"Victory Lap" is a song by American rapper Nipsey Hussle and the title track of his debut studio album, released on February 16, 2018. The song features American singer Stacy Barthe and was produced by Mike & Keys, Sap and Amaire Johnson.
| "Victory Lap" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Nipsey Hussle featuring Stacy Barthe | |
| from the album Victory Lap | |
| Released | February 16, 2018 |
| Genre | Hip hop |
| Length | 3:58 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Music video | |
| "Victory Lap" on YouTube | |
Background and composition
editThe song was originally titled "Mean Streets",[1] in reference to the 1973 film. The chorus, sung by Stacy Barthe, interpolates the song "Knee Socks" by the Arctic Monkeys, which appears in Mean Streets. The song features "bombastic production"[2] and a "downshifting keyboard labyrinth".[1] Nipsey Hussle raps about his gifts and a "rags to riches" story of surviving in his neighborhood of Crenshaw, Los Angeles.[1][3]
Music video
editThe official music video was directed by Sergio and released on December 31, 2018. Filmed in Tulum, Mexico, the video references lyrics from the first verse: "Flew to Cancun, smokin' Cubans on the boat / Then docked at Tulum just to smoke, look / Listening to music at the Mayan Ruins / True devotion on the bluest ocean, cruisin'".[4] It sees Nipsey on vacation in Mexico, where he climbs an ancient Mayan pyramid and cruises on a boat.[5][6] The video interchanges scenes from his trip with shots of Hussle in his Crenshaw neighborhood. His store, The Marathon Clothing, appears as well.[4]
Charts
edit| Chart (2019) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[7] | 100 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[8] | 37 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[9] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ a b c Lamarre, Carl (2018-02-26). "Nipsey Hussle on the Genius of Master P, Upcoming Joint Album With YG & Being the 'Tupac of His Generation'". Billboard.
- ^ Clark, Trent (2018-02-15). "Review: "Victory Lap" Confirms Nipsey Hussle's Marathon Paid Off". HipHopDX.
- ^ Carmichael, Rodney (2018-02-16). "Nipsey Hussle Tells The Epic Stories Behind 'Victory Lap,' Track By Track". NPR.
- ^ a b Alvarez, Lauren (December 31, 2018). "Nipsey Hussle Closes Out 2018 With 'Victory Lap' Music Video". Forbes.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (December 31, 2018). "Nipsey Hussle Drops Victory Lap Video - XXL". XXL.
- ^ Hussein, Wandera (December 31, 2018). "Watch Nipsey Hussle's "Victory Lap" video". The Fader.
- ^ "Nipsey Hussle Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Nipsey Hussle Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "American single certifications – Nipsey Hussle – Victory Lap". Recording Industry Association of America.