White Iverson – Post Malone

“White Iverson,” released in 2015, is the song that catapulted Post Malone into the limelight, establishing him as one of the most influential artists of the 2010s. With its smooth, laid-back production and memorable hooks, the track quickly became a viral sensation and a defining moment in Post Malone’s career. This debut single not only introduced the world to Post Malone’s unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop but also cemented his reputation as a genre-blending artist with an uncanny ability to craft hits.

The Origins of “White Iverson”
“White Iverson” was written and recorded shortly after Post Malone, born Austin Richard Post, moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. At the time, Post Malone was relatively unknown, with a few mixtapes and online tracks to his name. The song’s creation was a spontaneous process, inspired by a new pair of braids Post Malone had just gotten. When he looked in the mirror, he saw a resemblance to NBA legend Allen Iverson, known for his iconic cornrows and distinctive playing style. This simple observation sparked the idea for “White Iverson.”

The song’s title and concept are a play on the idea of Post Malone seeing himself as a “white” version of Allen Iverson, drawing parallels between his own aspirations in the music industry and Iverson’s groundbreaking impact on basketball. Iverson was not just a talented player but also a cultural icon who broke the mold of what an NBA star could be, with his unapologetic style and attitude. Similarly, Post Malone saw himself as an artist who was different from the norm, blending genres and defying expectations.

Lyrics and Themes
“White Iverson” is a celebration of success and self-confidence, with Post Malone boasting about his newfound wealth, fame, and skills. The lyrics are filled with basketball references, with Iverson’s name symbolizing excellence and individuality. Lines like “I’m saucin’, I’m saucin’, I’m saucin’ on you” and “When I started ballin’, I was young” use basketball as a metaphor for Post Malone’s rise in the music industry. The song reflects his journey from obscurity to fame, capturing the moment when he realized he was on the brink of something big.

The chorus of “White Iverson” is instantly recognizable and has become one of Post Malone’s signature hooks. The line “I got me some braids and I got me some hoes” is a nod to his inspiration from Allen Iverson, while the following lines emphasize his new lifestyle: “Started ballin’, I was young / You gon’ think about me when I’m gone.” Here, Post Malone is not just talking about his success but also about his lasting impact, suggesting that he’s here to stay and will be remembered even after his time in the spotlight.

The song also touches on themes of identity and transformation. Post Malone uses the persona of “White Iverson” to explore his own sense of self and how he fits into the broader landscape of hip-hop and popular culture. The blending of cultural and racial identities is a significant part of the song’s appeal, as Post Malone, a white artist in a predominantly black genre, navigates his place in the industry. The lyrics reflect his understanding of this dynamic and his desire to carve out his own space while paying homage to those who came before him.

Musical Style and Production
Musically, “White Iverson” is a laid-back, melodic track that blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, and cloud rap. The production, handled by Post Malone and producer FKi 1st, is minimalist yet atmospheric, with a smooth, almost dreamy beat that perfectly complements Post Malone’s melodic delivery. The song’s structure is simple, allowing the focus to remain on the catchy hook and Post Malone’s charismatic vocals.

One of the key aspects of “White Iverson” is its use of Auto-Tune, which has become a signature element of Post Malone’s sound. The vocal effects add a layer of emotion and texture to the song, giving it a distinctive feel that set it apart from other tracks at the time. This approach to production and vocal delivery was ahead of its time and has since influenced countless other artists in the hip-hop and pop genres.

The song’s vibe is both celebratory and introspective, capturing the duality of Post Malone’s rise to fame. On one hand, it’s a triumphant anthem of success and self-assurance; on the other, it’s a reflective piece that hints at the pressures and challenges that come with sudden fame.

Reception and Impact
Upon its release, “White Iverson” quickly gained traction on SoundCloud, where it garnered millions of plays in a matter of weeks. The song’s viral success led to Post Malone signing with Republic Records, and it was officially released as a single in August 2015. “White Iverson” peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, a remarkable achievement for a debut single from an unknown artist.

