Rapstar Explained

Rapstar
Cover:Polo G - Rapstar.png
Type:single
Artist:Polo G
Album:Hall of Fame
Released:April 9, 2021
Genre:Trap,[1] [2] emo rap
Length:2:45
Label:Columbia
Producer:
Prev Title:Richer
Prev Year:2021
Next Title:Beat Box 5" / "Wit Dat
Next Year:2021

"Rapstar" is a song by American rapper Polo G. It was released through Columbia Records as the third single from his third studio album, Hall of Fame, on April 9, 2021. The song was produced by Synco, with social media star Einer Bankz performing the ukulele. On the song, Polo G harmonizes about his growing stardom, the downside of fame and the rewards of it. The single was well received by critics and became Polo G's first number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Background and composition

"Rapstar" was first previewed nearly a year before its release, on May 25, 2020, in a YouTube video where Polo G and the song's co-producer Einer Bankz performs an acoustic version of the song, with Bankz playing his signature ukulele.[3] The song was officially announced just two days before its release, with Polo posting a teaser of the music video to his socials.[4]

The song features a "plucky" arpeggio string loop[5] over the guitar-driven[6] [7] ukulele-based trap beat.[8] Lyrically, it sees Polo delving through the ups and downs of his fame, as he raps "Every day a battle, I'm exhausted and I'm weary".[9] In between those dark reflections, he boasts about his career success, his sexual prowess,[10] his "impressive" features on songs, the wealth, and the women he is involved with.[11] He also heavily alludes to his time growing up in the North side of Chicago. The first verse seemingly addresses his battle with anxiety and drug use, as he refers to his use of "pills", and how he feels sad, "when alone, my eyes teary".The second verse shows him more "heated", as he talks about putting his streets first and about "homicides". Adam Schofield of Pie Radio summarized: "We see there are two very different sides to Taurus; a sad anxiety stricken lonely young man, and a violent gangster – it makes you wonder how rapping about guns and sadness works so well together!".

Critical reception

Billboards Jason Lipshutz named it among the week's essential releases, stating: "Polo G remains one of the strongest storytellers in modern hip-hop, and even when his money-counting can't provide a sense of peace, the results are often captivating for his listeners". Stereogums Chris DeVille said the song "is like a super hi-res version of Polo G's signature sound", while opining that it "continues Polo G's tradition of sounding vaguely triumphant even as he unpacks his depression and trauma. It's a strange combination, but he pulls it off". Similarly, Alex Zidel of HotNewHipHop said Polo is "back to the same style we know and love him for", adding that he "continues his prolific run with the release of 'Rapstar', with Zidel deeming it a highlight from Polo's recently released material. Uproxx's Wongo Okon shared the sentiment, stating that "The Chicago native has released countless songs that have proven his stay in the rap game will be far from temporary. The rapper continues his run with his latest single, 'Rapstar'. Adam Schofield of Pie Radio said "Bankz impressively playing the ukulele mixed with Polo G's angelic voice may just be our new favourite thing!". HipHopDXs Devon Jefferson called the song a "flex-heavy banger", as "Polo G raps through a barrage of relentless punchlines and a flossy hook".[12] Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan opined that the song finds Polo G "exploring his melodic side to great effect".[13] XXL named it among the best new music of the week.[14]

Awards and nominations

AwardYearCategoryResultRef.
Brit Awards2022International Song of the Year[15]
MTV Video Music Awards2021Best Hip-hop[16]

Commercial performance

On its first day of release, the song reached number one on both US Apple Music and Spotify, opening at the latter with 2.7 million streams, marking Polo G's first number-one on Spotify and a career peak in daily song streams.[17]

The song debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated April 24, 2021, with over 6,300 sales, and 77.7 million streams. The song became Polo G's first US number-one single and second top 10.[18]

Music video

The music video was released alongside the song and was directed by Arrad.[19] The visual shows Polo G putting his life as a rap star on display; he goes through seven different settings, showing off the rewards and lavish lifestyle that come with fame. It begins with Einer Bankz playing his ukulele, whereafter Polo is seen at a BMW dealership buying high-end luxury coupes for all his friends with a big bag of cash. He records music, and is inducted into a fictitious Hip hop Hall of Fame.[20] He also shows love for his hometown, Chicago, playing basketball in a Chicago Bulls outfit.[21] He is later seen lying on the ground after being stabbed in the back by his lover. In the video, Polo sports a look that pays homage to 2Pac, which reflects the song's lyrics in which Polo declares himself Pac's reincarnation. The video stars Polo G's son Tremani, as the two are seen bonding through father and son time. Rappers DDG, Trench Baby, Scorey and Baby Rich also make cameos.

Reception

Complexs FNR Tigg noted how in the video, Polo G "takes the trials and tribulations [...] and the downside of living his glamorous life". Tigg said he effectively utilizes the Notorious B.I.G.'s infamous "more money, more problems" tagline. Lyrical Lemonade said positively, "Not many artists possess the type of talent that Polo does, especially for his age, he's mastered his sound and always matches his great music with even better music videos that elevate the tracks".[22]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Denmark (Tracklisten)[23] 3
Greece International (IFPI)[24] 4
Iceland (Plötutíðindi)[25] 16
Lithuania (AGATA)[26] 12
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[27] 2
Norway (VG-lista)[28] 4
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[29] 5
US Rolling Stone Top 100[30] 1

