I Am (Yo Gotti album)

Last updated
I Am
Yo Gotti I Am.jpg
Studio album by
Yo Gotti
ReleasedNovember 19, 2013 (2013-11-19)
Recorded2012–13
Genre Hip hop
Length49:28
Label Collective, Epic
Producer
Yo Gotti chronology
Live from the Kitchen
(2012)		I Am
(2013)		 The Art of Hustle
(2016)
Singles from I Am
  1. "Act Right"
    Released: July 23, 2013 (2013-07-23)
  2. "King Shit"
    Released: October 7, 2013 (2013-10-07)
  3. "Cold Blood"
    Released: October 31, 2013 (2013-10-31)
  4. "I Know"
    Released: November 15, 2013 (2013-11-15)

I Am is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Yo Gotti. The album was released on November 19, 2013, by Epic and CMG. [1] The album features guest appearances from T.I., Ne-Yo, Wale, Rich Homie Quan, J. Cole, Jeezy, Meek Mill, and YG, among others. The album was supported by the singles "Act Right" featuring YG and Jeezy, "King Shit" featuring T.I., "Cold Blood" featuring J. Cole and Canei Finch and "I Know" featuring Rich Homie Quan. The first and fourth singles were later certified gold by the RIAA.

Contents

Background

On May 28, 2013, Yo Gotti announced that his sixth studio album would be titled I Am. [2] In July 2013, it was announced that the album would be released on November 19, 2013. [3] On August 22, 2013, he announced the I Am Tour Dates, a tour in promotion of I Am which ran from September 14, 2013, until November 19, 2013, with supporting acts including YG, Zed Zilla, Shy Glizzy and Cash Out. [4] On September 2, 2013, Yo Gotti released the mixtape Nov 19th: The Mixtape in promotion for the album. [5]

In a December 2013, interview with Mikey T The Movie Star, Yo Gotti spoke about how the album was received, saying: "We gettin' nothin' but good, positive feedback from the album. The numbers going fairly well. Most important to me, the fans loved it. Fans fuck wit' it. ...Just givin' the people what they want. I've seen a lot of growth with this album. We doing different platforms, TV shows, we doing shows in different markets. Just being on different blog sites. I'm seeing a lot of different things coming. I guess it's because of the growth of the material that I put out on this album." [6]

Singles

On July 23, 2013, the album's first single "Act Right" featuring Jeezy and YG was released. [7] On July 24, 2013, the music video for "Act Right" featuring Jeezy and YG was released. [8] "Act Right" has since peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100. [9] On October 7, 2013, the album's second official single "King Shit" featuring T.I. was released to mainstream urban radio in the United States. [10] On October 15, 2013, the music video for "King Shit" featuring T.I. was released. [11] "King Shit" has since peaked at five on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. [12]

On October 27, 2013, Yo Gotti premiered the album's third single, "Cold Blood" featuring rapper J. Cole and Canei Finch. [13] Four days later on October 31, "Cold Blood" was serviced to mainstream urban radio in the United States. [14] Then on November 19, 2013, "Cold Blood" was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States. [15] On February 5, 2014, the music video was released for "Cold Blood" featuring J. Cole and Canei Finch. [16]

On November 20, 2013, the music video was released for "LeBron James". [17] On December 10, 2013, the music video was released for "Don't Come Around" featuring Kendall Morgan. [18] On November 15, 2013, "I Know" featuring Rich Homie Quan was released as the album's fourth single. [19] In January 2014, it was serviced to urban contemporary radio in the United States. [20] On May 1, 2014, the music video was released for "I Know" featuring Rich Homie Quan. [21]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 64/100 [22]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [23]
The Daily Cougar Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [24]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [25]
Memphis Flyer (positive) [26]
RapReviews4.5/10 [27]
Vibe (positive) [28]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [29]
XXL 3/5 (L) [30]

