A Boy Is a Gun

Last updated
"A Boy Is a Gun"
Song by Tyler, The Creator
from the album Igor
ReleasedMay 17, 2019
Genre
Length3:30
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Tyler Okonma
Music video
"A Boy Is a Gun" on YouTube

"A Boy Is a Gun" (stylized in all caps and with an asterisk in the end) is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator from his fifth album Igor. The song was written by Tyler, the Creator with multiple producers. Released on May 17, 2019, beside the other songs in the album, it charted in the Billboard Hot 100, the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and the Canadian Hot 100. The song also gained a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America and a gold certification from Music Canada.

Contents

An accompanying music video directed by Tyler himself is centered around Igor–Tyler's alter ego. It is set in a mansion. Igor is interested in a love interest, while the love interest is disinterested. Igor appears to have a mental breakdown and fights with the interest, ending the video.

Background and composition

Since day one, I’ve always wanted to make the prettiest shit that’s borderline boring,
or the hardest fucking shit, And I’ve been trying to mix those together since my first album.

Tyler Okonma, [1]

The song is inspired by the 1971 French western film Une Aventure de Billy le Kid, also known as "A Girl is a Gun". [2] "A girl is a gun" was popularized by a clothing brand, Pleasure, which printed the phrase in shirts. The phrase was further popularized when Playboi Carti wore it in his single Magnolia. [3] The video style is inspired by another movie, 2017's Call Me by Your Name, from which Tyler is a fan of. [4] On May 13, 2019, Tyler released a 28-second snippet on the song in social media. [5] The song was sampled from "Bound", by the Ponderosa Twins Plus One, with vocals from Solange Knowles. [6] Tyler has history with the sample, co-producing "Bound 1", by Kanye West. [7]

Music video and lyrics

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
Tyler, the Creator - A Boy Is a Gun
To illustrate the diversity of the song, which has been called "calm".
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The music video was directed by Wolf Haley, with an appearance by Tracee Ellis Ross. [8] The video is centered to Igor, Tyler's alter ego. Igor is placed in a mansion, walking around the balcony, ending up in a bathtub. [9] [10] He is spotted to be interested in a love interest, while the love interest is "disinterested" in him. After, Igor appears to have a mental breakdown, throwing clothes and running across the lawn. The final scene is of Igor's lover leaving in a limo with his girlfriend. Igor runs out after him, but misses him and puts his head on the ground as he cries. [9]

Critical reception

The song received relatively positive reviews from critics, with American magazine Pitchfork stating that the song was where Tyler is at his "most creative", with the end stating that the song ended unnaturally. Furthermore, the song was praised for its varied tone and tempo, reflecting the "volatility" of Tyler's feelings. [11] The song was described containing "minimalist, looping, eyes-to-the-sky aesthetic" by the Music website Sputnikmusic. [12] British website NME stated that the song "put its' own spin" on the Ponderosa Twins Plus One track, Bound. [13]

Personnel

Music

Video

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "A Boy Is a Gun"
ChartPeak
position
Australia (ARIA) [14] 56
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [15] 75
US Billboard Hot 100 [16] 72
US Billboard Streaming Songs [17] 47
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [18] 36

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [19] Gold40,000‡
United States (RIAA) [20] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler, the Creator</span> American rapper (born 1991)

Tyler Gregory Okonma, known professionally as Tyler, The Creator, is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. He has been cited as an influential figure in alternative hip hop during the 2010s.

<i>Goblin</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Tyler, the Creator

Goblin is the second studio album by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011, by XL Recordings. Goblin continues Tyler's dialogues with his fictional therapist Dr. TC, first heard on his 2009 album, Bastard. The album's songs were produced almost entirely by Tyler himself, along with a contribution from fellow Odd Future member Left Brain. The album features guest appearances from Odd Future members Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats, Jasper Dolphin, Taco, Domo Genesis, Mike G and Syd.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yonkers (song)</span> 2011 single by Tyler, the Creator

"Yonkers" is a song written, produced, and performed by American rapper Tyler, the Creator, released digitally as the second single from his second album, Goblin on February 14, 2011. It received controversy due to its violent lyrics and numerous disses, although it was critically acclaimed and landed on numerous year-end lists. Tyler also directed a music video for the single, which was also met with positive critical reception and earned him the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Numerous publications have considered "Yonkers" to be Tyler's breakout song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler, the Creator discography</span>

American rapper Tyler, the Creator has released eight studio albums, one extended play (EP), 36 singles, three mixtapes, two instrumental albums, one live album and one video album.

