groove like this before. The truth is, I'm not always that confident. I'm someone who can feel deeply insecure, but in this track, it's like my ultimate confidence. And that's part of the journey of Mayhem as a big night out. If you think of the album as a full night, this is that moment where you feel on top of the world."[12]

## Critical reception

[edit]

"Killah" was singled out as a standout track of Mayhem by several journalists. Variety's Steven J. Horowitz described it as "a bold and confident track," highlighting its fusion of electro-funk and industrial techno.[7] Billboard's Stephen Daw noted that Gesaffelstein's collaboration "elevates the song to another dimension, with an interlude that transports us to a Berlin nightclub."[9] The Quietus's CJ Thorpe-Tracey considered it an homage to Prince's sound, emphasizing "the mix of sensuality and danger in Gaga's performance."[10] Evening Standard's India Block praised its sonic combination, calling it "fun and cruel."[8] Vulture called it "an absolute joy", where everyone "were clearly having the time of their lives making this", adding that Gaga was at her "silliest" since the release of "Applause" (2013).[13]

The Guardian's Alexis Petridis stated that "Killah" stands out within the album for its "unexpected production shifts."[14] AllMusic's Neil Z. Yeung highlighted the track as one of the album's best moments, describing it as "a collaboration with Gesaffelstein that blends Bowie and Prince's influence with the intensity of St. Vincent or Trent Reznor."[15] The Line of Best Fit's David Cobbald mentioned that while the production was ambitious, it did not reach the depth of Gesaffelstein's previous work with The Weeknd.[16]

## Commercial performance

[edit]

After the release of Mayhem, "Killah" debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Global 200 for the chart dated March 22, 2025. In the United States, the song entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 93, while reaching number 8 on the Hot Dance/Pop Songs chart.[17] In Canada, it debuted at number 87 on the Canadian Hot 100, while in the United Kingdom, it entered the UK Streaming Chart at number 82.[18]

## Live performances

[edit]

On March 8, 2025, Gaga performed "Killah" live for the first time on Saturday Night Live as part of its fiftieth season, along with "Abracadabra".[19] The performance began in the hallways of Studio 8H, where Gaga and her dancers interacted with security cameras before returning to the main stage.[20] For the performance, she wore a purple outfit, seemingly as a tribute to Prince, one of the song's primary influences.[19][20] Variety described the performance as "one of her most frenetic and immersive," while Rolling Stone praised her "overflowing intensity" and the funk style that made the song "feel like an instant classic."[20] AOL stated that the performance captured "the chaotic and theatrical spirit" of the album, solidifying the song as "a fan favorite just days after its release."[21] Vulture found the performance "unforgettable", with Gaga "skulking through the Studio 8H hallways like a woman possessed.[13]

A month later, Gaga performed "Killah" at her 2025 promotional concerts for Mayhem, including a headlining set at Coachella 2025, wearing a blue and glittering black leotard paired with a dramatic blue ruffled coat.[22][23] For the first week of Coachella, she was accompanied on keyboard by Gesaffelstein, who appeared on stage wearing his trademark sleek black suit and a gleaming chrome mask.[24][25] Gaga paused to quickly dance with him before walking down the stage, where she played a drum set lifted by her dancers.[26]

## Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Mayhem.[1]

* Lady Gaga – songwriter, producer, lead vocals, background vocals, keyboards
* Andrew Watt – songwriter, producer, electric guitar, keyboards
* Cirkut – songwriter, producer, synthesizer, keyboards, drum programming, bass programming
* Gesaffelstein – songwriter, producer, synthesizer, drum programming, bass programming
* Chad Smith – drums
* Paul Lamalfa – recording engineer
* Serban Ghenea – mixing engineer
* Randy Merrill – mastering engineer
* Marco Sonzini – additional engineer
* Tyler Harris – assistant engineer
* Bryce Bordone – assistant mixing engineer
* Marc VanGool – studio technician

## Charts

[edit]

Chart performance for "Killah"  Chart (2025)  | Peak
position

|

Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[27] | 87
France (SNEP)[28] | 194
Global 200 (Billboard)[29] | 95
Greece International (IFPI)[30] | 73
Portugal (AFP)[31] | 136
UK Streaming (OCC)[18] | 82
US Billboard Hot 100[17] | 93
US Hot Dance/Pop Songs (Billboard)[32] | 8