I Am was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 64, based on 5 reviews. [22] David Jeffries of AllMusic gave the album four out of five stars, saying "Good news for fans who stuck it out this long is that I Am is the moment when the skies clear, as the album comes on strong with a hard-hitting set of openers, and then, the high quality is maintained with a set of easy-flowing supportive songs that broaden the LP spectrum, all without leaving Gotti's comfort zone." [23] Ronald Grant of HipHopDX gave the album two and a half stars out of five, saying "At the end of the day, I Am’s overall passable production and flashes of potency and strength keep it afloat for a time. And Gotti deserves commendation for his talent at bringing an explicit rawness, reality and affection to his autobiographical bars. But even those considerations aren’t enough to make this album worth more than a few listens, sadly relying on a continuous set of monotonous hooks and overly used trap beats that saturate a strong majority of current popular Rap music." [25] Reed Jackson of XXL gave the album an L, saying "On the majority of I Am, he stays rooted in the ideas and melodies that he’s been refining since he first dropped From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game over 10 year ago. The self-proclaimed “King Of Memphis” has lived up to his title again, and perhaps this album will help him continue his reign for another 10 years." [30]

Paul Cantor of Vibe gave the album a positive review, saying "If there’s one glaring downside to I Am, it’s that a handful of songs sound, well, a lot like other songs. [...] One on the one hand you applaud Gotti for implementing a hit-making formula so effectively, and after all, songs sounding like other songs is not an uncommon thing. But on the other hand, why couldn't Gotti couldn't come up with his own blueprint for smash records? Maybe after all these years he didn't want to leave too much up to chance. Not sure we can be mad at that." [28] Grant Jones of RapReviews gave the album a 4.5 out of 10, saying "If you can get past the ignorance, this is enjoyable for what it is - an album to be played loudly in your car, with the windows down and a middle finger up to anybody who looks at you disapprovingly." [27] Louis Goggans of the Memphis Flyer gave the album a positive review, saying "Gotti’s transition from dominating the underground rap circuit to enjoying mainstream success with hits like “5 Star” and “Men Lie, Women Lie” convey that hard work pays off. And he continues to utilize the very same work ethic that's brought him to this point in his career on his latest project. Although Gotti doesn't sway too far from his usual topics on the album, he doesn't display any signs of decline creatively either. After more than 10 years in the game, Gotti still has the ability to provide listeners with quality music and this is evident with I Am." [26]

Awards and nominations

YearCeremonyCategoryResult
2014 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards [31] Album of the YearNominated

Commercial performance

I Am debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 48,000 copies in its first week, becoming Yo Gotti's first US top ten debut. [32] In its second week, the album dropped to number 45 on the chart, selling an additional 19,000 copies. [33] In its third week, the album dropped to number 56, selling 11,000 more copies. [34] In its fourth week, the album dropped to number 76 on chart, selling 10,000 more copies. [35] As of August 2015, the album has sold 212,000 copies in the United States. [36] On December 7, 2018, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales and album-equivalent units of over 500,000 units in the United States. [37]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."I Am"
  • Mario Mims
  • Philipp Hurtt
  • Fancy
  • Walter Sigler
  • Kazumi Tabarak
 Cool & Dre 3:04
2."Don't Come Around" (featuring Kendall Morgan)
  • Mims
  • Kendall Morgan
  • Alexander Izquierdo
3:10
3."I Know" (featuring Rich Homie Quan)
4:19
4."Sorry"
  • Mims
  • La'Troy Garrett
Greedy Money3:16
5."F-U" (featuring Meek Mill)
Infamous3:05
6."Pride To the Side"
  • Mims
  • Robert Daniels
  • Matt Brox
  • Everett Orr
The Youngstars4:21
7."Cold Blood" (featuring J. Cole & Canei Finch)
Canei Finch5:11
8."LeBron James"
 Lee On The Beats 3:13
9."Die a Real Nigga"
 Honorable C.N.O.T.E. 4:29
10."King Shit" (featuring T.I.)
3:31
11."Respect That You Earn" (featuring Ne-Yo & Wale)
  • Jesse "Corparal" Wilson
  • Phatboiz
  • Kenton Dunson
4:22
12."ION Want It"
 Metro Boomin 3:17
13."Act Right" (featuring Jeezy & YG)
P-Lo4:10