"Bound 2" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featured as the final track from his sixth studio album, Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West and Che Pope, with additional production being handled by Eric Danchick, Noah Goldstein, No ID and Mike Dean. The song features vocals from American soul singer Charlie Wilson and serves as the album's second single. "Bound 2" incorporates samples from "Bound" by Ponderosa Twins Plus One and the lines "Uh-huh, honey" and "Alright" from Brenda Lee's "Sweet Nothin's". The song also interpolates Wee's "Aeroplane (Reprise)" for the bridge, sung by Charlie Wilson.

Ponderosa Twins Plus One was an American soul vocal group formed in 1970 in Cleveland, Ohio. The group featured two sets of identical twins, Alfred and Alvin Pelham, and Keith and Kirk Gardner, along with Ricky Spicer. The group released one studio album, 2 + 2 + 1 = Ponderosa Twins Plus One, in 1971, before disbanding in 1975.

<i>2 + 2 + 1 = Ponderosa Twins Plus One</i> 1971 studio album by Ponderosa Twins Plus One

2 + 2 + 1 = Ponderosa Twins Plus One is the only album by American vocal group Ponderosa Twins Plus One, released in 1971 through Horoscope Records. The album was produced by Bobby Massey of the O'Jays and Michael Burton, a songwriter and producer of All Platinum Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy (Drake song)</span> 2015 single by Drake

"Energy" is the second single by Canadian rapper Drake from his commercial mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late. The single was released on July 10, 2015, about five months after the release of the mixtape.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Dat Boy</span> 2017 single by Tyler, the Creator featuring ASAP Rocky

"Who Dat Boy" is a song written and performed by American rapper Tyler, the Creator featuring fellow American rapper ASAP Rocky. Produced by the former, it was released on June 30, 2017 alongside, "911 / Mr. Lonely" through Columbia Records, as the lead singles from his fifth studio album Flower Boy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">911 / Mr. Lonely</span> 2017 single by Tyler, the Creator featuring Frank Ocean and Steve Lacy

"911 / Mr. Lonely" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator featuring American singers Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy as well as Norwegian singer Anna of the North. It was released through Columbia Records on June 30, 2017, alongside "Who Dat Boy", as the lead singles from the former's fifth studio album, Flower Boy. Produced by Tyler, he wrote the song alongside Ocean, with Raymond Calhoun receiving writing credits for the interpolation of The Gap Band's song "Outstanding."

<i>Igor</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Tyler, the Creator

Igor is the sixth studio album by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was released on May 17, 2019, through Columbia Records. Produced solely by Tyler himself, the album features guest appearances from Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, Solange, Kanye West, and Jerrod Carmichael. Following the release of Tyler's previous album Flower Boy (2017), the album was primarily recorded in California, with recording sessions also being held in Lake Como, Italy, and Atlanta between 2017 and 2019.

"New Magic Wand" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator from his sixth studio album Igor (2019). It incorporates elements of "Vsichni Praznj" by Siluetes 61 and features background vocals from American singer Santigold.

"I Think" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator, released as the third track from his fifth studio album Igor (2019). The song features additional vocals from American singer Solange, as well as background vocals from singers Ryan Beatty, Anthony Evans, Amanda Brown and Tiffany Stevenson.

"Gone, Gone / Thank You" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator from his sixth studio album Igor (2019). It features background vocals from American singer CeeLo Green. The song contains excerpts from "Hey Girl" by Cullen Omori of Smith Westerns and interpolations from "Fragile" by Tatsuro Yamashita.

