"Gangsta" is a song by American R&B band Free Nationals, American rapper ASAP Rocky and American singer Anderson .Paak. It was released on February 23, 2024, with an accompanying music video.
| "Gangsta" | ||||
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| Single by Free Nationals, ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak | ||||
| Released | February 23, 2024 | |||
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| Length | 3:14 | |||
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| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Free Nationals singles chronology | ||||
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| ASAP Rocky singles chronology | ||||
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| Anderson .Paak singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Gangsta" on YouTube | ||||
Composition
edit"Gangsta" is a retro-soul song combining elements of funk[1] and jazz, and has been described as "free-flowing".[2] The production contains "psychedelic strings, pocket drumming, movie samples, and record scratches".[3] The song opens with the chorus, sung by Anderson .Paak, followed by a verse from ASAP Rocky,[4] who reflects on how his father taught him his "gangster" ways[5] and boasts the extravagant aspects of his lifestyle, including women.[6]
Critical reception
editTallie Spencer of HotNewHipHop called the song a "testament to the creative synergy that occurs when like-minded artists come together to push the boundaries of musical expression" and "standout track, solidifying its place as a must-listen in the evolving landscape of contemporary music."[7] Aaron Williams of Uproxx commented the song "amalgamates the signature components of each act, and results in untouchable musical chemistry." In addition, he described the production as "brilliant", that ASAP Rocky "taps into a sense of bravado", and Anderson .Paak's "soulful" performance as "somehow making the life of a gangster sound smooth and sweet."[5]
Music video
editThe music video was directed by François Rousselet and is set in a world governed by children.[6][8] Kid versions of ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak wear stylish outfits and drive through a cartoon Los Angeles in a muscle car,[3][5] where the streets are lined with playhouses; they rob a liquor store with others, perform in front of a private jet,[6] defend themselves in court,[2][3][8] engage in Super Soaker shootouts and throw Molotov cocktails.[3] In one scene, it is revealed that the events of the video are from the imagination of a child playing in a bathtub.[6]
Charts
edit| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[9] | 12 |
References
edit- ^ Siroky, Mary (February 23, 2024). "The Free Nationals Link Up with Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky for "Gangsta": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ a b Pilley, Max (February 26, 2024). "Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky join Free Nationals for jazzy new single 'Gangsta'". NME. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d Helfand, Raphael (February 23, 2024). "Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky join Free Nationals for new song "Gangsta"". The Fader. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ Caraan, Sophie (February 23, 2024). "Free Nationals Joins Forces With Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky for "Gangsta"". Hypebeast. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ a b c Gonzalez, Alex (February 23, 2024). "Free Nationals, Anderson .Paak, And ASAP Rocky Set The 'Gangsta' Legacy For Their Younger Selves In Their New Video". Uproxx. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d Powell, Jon (February 26, 2024). "ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak join Free Nationals for "Gangsta"". Revolt. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ Spencer, Tallie (February 23, 2024). "Free Nationals Share Anticipated Collaboration With Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky In New Single "GANG$TA"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ a b Corcoran, Nina (February 23, 2024). "Free Nationals Tap A$AP Rocky and Anderson .Paak for New Song "Gangsta": Watch the Video". Pitchfork. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. March 4, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.