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [42] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeezy</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Jay Wayne Jenkins, known by his stage name Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is credited, alongside fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream audiences. Jenkins began his career in 2001, releasing two independent albums until signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005). The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, sold 172,000 copies in its first week, and received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album also spawned his highest-charting single as a lead artist to date: "Soul Survivor", which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo Gotti</span> American rapper (born 1981)

Mario Sentell Giden Mims, known professionally as Yo Gotti, is an American rapper. In 1996, he released his debut album Youngsta's On a Come Up under the alias Lil Yo. He went on to release From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game (2000), Self-Explanatory (2001), Life (2003), Back 2 da Basics (2006), Live from the Kitchen (2012), I Am (2013), The Art of Hustle (2016), I Still Am (2017), Untrapped (2020), and CM10: Free Game (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeezy discography</span>

The discography of Jeezy, an American rapper, consists of thirteen studio albums, 18 mixtapes, 70 singles and 28 music videos. Aside from his solo career, he has also released albums as a member of Boyz N Da Hood and U.S.D.A., respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YG (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson, known professionally as YG, is an American rapper from Compton, California. He began his recording career in 2008, and released his debut mixtape, 4Fingaz and its follow up, The Real 4Fingaz both in the following year. The latter gained recognition for its local hit song "Toot It and Boot It", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He signed with Def Jam Recordings in October 2009, who re-released the song commercially as his debut single the following year. He then signed a joint-venture recording contract with Jeezy's label, CTE World in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo Gotti discography</span>

American rapper Yo Gotti has released 11 studio albums, 25 mixtapes and 57 singles, and 5 promotional singles. After several guest appearances, mixtapes and independent releases, he released his major-label debut album Life, in 2003.

<i>TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition</i> 2011 studio album by Young Jeezy

TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition is the sixth studio album by American rapper Young Jeezy. It was released on December 20, 2011, by CTE World and Def Jam Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meek Mill discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Meek Mill consists of five studio albums, seven extended plays, one compilation album, three collaborative albums, eleven mixtapes, fifty-four singles, ten promotional singles and thirty music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">French Montana discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of Moroccan-American rapper French Montana consists of five studio albums, twenty-six mixtapes, 51 singles including 57 as featured artist, 32 music videos and 18 promotional singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich Homie Quan</span> American rapper

Dequantes Devontay Lamar, known professionally as Rich Homie Quan, is an American rapper. Beginning his career in 2011, Lamar rose to mainstream success with his 2013 single "Type of Way", which peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. A 2015 follow up single, "Flex " reached further success at number 26 on the chart. In addition, Lamar was a member of the Cash Money Records spin-off project Rich Gang in 2014, which found success with their single "Lifestyle" in June of that year, preceding the mixtape Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1 (2014). Lamar's debut studio album, Rich as in Spirit was released in March 2018 and debuted at number 32 on the US Billboard 200.

<i>My Krazy Life</i> 2014 studio album by YG

My Krazy Life is the debut studio album by American rapper YG. It was released on March 18, 2014, through CTE World and Pushaz Ink, and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla Sign, Schoolboy Q, Meek Mill, Jay Rock, Tory Lanez, Jeezy, TeeFlii and RJ, while the production was primarily handled by frequent collaborator DJ Mustard, along with production from Ty Dolla Sign and Terrace Martin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Act Right (Yo Gotti song)</span> 2013 single by Yo Gotti featuring Jeezy and YG

"Act Right" is a song by American rapper Yo Gotti. The song was released on July 23, 2013, as the first single from his sixth studio album I Am. The song produced by HBK Gang member P-Lo, features American rappers Jeezy and YG. The song has peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Nigga</span> 2013 single by YG featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan

"My Nigga" is a song by American rapper YG, released on September 17, 2013, as the lead single from his debut studio album My Krazy Life (2014). The song, produced by frequent collaborator DJ Mustard, features guest appearances from CTE World founder Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan. It interpolates "The Sky is the Limit", as written and performed by Lil Wayne as well as the popular refrain from C-Murder's single "Down for My N's".

