"Rapstar"
Single by Polo G
from the album Hall of Fame
ReleasedApril 9, 2021
GenreTrap,[1][2] emo rap
Length2:45
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Polo G singles chronology
"Richer"
(2021)		 "Rapstar"
(2021)		 "Beat Box 5" / "Wit Dat"
(2021)
Music video
"Rapstar" on YouTube

"Rapstar" is a song by American rapper Polo G. It was released through Columbia Records as the third single from his third studio album, Hall of Fame, on April 9, 2021. The song was produced by Synco, with social media star Einer Bankz performing the ukulele. On the song, Polo G harmonizes about his growing stardom, the downside of fame and the rewards of it. The single was well received by critics and became Polo G's first number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Background and composition

"Rapstar" was first previewed nearly a year before its release, on May 25, 2020, in a YouTube video where Polo G and the song's co-producer Einer Bankz performs an acoustic version of the song, with Bankz playing his signature ukulele.[3] The song was officially announced just two days before its release, with Polo posting a teaser of the music video to his socials.[4]

The song features a "plucky" arpeggio string loop[5] over the guitar-driven[6][7] ukulele-based trap beat.[2] Lyrically, it sees Polo delving through the ups and downs of his fame, as he raps "Every day a battle, I'm exhausted and I'm weary".[8] In between those dark reflections, he boasts about his career success, his sexual prowess,[9] his "impressive" features on songs, the wealth, and the women he is involved with.[10] He also heavily alludes to his time growing up in the North side of Chicago. The first verse seemingly addresses his battle with anxiety and drug use, as he refers to his use of "pills", and how he feels sad, "when alone, my eyes teary". The second verse shows him more "heated", as he talks about putting his streets first and about "homicides". Adam Schofield of Pie Radio summarized: "We see there are two very different sides to Taurus; a sad anxiety stricken lonely young man, and a violent gangster – it makes you wonder how rapping about guns and sadness works so well together!".[3]

Critical reception

Billboard's Jason Lipshutz named it among the week's essential releases, stating: "Polo G remains one of the strongest storytellers in modern hip-hop, and even when his money-counting can't provide a sense of peace, the results are often captivating for his listeners".[8] Stereogum's Chris DeVille said the song "is like a super hi-res version of Polo G's signature sound", while opining that it "continues Polo G's tradition of sounding vaguely triumphant even as he unpacks his depression and trauma. It's a strange combination, but he pulls it off".[9] Similarly, Alex Zidel of HotNewHipHop said Polo is "back to the same style we know and love him for", adding that he "continues his prolific run with the release of 'Rapstar'", with Zidel deeming it a highlight from Polo's recently released material.[2] Uproxx's Wongo Okon shared the sentiment, stating that "The Chicago native has released countless songs that have proven his stay in the rap game will be far from temporary. The rapper continues his run with his latest single, 'Rapstar'".[10] Adam Schofield of Pie Radio said "Bankz impressively playing the ukulele mixed with Polo G's angelic voice may just be our new favourite thing!".[3] HipHopDX's Devon Jefferson called the song a "flex-heavy banger", as "Polo G raps through a barrage of relentless punchlines and a flossy hook".[11] Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan opined that the song finds Polo G "exploring his melodic side to great effect".[12] XXL named it among the best new music of the week.[13]

Awards and nominations

Award Year Category Result Ref.
Brit Awards 2022 International Song of the Year Nominated [14]
MTV Video Music Awards 2021 Best Hip-hop Nominated [15]

Commercial performance

On its first day of release, the song reached number one on both US Apple Music and Spotify, opening at the latter with 2.7 million streams, marking Polo G's first number-one on Spotify and a career peak in daily song streams.[16]

The song debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated April 24, 2021, with over 6,300 sales, and 77.7 million streams. The song became Polo G's first US number-one single and second top 10.[17]

Music video

The music video was released alongside the song and was directed by Arrad.[18] The visual shows Polo G putting his life as a rap star on display; he goes through seven different settings, showing off the rewards and lavish lifestyle that come with fame. It begins with Einer Bankz playing his ukulele, whereafter Polo is seen at a BMW dealership buying high-end luxury coupes for all his friends with a big bag of cash. He records music, and is inducted into a fictitious Hip hop Hall of Fame.[5][19] He also shows love for his hometown, Chicago, playing basketball in a Chicago Bulls outfit.[20] He is later seen lying on the ground after being stabbed in the back by his lover.[7] In the video, Polo sports a look that pays homage to 2Pac, which reflects the song's lyrics in which Polo declares himself Pac's reincarnation. The video stars Polo G's son Tremani, as the two are seen bonding through father and son time.[7] Rappers DDG, Trench Baby, Scorey and Baby Rich also make cameos.[9]

Reception

Complex's FNR Tigg noted how in the video, Polo G "takes the trials and tribulations [...] and the downside of living his glamorous life". Tigg said he effectively utilizes the Notorious B.I.G.'s infamous "more money, more problems" tagline.[19] Lyrical Lemonade said positively, "Not many artists possess the type of talent that Polo does, especially for his age, he's mastered his sound and always matches his great music with even better music videos that elevate the tracks".[21]

