Who Sings "23": Verified Artist and Song Details
When listeners ask who sings “23,” the answer depends on the specific recording, as multiple well-known tracks share that title. This guide focuses on the most widely circulated versions, their artists, release context, and how to distinguish them. Whether you heard a pop, hip-hop, or rock arrangement, you can use these details to identify the performer and understand which recording matches what you remember.
Why So Many Songs Called “23”
The number in a title often signals a year, age, sports jersey, or cultural reference, making “23” a common choice. Different genres and eras have used it independently, so a song titled “23” can appear in pop, hip-hop, rock, country, and electronic catalogs. For clarity, this overview highlights the most prominent versions and their primary artists to reduce confusion when searching or streaming.
Primary Versions of “23”
Mike Will Made-It Featuring Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J
The most globally recognized “23” in mainstream music is a 2013 single produced by Mike Will Made-It. The track features Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J, blending pop melodies with hip-hop beats. It appeared on Mike Will Made-It’s debut studio album, Est. in 1989, and received broad radio and video promotion, cementing it as a signature version of the title.
Kanye West — "23" (From Late Registration)
Kanye West's “23” is built around a sample of Charlie Wilson’s “Summer Madness” and appears on his 2005 album Late Registration. Although not released as a commercial single, it remains popular on streaming platforms and in performance sets. Production credits include Kanye West, Jon Brion, and contributions from the referenced composition by Wilson, Brown, and others.
Other Notable Songs Titled “23”
Beyond these, many artists have released tracks named “23,” including Joy Williams, The White Tie Affair, and Luna Shadows. Some are album cuts, others are independent or regional releases. Streaming services may show multiple results when searching “23,” so verifying the artist name, album, and year helps ensure you select the intended version.
How to Identify the Correct Version
To pinpoint which “23” you mean, check these attributes side by side:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Artist(s) | Mike Will Made-It (prod.) / Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J (vocals) | Official label release |
| Release Year | 2013 | Label and publishing metadata |
| Album | Est. in 1989 | Retail and streaming listings |
| Sample Source (Kanye West) | Charlie Wilson “Summer Madness” (K & S Project) | Publishing credits and legal documents |
| Chart Performance | Top 20 on Billboard Hot 100 for Mike Will version | Billboard chart archives |
Practical Tips for Confirming the Song
- Check the album or playlist: Official releases list the artist and year beside the track.
- Verify producer and featured credits: They distinguish the Mike Will Made-It version from sample-based tracks.
- Listen for vocal cues: Miley Cyrus leads the hook in the 2013 pop-rap version; Kanye West's track is more sample-driven.
- Use official streaming links: They include verified metadata and reduce misattribution risk.
Summary of Key Findings
The phrase “who sings 23” commonly refers to the 2013 single by Mike Will Made-It with Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J. However, notable tracks by Kanye West and other artists also share the title. Confirming the artist, album, release year, and production details removes ambiguity and supports accurate identification across platforms.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Users often wonder whether “23” is a single or an album track, or if there is an original version they are missing. In many cases, the context is a radio edit or streaming snippet that omits the featuring details. Reviewing full credits and album context resolves most confusion. If you are unsure, comparing the sound to known versions or checking the artist page for “23” will show the primary artist and collaborators at a glance.
Quick Reference: Notable “23” Tracks
| Artist(s) | Year | Album / Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Will Made-It feat. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J | 2013 | Est. in 1989 | Pop-rap single; strong chart performance |
| Kanye West | 2005 | Late Registration | Sample-based album track; no commercial single |
| Various independent artists | 2010s–2020s | Singles, EPs, regional releases | Lower streaming volume; verify artist to avoid confusion |
Tags
Tags: music identification, song credits, artist verification, track disambiguation, streaming metadata