<i>Boss Yo Life Up Gang</i> 2013 mixtape by Young Jeezy, Doughboyz Cashout and YG

Boss Yo Life Up Gang is a compilation mixtape by American rapper Young Jeezy's record label CTE World. The mixtape was released for free on August 13, 2013, by CTE World. The mixtape featured guest appearances by Nipsey Hussle and Rich Homie Quan. The mixtape was supported by two singles; "My Nigga" by YG featuring Young Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, and "Mob Life" by Doughboyz Cashout also featuring Jeezy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Know (Yo Gotti song)</span> 2013 single by Yo Gotti featuring Rich Homie Quan

"I Know" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Yo Gotti. The song was released on November 15, 2013, as the fourth single from his fourth studio album, I Am (2013). "I Know" features a guest appearance from rapper Rich Homie Quan who produced the song along with Trauma Tone. The song samples Club Nouveau's "Why You Treat Me So Bad", the same song sampled on Luniz's prolific "I Got 5 On It". Following its release, the song peaked at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<i>Testimony</i> (August Alsina album) 2014 studio album by August Alsina

Testimony is the debut studio album by American R&B singer August Alsina. It was released on April 15, 2014, by Def Jam Recordings. The album was supported by six singles: "I Luv This Shit", "Ghetto", "Numb", "Make It Home", "Kissin' on My Tattoos" and "No Love"; along with the release of his promotional single, "Benediction".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YG discography</span>

The discography of YG, an American rapper, consists of six studio albums, 55 singles and nine mixtapes. YG's debut studio album, My Krazy Life, was released on March 18, 2014. His second studio album, Still Brazy, was released on June 17, 2016. His best known singles include "Big Bank", "My Nigga" and "Who Do You Love".

<i>Seen It All: The Autobiography</i> 2014 studio album by Jeezy

Seen It All: The Autobiography is the seventh studio album by American rapper Jeezy. The album was released on September 2, 2014, through CTE World and Def Jam Recordings. The production was handled by several Southern hip hop producers, namely Drumma Boy, Mike Will Made It and Childish Major, among others. It features guest appearances from Jay-Z, Future, Rick Ross, The Game, Lil Boosie, August Alsina and Akon.

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards was held on October 14, 2014 at Atlanta Civic Center in the ATL. The nominations were announced on September 4, 2014. Snoop Dogg returned as the event's host. Canadian rapper Drake leads the nominations with 8 nominations, while Jay-Z, Pharrell and Future follow him with six. DJ Mustard won the most awards with 4 wins, followed by Drake with 3 wins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich Homie Quan discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Rich Homie Quan consists of one studio album, four extended plays, nine mixtapes and twenty-three singles.

<i>Hood Billionaire</i> 2014 studio album by Rick Ross

Hood Billionaire is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Rick Ross. The album was released through Maybach Music Group, Def Jam Recordings and Slip-n-Slide Records on November 24, 2014. The album features guest appearances from Jay-Z, Prodigy, French Montana, Project Pat, Yo Gotti, Boosie Badazz, Big K.R.I.T., Whole Slab, R. Kelly, and Snoop Dogg. The album was supported by the singles "Elvis Presley Blvd.", "Keep Doin' That " and "Nickel Rock".