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Rapstar"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[64] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Belgium (BEA)[65] Gold 20,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[66] Platinum 90,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[67] Gold 15,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[68] Gold 5,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[69] Gold 10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[70] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[71] 6× Platinum 6,000,000‡
Streaming
Greece (IFPI Greece)[72] Gold 1,000,000†
Sweden (GLF)[73] Platinum 8,000,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Rapstar"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various April 9, 2021 Columbia
United States April 20, 2021 Rhythmic contemporary radio [74]
Urban contemporary radio [75]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Polo G's 'Rapstar' Lyrics". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Zidel, Alex (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Is Living Life Like A "Rapstar"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Schofield, Adam (April 9, 2021). "Polo G sets the bar higher with new song Rapstar". Pie Radio. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  4. ↑ "When is a new album from Polo G coming out?". The Focus. April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  5. 1 2 Scott, Dana (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Releases His Latest Video 'Rapstar'". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  6. ↑ Shepard, Ryan (April 9, 2021). "New Music: Polo G - Rapstar". Def Pen. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  7. 1 2 3 Powell, Jon (April 9, 2021). "Polo G drops off new video for "Rapstar"". Revolt. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  8. 1 2 Lipshutz, Jason (April 9, 2021). "First Stream: New Music From Taylor Swift, Doja Cat & SZA and More". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 DeVille, Chris (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Shares New Song "Rapstar": Listen". Stereogum. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  10. 1 2 Okon, Wongo (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Details His Life As A Rising Star On His Boastful 'Rapstar' Track". Uproxx. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  11. ↑ Jeffferson, Devon (April 8, 2021). "New Music Friday - New Singles From Polo G, Doja Cat & SZA + More". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  12. ↑ Sacher, Andrew (April 10, 2021). "23 New Rap and R&B Songs Out This Week". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  13. ↑ Seabrook III, Robby (April 9, 2021). "The 13 Best New Songs This Week". XXL. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  14. ↑ Reilly, Nick (February 8, 2022). "Brit Awards 2022: The Complete Winners List". Rolling Stone.
  15. ↑ Hailu, Selome (September 21, 2021). "2021 MTV Video Music Awards: The Complete Winners List". Variety.
  16. ↑ "Polo G, Taylor Swift Lead Streaming Debuts". Hits Daily Double. April 10, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  17. ↑ Trust, Gary (April 19, 2021). "Polo G Scores First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With Debut of 'Rapstar'". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  18. ↑ Yoo, Noah (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Shares Video for New Song "Rapstar"". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  19. 1 2 FNR Tigg (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Dissects Life as a Superstar in New "Rapstar" Video". Complex. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  20. ↑ Jones, Biz (April 9, 2021). "Polo G Shows Off Daddy Duties In New Rapstar Video". SOHH. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  21. ↑ Montanez, Elliot (April 9, 2021). "Rapstar – [Polo G]". Lyrical Lemonade. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Polo G Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  26. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 202118 into search. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Track Top-40 Uge 15, 2021". Hitlisten. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Polo G: Rapstar" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Polo G Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 15/2021". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  33. ↑ "Tónlistinn – Lög" [The Music – Songs] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  34. ↑ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  35. ↑ "2021 16-os SAVAITĖS (balandžio 16-22 d.) SINGLŲ TOP100" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. April 23, 2021. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  36. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  37. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  38. ↑ "VG-lista – Topp 20 Single 2021-15". VG-lista. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  39. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  40. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 202116 into search. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 15". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  42. ↑ "Polo G – Rapstar". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  43. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  44. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  45. ↑ "Polo G Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  46. ↑ "Polo G Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  47. ↑ "Polo G Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  48. ↑ "Polo G Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Top 100 Songs". Rolling Stone.
  50. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2021". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  51. ↑ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  52. ↑ "Track Top-100 2021". Hitlisten. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  53. ↑ "Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  54. ↑ "Stream Top 100 - darabszám alapján - 2021" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  55. ↑ "Tónlistinn – Lög – 2021" (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  56. ↑ Griffiths, George (January 9, 2022). "Ireland's official biggest songs of 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  57. ↑ "Top 1000 Singles + EPs Digitais: Semanas 01 a 52 de 2021" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  58. ↑ "Årslista Singlar, 2021". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  59. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2021". hitparade.ch. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  60. ↑ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  61. ↑ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  62. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  63. ↑ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  64. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  65. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2022". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  66. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Polo G – Rapstar". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  67. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Polo G – Rapstar". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  68. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – Polo G – Rapstar" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  69. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Rapstar')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  70. ↑ "British single certifications – Polo G – Rapstar". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  71. ↑ "American single certifications – Polo G – Rapstar". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  72. ↑ "IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 35 (31-35)/2021" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  73. ↑ "Sverigetopplistan – Polo G" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  74. ↑ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates | ..." All Access. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  75. ↑ "Urban/R&B Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates | ..." All Access. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
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