2012 single by Kanye West featuring DJ Khaled
"Cold" (originally "Theraflu" and then "Way Too Cold") is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released as the second single from the album Cruel Summer (2012). The song, which features DJ Khaled, was made available for purchase on the iTunes Store on April 17, 2012. Songwriting is credited to West, Chauncey Hollis, James Todd Smith and Marlon Williams, while production was handled by Hit-Boy. Lyrically, the song features West boasting about his personal issues and touching on subjects such as his relationship with Kim Kardashian, his breakup with Amber Rose, and his feelings on Wiz Khalifa and Kris Humphries. Additional vocals are included from DJ Pharris. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised West's lyrical performance and the boldness of his subject matter. The song contains an interpolation of "Lookin' at Me" (1997) as performed by Mase and Puff Daddy, and a sample of "Illegal Search" (1990) also performed by LL Cool J.
The song peaked at number 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while it reached number 68 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Cold" received single artwork designed by frequent West collaborator George Condo, designer of the cover of West's 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. West performed the song at the 2012 Watch the Throne Tour, and at the 2012 BET Awards, along with singles "Mercy" and "New God Flow". A version with an alternative intro was performed live by him during The Yeezus Tour. The song drew controversy from Humphries, the brand Theraflu, and PETA who criticized the content of West's lyrics, claiming the track glorified fur clothing.