"Epidemic" is a song by American rapper Polo G. It was released as the lead single from his third studio album, Hall of Fame (2021), on September 25, 2020.[1] It was produced by Tahj Money, D Mac, LondnBlu and Karltin Bankz.[2]
| "Epidemic" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Polo G | ||||
| from the album Hall of Fame | ||||
| Released | September 25, 2020 | |||
| Length | 2:58 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| Polo G singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Epidemic" on YouTube | ||||
Composition and lyrics
editIn the song, Polo G sing-raps about losing people close to him, especially those who died by gun violence, which is described as an "epidemic",[3] stating: "I'm so sick of farewells and RIP's / In the trenches yellin', "Gang gang", mob ties what I bleed / Don't claim to be an opp, 'cause niggas die from that disease / He gon' let that 9 blow with ease".[2][4][5][6] Later, he vows to be careful for the sake of his family ("Promise to my son that the streets won't get no more of me / Remember every line from that obituary poetry").[3] The song is sung over a piano-based beat.[7]
Music video
editThe music video was released alongside the single. Directed by Ryan Lynch and shot in Miami, it shows the "lavish lifestyle" of Polo G.[8] The rapper spends time with his friends; he rides in yachts and motorcycles,[8] hanging in the studio[9] and playing basketball.[3]
Charts
edit| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[10] | 41 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[11] | 56 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[12] | 46 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[13] | 8 |
| Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[14] | 3 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[15] | 54 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[16] | 47 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[17] | 17 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[18] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[19] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ Yoo, Noah (September 25, 2020). "Watch Polo G's Video for New Song "Epidemic"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ a b Johnson, Patrick (September 25, 2020). "Polo G Returns With New "Epidemic" Visual". HYPEBEAST. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ a b c Schatz, Lake (2020-09-25). "Polo G reveals new single "Epidemic": Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ "Polo G reveals new single "Epidemic": Stream". Consequence. 2020-09-25. Retrieved 2021-06-12.
- ^ "Polo G – "Epidemic"". Stereogum. 2020-09-25. Retrieved 2021-06-12.
- ^ Cho, Regina (2020-09-25). "Polo G drops new video for "Epidemic"". REVOLT. Retrieved 2021-06-12.
- ^ Breihan, Tom (2020-09-25). "Polo G – "Epidemic"". Stereogum. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ a b McMurtrie, Layla (October 1, 2020). "Polo G's new single and video for "Epidemic," prove his title of "The GOAT," is ever standing". The Eastern Echo. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ "Polo G Shares New Video for "Epidemic"". Complex. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ "Polo G Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ^ "Polo g Chart History - Global 200". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Polo G". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
- ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 40, 2020" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ "Polo G Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ^ "Polo G Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ^ "British single certifications – Polo G – Epidemic". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ "American single certifications – Polo G – Epidemic". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 6, 2021.