"Earfquake" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It is the second song from his sixth studio album, Igor (2019). It features an uncredited guest appearance from fellow American rapper Playboi Carti and background vocals by American singers Charlie Wilson and Jessy Wilson. It was released as the album's lead single to rhythmic contemporary radio on June 4, 2019. Its official remix by Channel Tres was released on October 4, 2019. "Earfquake" was Tyler, the Creator's highest-charting song in the US at the time, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also ranked 14th on Billboard's 100 Best Songs of 2019 list.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best Interest (song)</span> 2020 single by Tyler, the Creator

"Best Interest" is a song by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was first released on December 23, 2019 as a music video, before being released to streaming services on January 25, 2020. The song contains a sample of "Bless You With My Love" by Heaven Sent & Ecstasy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lumberjack (song)</span> 2021 single by Tyler, the Creator

"Lumberjack" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator, released on June 16, 2021, as the lead single from his seventh studio album, Call Me If You Get Lost. The song samples the Gravediggaz track "2 Cups of Blood".

<i>Call Me If You Get Lost</i> 2021 studio album by Tyler, the Creator

Call Me If You Get Lost is the seventh studio album by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. The album was released on June 25, 2021, through Columbia Records. The album is narrated by DJ Drama and features guest appearances from 42 Dugg, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Wayne, Domo Genesis, Brent Faiyaz, Lil Uzi Vert, Pharrell Williams, Teezo Touchdown, Fana Hues and Daisy World. Tyler produced the album himself, with additional production contributed by Jamie xx and Jay Versace.

"WusYaName" is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator featuring fellow American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again and American singer Ty Dolla $ign. It was released on June 22, 2021, alongside a retro-themed music video, as the second single from Tyler's seventh studio album, Call Me If You Get Lost. A '90s-inspired R&B record, it samples H-Town's "Back Seat ", and sees Tyler rapping and singing to a mysterious woman he becomes love-struck with while on a road trip. The song was noted for its production and Tyler's delivery, and is the highest-charting track from the album.

References

  1. ↑ Lamarre, Carl (2019-09-16). "Tyler, the Creator Searches for Answers in 'A Boy Is a Gun' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  2. ↑ Morris, Ashley (2019-09-17). "Tyler, The Creator Releases Stunning Visual for "A BOY IS A GUN*"". EUPHORIA. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
  3. ↑ "How Tyler, The Creator's "A BOY IS A GUN" Flips A Feminist Idiom". Genius. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  4. ↑ "Tyler, The Creator's "A BOY IS A GUN*" Video Explained | Song Stories | 24HourHipHop". 2019-09-20. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
  5. 1 2 ""A Boy Is A Gun" by Tyler, the Creator". Song Meanings and Facts. 2019-05-19. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  6. ↑ "Tyler, The Creator Navigates A Love Triangle In The "A Boy Is A Gun" Video". Genius. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  7. 1 2 3 "Tyler, The Creator's "A BOY IS A GUN" Samples Ponderosa Twins Plus One's "Bound"". Genius. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  8. 1 2 3 Kim, Michelle Hyun (2019-09-16). "Watch Tyler, the Creator's New "A BOY IS A GUN*" Video". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  9. 1 2 Reed, Ryan (2019-09-16). "Tyler, the Creator Channels Igor Alter-Ego in 'A Boy Is a Gun' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
  10. ↑ "Tyler, The Creator Becomes IGOR for New "A BOY IS A GUN*" Video -". mxdwn Music. 2019-09-16. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  11. ↑ Strauss, Matthew. "Tyler, the Creator: Igor". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  12. ↑ "Review: Tyler, the Creator - IGOR | Sputnikmusic". www.sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  13. ↑ Moore, Sam (2019-05-20). "Tyler, The Creator – 'IGOR' review". NME. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  14. ↑ Grant. "Every ARIA Top 100 Single in 2019" . Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  15. ↑ "Tyler, The Creator Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  16. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 Week of June 1, 2019". 1 June 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  17. ↑ "Billboard Streaming Songs June 1, 2019" . 2019-06-01. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  18. ↑ "Tyler, The Creator Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  19. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Tyler, the Creator – A Boy Is a Gun*". Music Canada . Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  20. ↑ "American single certifications – Tyler, the Creator – A Boy Is a Gun*". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved September 23, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.