"Poppin" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by KSI featuring Lil Pump and Smokepurpp | ||||
from the album Dissimulation | ||||
Released | 27 March 2020 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:33 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
KSI singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Lil Pump singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Smokepurpp singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Poppin" on YouTube |
"Poppin" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI featuring American rappers Lil Pump and Smokepurpp. Produced by Diego Ave,Go Grizzly,Mally Mall,and OG Tint,it was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 27 March 2020 as the third single from KSI's debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020). "Poppin" is a hyperactive hip hop &trap with mumble rap elements,with a bouncy and bass-heavy production. The song's lyrics centre around flexing,mostly money and expensive jewellery. KSI admitted that "it's not a super serious song" and the aim was to "just have some fun with it".
"Poppin" received positive reviews from music critics,with many praising its bounciness and fast-paced flow. The song debuted at number 43 on the UK Singles Chart and it additionally entered the music charts of Ireland and New Zealand. The music video was released on 3 April 2020. The video places the three rappers in a crowded underground club setting,filled with dancing. KSI hosted a competition called the "Poppin Challenge" that gave fans the chance to appear on a remix of the song on the deluxe edition of the album.
"Poppin" was produced by American record producers Diego Ave, Go Grizzly, Mally Mall and OG Tint. [2] The instrumental samples "Death" by Mica Levi, taken from the soundtrack of the film Under the Skin (2013), for which Levi and the track's producer Peter Raeburn were credited as songwriters on "Poppin". [1] Smokepurpp wrote and recorded both a chorus and a verse to the instrumental, but "left it because he didn't really know what he was doing with it". KSI was played the instrumental with Smokepurpp's vocals during a recording studio session with the song's producers in Los Angeles, United States. KSI thought it was "sick" and asked if he could "do something with [it]". KSI wrote and recorded both a pre-chorus and a verse for "Poppin", which "Smokepurpp liked a lot". KSI and his manager Mams Taylor decided to have an additional rapper feature on "Poppin" to "make it even bigger", resulting in the addition of a verse by Lil Pump. Explaining the decision to feature Lil Pump on "Poppin", KSI said that they "wanted something playful" and "it made sense to have him on the track". [3]
"Poppin" is a hyperactive hip hop track with elements of trap and mumble rap. [4] [5] [6] The song uses a bouncy and bass-heavy instrumental. [7] [8] Lil Pump raps the first verse, KSI raps both the second verse and the pre-chorus, and Smokepurpp raps both the third verse and the chorus. [9] The song's lyrics centre around flexing, mostly money and expensive jewellery, with the three rappers making their expensive tastes the topic du jour. [9] [10] Speaking about "Poppin", KSI said, "We really just wanted to drop a bunch of cool flows on this [song]... have [us] turn up on here and just have some fun with it." [11] KSI admitted, "[It's] not a super serious song, but that doesn't mean it can't also be a banger." [10]
In his verse, Lil Pump makes references to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Western African Ebola virus epidemic, with the lyrics, "Look at my wrist, corona / My neck got Ebola". [10] Speaking on Lil Pump's choice of lyrics, KSI recalled, "When I got the verse, I was like, 'Oh my God!'" [12] He continued, "I just burst out laughing when I heard it. I was like, 'Of course Lil Pump did a corona line. Of course.'" [10] KSI said, "[Lil Pump's lyrics] can be wild, but I don't think [that] anyone would find them offensive. I mean, it's Lil Pump. No one's going to be like, 'I can't believe he just said that!' Because it's Lil Pump, it's not really that deep." [11]
On 18 March 2020, KSI announced via Twitter that he would be releasing a new single in the next week. [13] Shortly after, he posted the song's cover art to his social media pages, revealing that the song is titled "Poppin" and features Lil Pump and Smokepurpp, and the song was made available to pre-order on digital download platforms and pre-save on streaming platforms. [14] [15] [16] The song's cover art depicts the three rappers as cartoon characters, dressed in green clothing and equipped with swords, in front of a blue background. [15] "Poppin" was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 27 March 2020 as the third single from KSI's upcoming debut studio album. [17] [18] An audio video was released to KSI's YouTube channel on the same day. [19]
On 30 March 2020, KSI announced via social media that he would be hosting a competition called the "Poppin Challenge". [20] He asked fans to record their own verse for "Poppin" and the best verse, decided by a public poll, would replace Lil Pump's verse on a remix of the song on the deluxe edition of the album. [10] KSI reacted to competition entries in two reaction videos, released to YouTube on 4 April and 9 April 2020, respectively. [21] [22] KSI shortlisted his 13 favourite entries for the public poll, which received 854,435 votes. [23] On 17 April 2020, KSI announced that American YouTuber Crypt was the winner of the competition with 235,096 votes. [10] [24] Explaining the decision to host the competition, KSI said, "The fans got me to the point [where] I'm at today. I thought [that the competition] was a good way to give back [to them]." [10]