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for "Rapstar"!Chart (2021)!Position
Australia (ARIA)[31] 41
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[32] 29
Denmark (Tracklisten)[33] 73
Global 200 (Billboard)[34] 47
Hungary (Stream Top 40)[35] 96
Iceland (Plötutíðindi)[36] 36
Ireland (IRMA)[37] 44
Portugal (AFP)[38] 104
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[39] 82
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[40] 89
UK Singles (OCC)[41] 52
US Billboard Hot 100[42] 30
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[43] 7
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[44] 15

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormat(s)Label
VariousApril 9, 2021Columbia
United StatesApril 20, 2021Rhythmic contemporary radio[45]
Urban contemporary radio[46]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Polo G's 'Rapstar' Lyrics. Billboard. May 21, 2021.
  2. Web site: Polo G Is Living Life Like A "Rapstar". HotNewHipHop. Zidel. Alex. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  3. Web site: Polo G sets the bar higher with new song Rapstar. Pie Radio. Schofield. Adam. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  4. Web site: When is a new album from Polo G coming out?. The Focus. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  5. Web site: Polo G Releases His Latest Video 'Rapstar'. HipHopDX. Scott. Dana. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  6. Web site: New Music: Polo G - Rapstar. Def Pen. Shepard. Ryan. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  7. Web site: Polo G drops off new video for "Rapstar". Revolt. Powell. Jon. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  8. Web site: Polo G Is Living Life Like A "Rapstar". HotNewHipHop. Zidel. Alex. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  9. First Stream: New Music From Taylor Swift, Doja Cat & SZA and More. Billboard. Lipshutz. Jason. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  10. Web site: Polo G Shares New Song "Rapstar": Listen. Stereogum. DeVille. Chris. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  11. Web site: Polo G Details His Life As A Rising Star On His Boastful 'Rapstar' Track. Uproxx. Okon. Wongo. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  12. Web site: New Music Friday - New Singles From Polo G, Doja Cat & SZA + More. HipHopDX. Jeffferson. Devon. April 8, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  13. Web site: 23 New Rap and R&B Songs Out This Week. BrooklynVegan. Sacher. Andrew. April 10, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  14. Web site: The 13 Best New Songs This Week. XXL. Seabrook III. Robby. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  15. Reilly . Nick . February 8, 2022 . Brit Awards 2022: The Complete Winners List . Rolling Stone.
  16. Web site: Hailu . Selome . September 21, 2021 . 2021 MTV Video Music Awards: The Complete Winners List . Variety.
  17. Web site: Polo G, Taylor Swift Lead Streaming Debuts. Hits Daily Double. April 10, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  18. Trust. Gary. April 19, 2021. Polo G Scores First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With Debut of 'Rapstar'. April 19, 2021. Billboard.
  19. Web site: Polo G Shares Video for New Song "Rapstar". Pitchfork. Yoo. Noah. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  20. Web site: Polo G Dissects Life as a Superstar in New "Rapstar" Video. Complex. FNR Tigg. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  21. Web site: Polo G Shows Off Daddy Duties In New Rapstar Video. SOHH. Jones. Biz. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  22. Web site: Rapstar – [Polo G]]. Lyrical Lemonade. Montanez. Elliot. April 9, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  23. Web site: Track Top-40 Uge 15, 2021. Hitlisten. April 21, 2021.
  24. Web site: Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 15/2021. IFPI Greece. August 24, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20210426180802/http://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html. April 26, 2021.
  25. Web site: Tónlistinn – Lög. The Music – Songs. is. Plötutíðindi. July 3, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210422180725/http://plotutidindi.is/lagalistinn/. April 22, 2021. dead.
  26. Web site: 2021 16-os SAVAITĖS (balandžio 16-22 d.) SINGLŲ TOP100. lt. AGATA. April 23, 2021. April 23, 2021. April 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210423151634/https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/16s/. live.
  27. Web site: NZ Top 40 Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. April 19, 2021. April 17, 2021.
  28. Web site: VG-lista – Topp 20 Single 2021-15. VG-lista. April 16, 2021.
  29. Web site: Veckolista Singlar, vecka 15. Sverigetopplistan. April 16, 2021.
  30. Top 100 Songs. Rolling Stone. July 28, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20211203124457/https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2021-04-15/. December 3, 2021. dead.
  31. Web site: ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2021. Australian Recording Industry Association. January 11, 2022.
  32. Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 3, 2021.
  33. Web site: Track Top-100 2021. Hitlisten. January 6, 2022.
  34. Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 3, 2021.
  35. Web site: Stream Top 100 - darabszám alapján - 2021. Mahasz. hu. February 1, 2022.
  36. Web site: Tónlistinn – Lög – 2021. Plötutíðindi. is. May 24, 2022.
  37. Web site: Ireland's official biggest songs of 2021. Official Charts Company. Griffiths. George. January 9, 2022. January 10, 2022.
  38. Web site: Top 1000 Singles + EPs Digitais: Semanas 01 a 52 de 2021 . pt. Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. May 13, 2022.
  39. Web site: Årslista Singlar, 2021. Sverigetopplistan. January 14, 2022.
  40. Web site: Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2021. hitparade.ch. December 27, 2021.
  41. Web site: End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2021. Official Charts Company. January 5, 2022.
  42. Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 2, 2021.
  43. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 3, 2021.
  44. Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2021. Billboard. December 3, 2021.
  45. Web site: Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates .... April 15, 2021. All Access. https://web.archive.org/web/20210414064820/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases. April 14, 2021. dead.
  46. Web site: Urban/R&B Future Releases R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates .... April 15, 2021. All Access. https://web.archive.org/web/20210414084849/https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases. April 14, 2021. dead.