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Gaga, Lady (2025). Mayhem (vinyl liner notes). Interscope Records. 602475451099.
2. ^ a b Ackroyd, Stephen (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga - Mayhem - Dork". Dork. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
3. ^ Potton, Ed (March 6, 2025). "Lady Gaga: Mayhem review — dancefloor bangers are the diva at her best". The Times. Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
4. ^ Camp, Alexa (March 6, 2025). "Lady Gaga 'Mayhem' Review: An Album That Falls Short of Its Title". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
5. ^ Levine, Nick (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga – Mayhem Review: Queen of Pop Bombast Dials Everything Up to Eleven". NME. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
6. ^ Burn, Richard (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga Mayhem Review: An All-Out Pop Microcosm of Her Career So Far". Rolling Stone UK. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
7. ^ a b c Horowitz, Steven J. (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga Returns to Her Dance Floor Roots — and Has a Blast — on Mayhem: Album Review". Variety. Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
8. ^ a b Block, India (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga Mayhem Review: Murderous Music to Dance All Night To". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
9. ^ a b c d e Daw, Stephen (March 7, 2025). "Every Song From Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' Album, Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
10. ^ a b Doran, John (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga – Mayhem". The Quietus. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
11. ^ Mier, Tomás (April 8, 2025). "Lady Gaga Can't Wait to Play This 'Mayhem' Song at Coachella: It 'Just Pops Off'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
12. ^ Mier, Tomás (March 6, 2025). "Lady Gaga Found 'Peak Confidence' on 'Mayhem': 'Now I Really Feel Like Myself'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
13. ^ a b S. Hé, Kristen. "Every Lady Gaga Song, Ranked A deep dive into a star who almost single-handedly raised the bar for pop music". Vulture. Archived from the original on April 22, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
14. ^ Petridis, Alexis (March 6, 2025). "Lady Gaga: Mayhem Review – a Fabulous Return to Her Freaky First Principles". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
15. ^ Yeung, Neil Z. (March 7, 2025). "Mayhem by Lady Gaga". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
16. ^ Cobbald, David (March 7, 2025). "Lady Gaga's Seventh Studio Album Needs More Mayhem". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
17. ^ a b "Lady Gaga Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
18. ^ a b "Official Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
19. ^ a b Vaillancourt, William (March 9, 2025). "'SNL': Watch Lady Gaga Perform 'Abracadabra,' 'Killah'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
20. ^ a b c Willman, Chris (March 9, 2025). "Lady Gaga Goes Full 'Killah' in Kinetic 'SNL' Performances of Her New 'Mayhem' Songs". Variety. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
21. ^ "Lady Gaga Goes Full 'Killah' in Kinetic 'SNL' Performances of Her New 'Mayhem' Songs". AOL. March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
22. ^ Frank, Jason P. (April 12, 2025). "Lady Gaga Played Chess with Her 'Poker Face' at Coachella". Vulture. Archived from the original on April 12, 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
23. ^ Sasic, Ema (April 12, 2025). "Coachella 2025: Lady Gaga brings a night of 'Mayhem' to desert with sets, vocals galore". The Desert Sun. Archived from the original on April 12, 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
24. ^ Wood, Mikael (April 12, 2025). "Lady Gaga proves she's music's greatest kook in campy Coachella thriller". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 12, 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
25. ^ Heffler, Jason (April 12, 2025). ""Killah" Chemistry: Lady Gaga Brings Out Gesaffelstein as Sole Coachella 2025 Guest". EDM.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2025. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
26. ^ Bucksbaum, Sydney (April 12, 2025). "Lady Gaga releases 'Abracadabra' remix after Coachella 2025 headlining set with surprise guest Gesaffelstein". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 12, 2025. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
27. ^ "Lady Gaga Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
28. ^ "Top Singles (Week 11, 2025)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
29. ^ "Lady Gaga Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
30. ^ "Official IFPI Charts − Digital Singles Chart (International) − Εβδομάδα: 11/2025" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on March 19, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
31. ^ "Top 200 Singles Semana 11 de 2025" (PDF). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. March 20, 2025. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 20, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
32. ^ "Lady Gaga Chart History (Hot Dance/Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2025.

* v
* t
* e

Lady Gaga songs

* Discography

The Fame|

* "Just Dance"
* "LoveGame"
* "Paparazzi"
* "Poker Face"
* "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)"
* "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich"

The Fame Monster|

* "Bad Romance"
* "Alejandro"
* "Monster"
* "Speechless"
* "Dance in the Dark"
* "Telephone"
* "So Happy I Could Die"
* "Teeth"

Born This Way|

* "Marry the Night"
* "Born This Way"
* "Government Hooker"
* "Judas"
* "Americano"
* "Hair"
* "Scheiße"
* "Bloody Mary"
* "Electric Chapel"
* "You and I"
* "The Edge of Glory"

Artpop|

* "Aura"
* "Venus"
* "G.U.Y."
* "Sexxx Dreams"
* "Do What U Want"
* "Artpop"
* "Swine"
* "Dope"
* "Gypsy"
* "Applause"

Cheek to Cheek|

* "Anything Goes"
* "I Can't Give You Anything but Love"
* "Nature Boy"
* "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)"

Joanne|

* "A-Yo"
* "Joanne"
* "John Wayne"
* "Perfect Illusion"
* "Million Reasons"
* "Angel Down"

A Star Is Born|

* "Shallow"
* "Always Remember Us This Way"
* "Is That Alright?"
* "Why Did You Do That?"
* "I'll Never Love Again"

Chromatica|

* "Alice"
* "Stupid Love"
* "Rain on Me"
* "Free Woman"
* "911"
* "Sour Candy"
* "Sine from Above"

Love for Sale|

* "Love for Sale"
* "I Get a Kick Out of You"

Top Gun: Maverick|

* "Hold My Hand"

Harlequin|

* "The Joker"

Mayhem|

* "Disease"
* "Abracadabra"
* "Garden of Eden"
* "Perfect Celebrity"
* "Vanish into You"
* "Killah"
* "Zombieboy"
* "How Bad Do U Want Me"
* "Shadow of a Man"
* "Die with a Smile"

As featured artist|

* "Chillin"
* "Video Phone" (remix)
* "3-Way (The Golden Rule)"
* "Sweet Sounds of Heaven"

Other songs recorded|

* "Christmas Tree"
* "Nothing On (But the Radio)"
* "The Lady Is a Tramp"
* "Til It Happens to You"
* "The Cure"
* "Your Song"

Other songs
written/produced|

* "Make Her Say"
* "Fever"
* "Perform This Way"
* "Invading My Mind"
* "Hypnotico"
* "Maybe It's Time"

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Gesaffelstein

Discography

Studio albums|

* Aleph
* Hyperion
* Gamma

Singles|

* "Lost in the Fire"

Films scored|

* Disorder

Other songs|

* "I Was Never There"
* "Hurt You"
* "Killah"

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