"Poppin" was met with positive reviews from music critics. In his review for HotNewHipHop, Mitch Findlay called the song "gaudy". He wrote that "Lil Pump sets things off on an energetic note". Findlay continued, "His flow is in fine form, outlandish in its disregard to etiquette yet all the better for it." Findlay praised KSI for "proving himself to be a capable emcee once more" and "boasting the most dexterous flow on the track". Commenting on the choice of featured artists, Finday wrote, "Though one might be tempted to cry out, 'liability', don't underestimate their crafty, albeit base, nature." [9] Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop similarly admitted that "a feature from [Lil Pump and Smokepurpp] is a bit dated". Fantano observed that their performances are "no where near as raw as [their] SoundCloud [releases] that put [them] on the map", but recognised that "Poppin" has a "similar energy" to them, which KSI "plays off of with his performance on the track pretty well". Fantano further praised KSI for having "a decent sense of what makes for a good song" and concluded that "Poppin" is a "pretty grimy banger with irie production". [25]
Writing for Insider , Kat Tenbarge said that the song has "a relentless beat that could easily accompany a sweaty night at a college pre-game, a nightclub track list, or a viral TikTok dance". [10] The staff of Grungecake called "Poppin" a "bouncy record" and noted that there are "stellar lyrical deliveries from all artists". [7] GRM Daily's Courtney Wynter found that the song "carries a punchy vibe" as a result of the "sharp delivery" from the three artists and Jeremy Randrup of Inlander similarly praised the song's "fast-paced flow and rhyme scheme". [8] [26] Kitty Empire of The Guardian acclaimed that "KSI just about holds his own against [the featured artists]". [27] Writing for i , Nick Duerden remarked that "Poppin" is "a curiously convincing slice of Californian hip hop [for] someone who was born and raised in Watford". [4]
The music video for "Poppin" was directed by TajvsTaj. [7] It was filmed in Los Angeles in March 2020. [28] A trailer for the music video was released on 1 April 2020. [29] The music video was released to KSI's YouTube channel on 3 April 2020. [30] A behind-the-scenes video of the music video shoot was released to the channel one week later. [31] The music video depicts KSI, Lil Pump and Smokepurpp having a good time in a crowded underground club setting, filled with dancing. [7] [28] Canadian-American actor and internet personality King Bach and Korean-American hip hop dancer Bailey Sok make appearances in the video. [7] Sok's performance received praise from the staff of Grungecake, who called her dancing "incredible" and found that she "intensifies the performance for [the music video]". [7]
In the United Kingdom, "Poppin" debuted at number 43 on the UK Singles Chart, narrowly missing out on the top 40 of the chart. [32] The song also debuted at number 23 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart. [33] On 10 July 2020, the Official Charts Company reported that "Poppin" was the 23rd best-selling song to not reach the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart of the first half of 2020. [34] In the Republic of Ireland, "Poppin" debuted at number 52 on the Irish Singles Chart, narrowly missing out on the top 50 of the chart. [35]
Credits adapted from Tidal. [1]
Chart (2020) | Peak position |
---|---|
Ireland (IRMA) [35] | 52 |
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [36] | 13 |
Scotland (OCC) [37] | 25 |
UK Singles (OCC) [38] | 43 |
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [33] | 23 |
UK Indie (OCC) [39] | 4 |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Version | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Various | 27 March 2020 | Original | [17] | ||
30 March 2020 | Instrumental | ||||
25 May 2020 | Remix | [40] |
Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, known professionally as KSI, is an English social media influencer, professional boxer, and musician. He is a co-founding member of YouTube group The Sidemen, the CEO of Misfits Boxing, and the co-owner of Prime Hydration, XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, restaurant chain Sides, and cereal brand Best Breakfasts.
Jump Around is the second extended play (EP) by British YouTuber and rapper KSI. It was released for digital download and streaming by Island Records and Universal Music Group on 28 October 2016. The EP features guest appearances from Stefflon Don, Waka Flocka Flame, MNDM, Mista Silva and Arjun. The EP was preceded by the singles "Goes Off", "Friends with Benefits", and "Jump Around". Simultaneous with the EP's release, KSI embarked on a European concert tour to promote the EP.
Omar Jeffery Pineiro, known professionally as Smokepurpp, is an American rapper. He first became known in the SoundCloud rap scene for his 2017 single "Audi", which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In March of that year, he signed with Alamo and Interscope Records to release the song and his debut mixtape for which it served as lead single, Deadstar (2017), the following September. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200, while his debut studio album and the mixtape's sequel, Deadstar 2 (2019) narrowly entered the chart. His second album, Florida Jit (2020) failed to chart in any known territory and served as his final album on the label.
The discography of American rapper Lil Pump consists of three studio albums, one mixtape, thirty-eight singles and nineteen music videos. His first single to hit the Billboard Hot 100 was "Gucci Gang", debuting at number 81 and later peaking at number three on the chart. The single is certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA).
"1985" is a song by American rapper J. Cole, released on April 20, 2018, from his studio album, KOD.
The discography of English YouTuber, musician and professional boxer Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, known as KSI, consists of two studio albums, one collaboration album, four extended plays (EPs), 21 singles, and 33 music videos.