Critically, “White Iverson” was praised for its catchy hook, unique production, and Post Malone’s charismatic performance. The song’s success was a clear indication of Post Malone’s potential, and it set the stage for his subsequent hits like “Congratulations,” “Rockstar,” and “Circles.” “White Iverson” also played a significant role in shaping the sound of mainstream hip-hop in the years that followed, with its blend of rap, singing, and melodic beats influencing a new wave of artists.

Beyond its commercial success, “White Iverson” has become a cultural touchstone, frequently referenced in other songs, social media, and popular culture. The song’s title and concept have become synonymous with Post Malone’s brand, symbolizing his rise from obscurity to global stardom.

Conclusion
“White Iverson” is more than just a debut single; it’s a defining moment in Post Malone’s career and a pivotal track in the evolution of modern hip-hop. With its infectious melody, relatable themes, and innovative production, the song introduced the world to a new kind of artist—one who could effortlessly blend genres and push the boundaries of what hip-hop could be. Today, “White Iverson” remains one of Post Malone’s most iconic songs, a testament to his artistry and his ability to capture the spirit of the times.

Double OT
I’m a new three
Saucin’, saucin’, I’m saucin’ on you
I’m swaggin’, I’m swaggin’, I’m swaggin’, oh-ooh (swaggin’)
I’m ballin’, I’m ballin’, Iverson on you (swish, ooh, ayy)
Watch out, watch out, watch out, yeah
That’s my shot, that’s my shot, that’s my shot, yeah
Spendin’, I’m spendin’ all my fuckin’ pay
I got me some braids and I got me some hoes
Started rockin’ the sleeve, I can’t ball with no Joes
You know how I do it, Concords on my toes
(This shit is hard) ooh
I ain’t rich yet, but you know I ain’t broke, I
So, if I see it, I like it, buy that from the store, I (store, I)
I’m with some white girls and they lovin’ the coca (coca)
Like they OT
Double OT like I’m KD, smokin’ OG (smokin’ OG)
And you know me, in my 2-3s and my gold teeth (and my gold teeth)
Bitch, I’m smiling, bet you see me from the nosebleeds (nosebleeds)
I’m the new three and I change out to my new 3s (to my new 3s)
White Iverson
When I started ballin’, I was young
You gon’ think about me when I’m gone
I need that money like the ring I never won, I won
Saucin’, saucin’, I’m saucin’ on you
I’m swaggin’, I’m swaggin’, I’m swaggin’, oh-ooh
I’m ballin’, I’m ballin’, Iverson on you
Watch out, watch out, watch out, yeah
That’s my shot, that’s my shot, that’s my shot, yeah
Spendin’, I’m spendin’ all my fuckin’ pay
Ooh, Stoney
Cigarettes and a headband
Commas, commas in my head, man
Slumped over like a dead man
Red and black, ’bout my bread, man
I’m the answer, never question
Lace up, learn a lesson
Bitch, I’m saucin’ (wow), I do this often, don’t do no talkin’ (no)
My options right when I walk in, jump all them Jordans (ooh)
I’m ballin’, money jumpin’
Like I’m Davis from New Orleans
Or bitch, I’m Harden, I don’t miss nothin’
Fuck practice, this shit just happens, know y’all can’t stand it (ayy)
I have it, I never pass it, I work my magic
High average, ball on these bastards, it makes me happy
It’s tragic, I make it happen, and all y’all Shaqtin’
White Iverson
When I started ballin’, I was young
You gon’ think about me when I’m gone
I need that money like the ring I never won, I won
Saucin’, saucin’, I’m saucin’ on you
I’m swaggin’, I’m swaggin’, I’m swaggin’, oh-ooh
I’m ballin’, I’m ballin’, Iverson on you
Watch out, watch out, watch out, yeah
That’s my shot, that’s my shot, that’s my shot, yeah
Spendin’, I’m spendin’ all my fuckin’ pay
Ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh