rockstar – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
Released on September 15, 2017, “rockstar” by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage quickly became a defining track of the year, capturing the essence of modern rap and hip-hop with its raw lyrics and distinctive sound. The song, which was a major hit across various charts, is celebrated for its blend of melodic hooks and gritty verses, showcasing the unique styles of both artists. With its official music video adding a visually captivating narrative to the song’s themes, “rockstar” remains a standout track in Post Malone’s discography and in contemporary rap music. This article explores the song’s composition, lyrical content, music video, and its cultural impact.
Musical Composition and Production
“rockstar” is characterized by its moody, atmospheric production, combining elements of trap and rock with a melodic twist. Produced by Tank God and Louis Bell, the track features a haunting guitar riff that sets the tone for the song, coupled with a steady, heavy beat that drives the rhythm. This combination creates a sound that is both edgy and melodic, aligning perfectly with the song’s themes of excess and rebellion.
The production is minimalist yet effective, with a focus on creating a dark, immersive atmosphere. The use of Auto-Tune on Post Malone’s vocals adds a layer of distortion, enhancing the track’s gritty vibe. The heavy bass and rhythmic hi-hats typical of trap music are prominent, contributing to the song’s energetic yet brooding feel.
Post Malone’s smooth, melodic delivery contrasts with 21 Savage’s raw, aggressive verses, highlighting their distinct styles and adding depth to the track. The interplay between the two artists creates a dynamic listening experience, blending melodic hooks with intense lyrical content.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of “rockstar” reflect themes of extravagance, rebellion, and the darker side of fame. Both Post Malone and 21 Savage delve into their experiences with wealth, success, and the challenges that come with their lifestyles. The song’s lyrics offer a glimpse into the high-octane world of contemporary rap, characterized by a blend of bravado and vulnerability.
In the chorus, Post Malone sings:
“I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies / Man, I feel just like a rockstar.”
These lines capture the essence of the rockstar persona, reflecting a lifestyle marked by excess and indulgence. The references to “fucking hoes” and “poppin’ pillies” are emblematic of the hedonistic themes often explored in rap music, showcasing a life of luxury and recklessness.
21 Savage’s verses complement the chorus with a more gritty, street-level perspective. His delivery is raw and unfiltered, offering a contrast to Post Malone’s more melodic approach:
“I’m a rockstar, I’m a rockstar / I’m a rockstar, I’m a rockstar.”
21 Savage’s lyrics touch on themes of violence and resilience, reflecting his personal experiences and the harsh realities of his background. The juxtaposition of his aggressive style with Post Malone’s smoother delivery underscores the song’s exploration of different facets of the rockstar lifestyle.
Music Video
The official music video for “rockstar,” directed by Emil Nava, was released on October 24, 2017. The video adds a visual narrative to the song’s themes, featuring a blend of surreal and gritty imagery that complements the track’s atmosphere.
The video begins with Post Malone and 21 Savage in a lavish mansion, surrounded by opulent decor and scantily clad women. The setting reflects the excess and luxury described in the song’s lyrics, establishing a visual representation of the rockstar lifestyle. As the video progresses, it transitions to more surreal and dramatic scenes, including a car crash and a police chase, which add a sense of chaos and intensity.
One of the standout moments in the video is a sequence where Post Malone and 21 Savage are seen driving through a nightmarish landscape filled with flames and wreckage. This imagery reinforces the song’s themes of recklessness and the consequences of living a high-risk lifestyle.
The use of vibrant colors, dynamic camera angles, and striking visual effects enhances the video’s impact, creating a compelling accompaniment to the song’s dark and atmospheric sound. The video’s narrative elements add depth to the song’s themes, offering a visual interpretation of the excess and turmoil described in the lyrics.
Impact and Reception
“rockstar” received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans, becoming one of the biggest hits of 2017. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks and was praised for its innovative production and catchy hook. It also achieved significant commercial success, earning multi-platinum certifications in several countries.
The song’s success was fueled by its catchy chorus and the strong chemistry between Post Malone and 21 Savage. The blend of melodic and lyrical styles resonated with audiences, contributing to the track’s widespread appeal. The music video further enhanced the song’s popularity, with its visually striking imagery and dynamic storytelling adding a new dimension to the track.
“rockstar” also contributed to the continued rise of Post Malone and 21 Savage as prominent figures in contemporary rap and hip-hop. The song’s success solidified their positions in the industry and showcased their ability to create music that is both commercially successful and artistically compelling.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
“rockstar” holds cultural significance as a defining track of the late 2010s, reflecting the intersection of rap and rock influences in contemporary music. The song’s exploration of themes related to fame, excess, and rebellion captures the zeitgeist of the era, resonating with a generation of listeners who are drawn to the raw and unfiltered aspects of modern rap.
The track’s impact extends beyond its commercial success, influencing subsequent releases and contributing to the evolution of rap music. The blend of melodic hooks and gritty lyrics established a template for future collaborations between rap and pop artists, highlighting the genre’s versatility and appeal.
“rockstar” also remains a testament to the creative synergy between Post Malone and 21 Savage, showcasing their ability to create music that is both innovative and relatable. The song’s enduring popularity and influence underscore its status as a significant and memorable hit in contemporary music.
Conclusion
Post Malone’s “rockstar” featuring 21 Savage is a powerful and influential track that captures the essence of modern rap and hip-hop. With its haunting production, evocative lyrics, and visually striking music video, the song stands out as a defining anthem of the late 2010s. The track’s success and impact highlight the creativity and talent of both artists, showcasing their ability to blend melodic and lyrical elements to create music that resonates with audiences. As a standout hit in Post Malone’s discography and in contemporary rap music, “rockstar” continues to be celebrated for its innovative sound and enduring appeal.
Tank God
Ayy (ayy)
I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies
Man, I feel just like a rockstar (ayy, ayy)
All my brothers got that gas
And they always be smokin’ like a Rasta (mm)
Fuckin’ with me, call up on a Uzi
And show up, man, them the shottas
When my homies pull up on your block
They make that thing go grah-ta-ta-ta (ta, pow, pow, pow), ayy, ayy
Switch my whip, came back in black
I’m startin’ sayin’, “Rest in peace to Bon Scott, ” ayy
Close that door, we blowin’ smoke
She ask me light a fire like I’m Morrison, ayy
Act a fool on stage
Prolly leave my fuckin’ show in a cop car, ayy
Shit was legendary
Threw a TV out the window of the Montage
Cocaine on the table, liquor pourin’
Don’t give a damn, dude, your girlfriend is a groupie
She just tryna get in
Sayin’, “I’m with the band”
Ayy, ayy
Now she actin’ outta pocket
Tryna grab up on my pants, hundred bitches in my trailer
Say they ain’t got a man
And they all brought a friend
Yeah, ayy (ayy, ayy)
I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies
Man, I feel just like a rockstar (ayy, ayy)
All my brothers got that gas
And they always be smokin’ like a Rasta (mm)
Fuckin’ with me, call up on a Uzi
And show up, man, them the shottas
When my homies pull up on your block
They make that thing go grah-ta-ta-ta (ta, pow, pow, pow)
I’ve been in the Hills fuckin’ superstars
Feelin’ like a popstar (21, 21, 21)
Drankin’ Henny, bad bitches jumpin’ in the pool
And they ain’t got on no bra (bra)
Hit her from the back, pullin’ on her tracks
And now she screamin’ out, “No más!” (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
They like, “Savage, why you got a 12 car garage
And you only got six cars?” (21)
I ain’t with the cakin’, how you kiss that? (Kiss that)
Your wifey say I’m lookin’ like a whole snack (bitch)
Green hundreds in my safe, I got old racks (old racks)
L.A. bitches always askin’, “Where the Coke at?” (21, 21)
Livin’ like a rockstar, smash out on a cop car
Sweeter than a Pop-Tart, you know you are not hard
I done made the hot chart, ‘member I used to trap hard?
Livin’ like a rockstar, I’m livin’ like a rockstar (ayy)
I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies
Man, I feel just like a rockstar (ayy, ayy)
All my brothers got that gas
And they always be smokin’ like a Rasta (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Fuckin’ with me, call up on a Uzi
And show up, man, them the shottas (uh)
When my homies pull up on your block
They make that thing go grah-ta-ta-ta (ta, grah-ta-ta-ta-ta)
‘Star, ‘star
Rockstar
Rockstar (rockstar)
Rockstar, feel just like a-
Rockstar (rockstar)
Rockstar, yeah (feel just like a-)