Gangsta (Free Nationals, ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak song) explained

Gangsta
Cover:	Free Nationals, ASAP Rocky & Anderson .Paak - Gangsta.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Free Nationals, ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak
Released:	February 23, 2024
Length:	3:14
Chronology:	Free Nationals
Prev Title:	Through the Night
Prev Year:	2023

"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.

Composition

"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

Tallie 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."

Music video

The music video was directed by François Rousselet and is set in a world governed by children.^[8] Kid versions of ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak wear stylish outfits and drive through a cartoon Los Angeles in a muscle car, where the streets are lined with playhouses; they rob a liquor store with others, perform in front of a private jet, defend themselves in court, engage in Super Soaker shootouts and throw Molotov cocktails. In one scene, it is revealed that the events of the video are from the imagination of a child playing in a bathtub.

Charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"

Peak position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)^[9]	12

Notes and References

1. Web site: Siroky . Mary . The Free Nationals Link Up with Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky for "Gangsta": Stream . . 16 April 2024 . February 23, 2024.
2. Web site: Pilley . Max . Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky join Free Nationals for jazzy new single 'Gangsta' . . 16 April 2024 . February 26, 2024.
3. Web site: Helfand . Raphael . Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky join Free Nationals for new song "Gangsta" . . 16 April 2024 . February 23, 2024.
4. Web site: Caraan . Sophie . Free Nationals Joins Forces With Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky for "Gangsta" . . 16 April 2024 . February 23, 2024.
5. Web site: Gonzalez . Alex . Free Nationals, Anderson .Paak, And ASAP Rocky Set The 'Gangsta' Legacy For Their Younger Selves In Their New Video . . 16 April 2024 . February 23, 2024.
6. Web site: Powell . Jon . ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak join Free Nationals for "Gangsta" . . 16 April 2024 . February 26, 2024.
7. Web site: Spencer . Tallie . Free Nationals Share Anticipated Collaboration With Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky In New Single "GANG$TA" . . 16 April 2024 . February 23, 2024.
8. Web site: Corcoran . Nina . Free Nationals Tap A$AP Rocky and Anderson .Paak for New Song "Gangsta": Watch the Video . . 16 April 2024 . February 23, 2024.
9. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. March 4, 2024. April 16, 2024.