Cole Bennett is an American music video director and record executive. He is also the founder of Lyrical Lemonade.
"Down Like That" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI featuring American rappers Rick Ross and Lil Baby and British singer-songwriter S-X. Produced by the latter and written alongside Byron Trice, it was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 8 November 2019 as the lead single from KSI's debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020). "Down Like That" stood as KSI's first release through the record label after signing with them in the October of that year.
"Wake Up Call" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI from his debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020). The song features a guest appearance from American rapper and singer Trippie Redd. The song was produced by S-X and Mally Mall. It was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 31 January 2020 as the second single from the album. A pop-rap track, its lyrics are about how KSI has proven his doubters wrong and how they are finally accepting his success.
"Jump Around" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI from his second extended play (EP) of the same name. The song features a guest appearance from American rapper Waka Flocka Flame. It is a remake of "Jump Around" (1992) by House of Pain. The song was released for digital download and streaming by Island Records and Universal Music Group on 16 September 2016 as the third single from the EP.
"Houdini" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI featuring fellow British rappers Swarmz and Tion Wayne from the former's debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020). Produced by AJ Productions and Jacob Manson, the song was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 24 April 2020 as the fourth single from the album. "Houdini" is a UK rap and afroswing track.
Dissimulation is the debut studio album by British influencer, boxer, and musician KSI. It was released by RBC Records and BMG on 22 May 2020, and a deluxe edition of the album was released three days later. The album features guest appearances from Offset, Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, Swarmz, Tion Wayne, Jeremih, Trippie Redd, Aiyana-Lee, Rick Ross, Lil Baby and S-X. The deluxe edition of the album features further guest appearances from AJ Tracey, Rich the Kid, Randolph and Crypt.
"Cap" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI featuring American rapper Offset from the former's debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020) It was produced by Diego Ave, Go Grizzly, and Mally Mall. The song was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG upon the release of the album. "Cap" is a hip hop and trap song. In both his verse and the chorus, KSI addresses fake people and those who have deceived, "back-stabbed" or "snaked" him in the past, with an auto-tune-heavy delivery.
"Domain" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI from his debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020). The song was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 22 May 2020. A powerful and pumped-up hip hop track, its lyrics are about KSI's dominance over the YouTube platform. An accompanying music video was released on 25 December 2020. The video is an action film that features a fast-paced fight sequence.
"Killa Killa" is a song by English YouTuber and rapper KSI from his debut studio album, Dissimulation (2020). The song features a guest appearance from British-American singer Aiyana-Lee. It was produced by Diego Ave and Yoshi. The song was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 22 May 2020 and was later released as the fifth single from the album on 17 July 2020. "Killa Killa" is an upbeat hip hop track with caribbean and afrobeat influences. The song's lyrics are about KSI's success in his YouTube, music and boxing careers and how he is not to be messed with.
"Lighter" is a song by British DJ and record producer Nathan Dawe featuring British YouTuber and rapper KSI, with vocals from British singer-songwriter Ella Henderson. It was released for digital download and streaming by Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group on 24 July 2020 as a standalone single. An upbeat, feel-good house track, its lyrics are about leaving a toxic relationship and feeling happy that the relationship has ended and not carrying a burden.
"Really Love" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI from his second studio album, All Over the Place. The song features guest vocals from British singer-songwriter Craig David and production from British DJ and record producer Digital Farm Animals. It was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 23 October 2020 as the lead single from the album. A UK garage and dance-pop track, its lyrics describe the confusion and misunderstanding of love and question whether the love that one is experiencing is real.
"Number 2" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI featuring American rapper Future and Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage from the former's second studio album, All Over the Place (2021). The song was written by the three rappers alongside Rico Love, Ivory Scott, S-X, Aaron Ferrucci, Martell Smith Williams, & producers Diego Ave, Bankroll Got It, Chambers, Mally Mall, and Nana Rogues. It was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 16 July 2021 upon the release of the album. "Number 2" is a hip hop and trap song. In both the chorus and his verse, KSI relishes in his success and addresses those who have hated on him and doubted him in the past, with an auto-tune-heavy delivery. The song features a beat switch into a more gloomy instrumental in its latter half.
"No Time" is a song by British YouTuber and rapper KSI from his second studio album, All Over the Place (2021). The song features a guest appearance from American rapper Lil Durk. The song was written by the two rappers alongside its producers S-X, Diego Ave, Chambers and Mally Mall. The song was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 16 July 2021 upon the release of the album. "No Time" is a hip hop and trap song.
"Lose" is a song by British YouTube personality and rapper KSI and American rapper Lil Wayne as the only single from the deluxe edition of the former's second studio album, All Over the Place (2021). The song was written alongside and Ivory Scott, S-X, David Snyder, Peter Jideonwo, Jochanan Samam, and producer Digital Farm Animals. It was released for digital download and streaming by RBC Records and BMG on 6 August 2021 as the fifth single from the album. "Lose" is a hip hop track with elements of rock.