"Precision" is a song by American rapper Big Sean. It was first previewed in August 2023 through a trailer for the video game NBA 2K24 (2023), before being released on March 22, 2024, as the lead single from his sixth studio album Better Me Than You. The song contains a sample of "Poppin' My Collar" by Three 6 Mafia and was produced by FnZ, Teddy Walton, Aaron Bow, Tom Kahre and Zacari.

"Precision"
Single by Big Sean
from the album Better Me Than You
ReleasedMarch 22, 2024
Genre
Length2:47
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Big Sean singles chronology
"Master P"
(2023)
"Precision"
(2024)
"Shut Up"
(2024)
Music video
"Precision" on YouTube

Background

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On August 31, 2023, a minute-long snippet of the song appeared in the trailer of NBA 2K24. The video's description stated the song would be featured on Big Sean's upcoming sixth album.[1]

Composition and lyrics

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"Precision" uses the same sample from "Poppin' My Collar",[2] composed of a "jazzy horn section and added sniper sounds" originally borrowed from "Theme of the Mack" by Willie Hutch[3] and a trap beat.[4] Through a rapid-fire performance,[3] he discusses topics such as his family and charity.[2] In the chorus, he raps "Shootin' my shot like, pew-pew, aye / Get the red dot like, pew-pew, aye / Finger on the trigger like pew-pew-pew-pew, aye, aye, aye."[3][5] He also raps about having studied his target and never missing it,[5][6] and at one point mentions dismissing the criticism from his haters.[7]

Critical reception

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The song received generally positive reviews. Zachary Horvath of HotNewHipHop remarked, "One thing we can say for certain is that Big Sean has tons of 'Precision' when it comes to his flows. There are not many mainstream MCs that have better pure rapping skills than him. While there a still a couple of so-so bars, we do not have much to nitpick."[4] Ahmad Davis of Rap-Up wrote in regard to Big Sean, "Although he had taken some time off to recharge and adjust to fatherhood, the multi-platinum bar spitter seemed to be in tip-top shape."[6] Shawn Grant of The Source stated the song "showcases Big Sean's signature lyrical prowess, delivered with rapid-fire precision over a dynamic blend of soulful samples and infectious beats."[8]

Music video

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An official music video was directed by Onda and released alongside the single. It sees Big Sean in a Dragon Ball Z-like diving chamber,[6] being measured by an attractive tailor,[5] walking on a treadmill,[5][6] meditating in front of a green screen,[5] riding in an old-school convertible[2] and shooting hoops in a cartoonish setting.[5]

Charts

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Chart performance for "Precision"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[9] 39
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[10] 19
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[11] 31

References

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  1. ^ Ellington, Andre (September 1, 2023). "Big Sean Flips Three 6 Mafia Classic as He Shares First Taste of New Album". HipHopDX. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Powell, Jon (March 22, 2024). "Big Sean marks his official return with "Precision" visual". Revolt. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Coleman II, C. Vernon (March 22, 2024). "Big Sean's Kicks Off Comeback with 'Precision,' His First Solo Song in Two Years". XXL. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  4. ^ a b Horvath, Zachary (March 22, 2024). "Big Sean Is On Point With New Single "Precision"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Mier, Tomás (March 22, 2024). "Big Sean Shoots His Shot With 'Precision' in New Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Davis, Ahmad (March 23, 2024). "Fans Claim Big Sean Picked A Bad Day To Release His New Song "Precision"". Rap-Up. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  7. ^ Gonzalez, Alex (March 22, 2024). "Big Sean Makes A Sure Fire Aim With 'Precision,' His Triumphant Comeback Single". Uproxx. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  8. ^ Grant, Shawn (March 25, 2024). "Big Sean Makes a Triumphant Return with New Single "Precision" and Revealing Vlog". The Source. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  9. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  10. ^ "Big Sean Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  11. ^ "Big Sean Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2024.