Direct Answer: Who Wrote 'Shining'
The song most commonly referred to as 'Shining' is Jay-Z's 2017 track 'Shining,' featuring Beyoncé and Childish Gambino. It was written by Shawn Carter (Jay-Z), Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Donald Glover (Childish Gambino), Ludwig Göransson, and producer Michael Uzowuru. It samples Diana Ross's 1976 song 'Shining,' written by Arthur Hamilton. Confusion often arises because multiple songs share the title, and the sample credit is sometimes overlooked.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Song Title | Shining | Official release |
| Lead Artist | Jay-Z | Official release |
| Featured Artists | Beyoncé, Childish Gambino | Official release |
| Songwriters (Jay-Z et al.) | Shawn Carter, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Donald Glover, Ludwig Göransson, Michael Uzowuru | ASCAP/BMI/official liner notes |
| Sample Source | Diana Ross — 'Shining' (1976) | Official release/ASCAP |
| Sample Writers | Arthur Hamilton | ASCAP/publishing records |
Why Confusion Exists Around 'Shining'
Multiple recordings share the title 'Shining,' including tracks by Kanye West (from The Life of Pablo), DJ Khaled (I'm the One), and others. When people ask 'who wrote shining,' they may be referencing any of these songs. The most widely streamed and searched version is Jay-Z's 2017 collaboration, which also includes a prominent sample of Diana Ross's original. Clarifying the artist and release year is essential for accurate attribution.
Songwriting Credits Breakdown for Jay-Z's 'Shining'
On streaming platforms and physical releases, the Jay-Z 'Shining' credits list the following writers: Shawn Carter, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Donald Glover, Ludwig Göransson, Michael Uzowuru, and Arthur Hamilton (for the sample). Performed by Jay-Z featuring Beyoncé and Childish Gambino. Produced by Michael Uzowuru and Göransson. This blend of songwriting and sampling illustrates how modern hits are often co-written across roles and eras.
Writer
Contribution
- Shawn Carter (Jay-Z)
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Featured vocals, co-writing - Donald Glover (Childish Gambino)
Featured vocals, co-writing - Ludwig Göransson
Co-production, composition - Michael Uzowuru
Production, songwriting - Arthur Hamilton
Sample source writing ('Shining' 1976)
Sample Source: Diana Ross 'Shining'
The track prominently interpolates Diana Ross's 1976 song 'Shining,' written by Arthur Hamilton. Proper clearance of this composition and recording was required for Jay-Z's release. The sample is most audible in the song's hook and contributes to its melodic identity. Without the sample credit, the lineage of the song would be incomplete.
Other Notable Songs Titled 'Shining'
Because the title is non-unique, specifying the artist and year is essential:
- Kanye West — 'Shining' (2016, The Life of Pablo), writers: Kanye West, Mike Dean, others
- DJ Khaled — 'I'm the One' (features 'Shining' refrain; distinct song)
- Various independent and regional tracks use the same title
For clarity, the detailed credits above refer to the Jay-Z version, which is the most prominent in global streaming charts and search volume.
How to Confirm Writing Credits
To verify songwriting information for any track, consult official sources such as ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN, or publishing databases; read album liner notes and digital metadata; and check trusted music databases like AllMusic or official artist pages. For sample-dependent tracks, both the musical work and the recording clearance documentation are relevant.