References

  1. ↑ "iTunes - Music - I Am by Yo Gotti". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-11-19. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  2. ↑ Homie, Big (2013-07-31). "New Video: Yo Gotti "Fuck You"". Rap Radar. Retrieved 2013-12-22.
  3. ↑ Homie, Big (2013-07-31). "New Video: Yo Gotti "Fuck You"". Rap Radar. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  4. ↑ "Yo Gotti Announces 'I Am' Release Date And Tour Dates With YG - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  5. ↑ Mayorga, Dean (2013-09-04). "Yo Gotti "Nov 19th: The Mixtape" Cover Art, Tracklisting, Download & Mixtape Stream". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  6. ↑ Cooper, Roman. "Yo Gotti Says He's Grown With "I Am" Release". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-12-19.
  7. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Act Right (feat. Jeezy & YG) - Single by Yo Gotti". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-23. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  8. ↑ "Video: Yo Gotti f/ Young Jeezy & YG – 'Act Right'". Rap-Up.com. 2013-07-24. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  9. ↑ "Yo Gotti - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  10. ↑ "Frequency News". Frequency News. 2013-09-11. Archived from the original on 2013-10-05. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
  11. ↑ "Video: Yo Gotti f/ T.I. – 'King Sh*t'". Rap-Up.com. 2013-10-15. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  12. ↑ "T.I. - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  13. ↑ Yo Gotti. "Yo Gotti ft. J. Cole - Cold Blood | Listen". Djbooth.net. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  14. ↑ "Frequency News". Frequency News. 2013-10-31. Archived from the original on 2013-11-09. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  15. ↑ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Archived from the original on 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  16. ↑ "Video: Yo Gotti f/ J. Cole – 'Cold Blood'". Rap-Up.com. 2014-02-05. Retrieved 2014-02-09.
  17. ↑ "Yo Gotti "LeBron James" Video". Complex. 2013-11-20. Retrieved 2013-11-27.
  18. ↑ "Yo Gotti f/ Kendall Morgan "Don't Come Around"". Complex. Retrieved 2013-12-11.
  19. ↑ "I Know feat. Rich Homie Quan [Explicit]: Yo Gotti feat. Rich Homie Quan: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. 2013-11-15. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  20. ↑ "View Listing | Promo Only: Music & Music Video". Promo Only. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  21. ↑ "Yo Gotti f. Rich Homie Quan - "I Know"". HipHop DX. 2014-05-01. Retrieved 2014-05-17.
  22. 1 2 "I Am Reviews". Metacritic. 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  23. 1 2 David Jeffries. "I Am - Yo Gotti | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
  24. ↑ "Review: Yo Gotti's album, 'I Am'". The Daily Cougar. 2013-11-23. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  25. 1 2 Grant, Ronald. "Yo Gotti - I Am". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
  26. 1 2 Goggans, Louis (2013-11-24). "Reppin' For Memphis: My Review of Yo Gotti's I Am". Memphis Flyer. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  27. 1 2 "Yo Gotti :: I Am :: CMG/Epic Records". Rapreviews.com. 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  28. 1 2 "Review: Yo Gotti's 'I Am' Excels Using A Familiar Script". Vibe. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2013-11-29.
  29. ↑ Jerry Shriver, Elysa Gardner, Brian Mansfield, USA TODAY (2013-11-19). "Listen Up: Jake Bugg, Yo Gotti, 5 Finger Death Punch". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2013-11-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. 1 2 "Yo Gotti Mostly Stays True To His Soulful Memphis Sound On 'I Am'". Xxlmag.com. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2013-11-27.
  31. ↑ Nostro, Lauren. "Here Are the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Award Nominees". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  32. ↑ Tardio, Andres (2013-11-27). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/24/2013". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2013-11-30. Retrieved 2013-11-27.
  33. ↑ Tardio, Andres (2013-12-04). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/1/2013". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2013-12-13. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  34. ↑ Tardio, Andres. "Hip Hop Album Sales: Week Ending 12/8/2013". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 2013-12-13. Retrieved 2013-12-11.
  35. ↑ Tardio, Andres (2013-12-18). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/15/2013". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2013-12-18.
  36. ↑ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on August 25, 2015.
  37. ↑ "RIAA Certifications - Yo Gotti". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  38. ↑ "Yo Gotti Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  39. ↑ "Yo Gotti Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  40. ↑ "2014 Year-End Charts – Billboard 200 Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  41. ↑ "2014 Year-End Charts – Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved February 28, 2015.
  42. ↑ "American album certifications – Yo Gotti – I Am". Recording Industry Association of America.
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.