"Smurk Carter" is a song by American rapper Lil Durk and his record label Only the Family. It was released through the label alongside Empire Distribution as the lead and only single from their collaborative compilation album, Nightmares in the Trenches, on November 10, 2023. Durk wrote the song with producer Chopsquad DJ and the official music video was released on the same day.
| "Smurk Carter" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Lil Durk and Only the Family | ||||
| from the album Nightmares in the Trenches | ||||
| Released | November 10, 2023 | |||
| Genre | Hip Hop | |||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Chopsquad DJ | |||
| Lil Durk singles chronology | ||||
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| Only the Family singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Smurk Carter" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editA few days before the song was released, Lil Durk previewed it among other tracks at a Sirius XM + Pandora Playback event in Atlanta. According to Durk, the song was inspired by rappers Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.[1] The title of the song references Wayne's surname, Carter, and cover art of the single features Lil Durk adorning Wayne's iconic face tattoos.[2]
Composition
editThe song opens with a speech about second chances in life from Robert Shipp, a Chicago man who was sentenced to life in prison for his alleged involvement in a drug conspiracy but reformed and was released after decades.[2][3] It finds Lil Durk adopting a flow which is similar to that of Lil Wayne's classic style[4] and rapping about street life.[3]
Music video
editAn official music video was released alongside the single. Directed by Jerry Production, it begins with an appearance from Shipp, who delivers his monologue.[2][3] The clip sees Lil Durk and his crew in different locations[3] and contains numerous references to Lil Wayne's early career, mainly his "Hustler Musik" video, showing Durk wearing the same BAPE outfits and recreating several rooftop scenes. Other references include the video to Wayne's song "Tha Block Is Hot".[2]
Charts
edit| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[5] | 95 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] | 24 |
References
edit- ^ A., Aron (November 8, 2023). "Lil Durk Shares Release Date For Lil Wayne & Jay-Z-Inspired Single "Smurk Carter"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d Moore, Sam (November 10, 2023). "Lil Durk Channels 'The Carter II' Era Lil Wayne In 'Smurk Carter' Video". HipHopDX. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d Powell, Jon (November 13, 2023). "Lil Durk takes it back to the streets in latest visual for "Smurk Carter"". Revolt. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ Horvath, Zachary (November 10, 2023). "Lil Durk Adopts A Lil Wayne Flow On "Smurk Carter"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ "Lil Durk Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ^ "Lil Durk Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.