Don't Play

"Don't Play" is a song by English musicians Anne-Marie, KSI, and Digital Farm Animals. It was written alongside Andrew Murray, S-X, Richard Boardman of the disbanded Delphic, Pablo Bowman, and Mojam, who produced it with Digital Farm Animals. The song was released for digital download and streaming by Asylum Records and Warner Music Group on 15 January 2021 as the lead single from Anne-Marie's second studio album, Therapy (2021) and the second single from KSI's second studio album, All Over the Place (2021). The music video was released on 15 January 2021. "Don't Play" received positive reviews from music critics. The song debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and it has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for exceeding sales of 600,000 units in the UK. The song additionally entered the music charts of Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Romania, Sweden and the United States. "Don't Play" was nominated for the BRIT Award for Song of the Year at the 2022 ceremony. Writing and production Speaking about collaborating with Anne-Marie, KSI said, "I was just gassed man. I heard the song and thought, 'Anne-Marie has absolutely made this a hit'. It was a good song but she made it insane. I was so gassed." Speaking about collaborating with KSI, Anne-Marie said, ""I am very open and honest and I try to be as down to earth as I can be all the time, but meeting JJ [KSI] opened my eyes even more. He is so real, it was very inspiring. He taught me to be myself and not to change myself for anyone. And his laugh is as crazy as mine. I was so happy about that." KSI and Anne-Marie confirmed shortly after the release of "Don't Play" that they had already started working on a second collaboration. Music and lyrics Musically, "Don't Play" is a UK garage and pop track. Constructed in verse–chorus form, the song runs for 3 minutes and 8 seconds (3:08).