Lookin Boy Explained

Lookin' Boy
Cover:LookinBoy.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Hotstylz featuring Yung Joc
Released:May 13, 2008[1]
Recorded:2007
Genre:Hip hop, snap, comedy hip hop
Length:3:27
Producer:Nitti
Chronology:Hotstylz

"Lookin' Boy" (also known as "Lookin' Ass Nigga") is a song by American hip hop group Hotstylz, released on May 13, 2008, as their lone single. The song, which was produced by Southern hip hop producer Nitti, features vocals from fellow American rapper Yung Joc.

Background

The song is a game that derives from The Dozens, but instead replaces the classic "Your Mama" opening references, with quips ending with the closing reference "...lookin' boy", or "lookin' ass nigga" in the explicit version. The song was meant to be the lead single for their unreleased debut album.

Music video

The music video was released in May 2008.[2] American reality television personality Midget Mac, from I Love New York 2 makes a cameo appearance in the video.

Controversy

In 2013, Detroit-based rapper Eminem sampled this song for his 2013 single "Rap God". The group claims that Eminem did not receive permission to use the sample, nor did he credit or compensate them.[3] In November 2013, Hotstylz released a diss track towards Eminem titled "Rap Fraud", where they sample several of his songs and criticize him for not crediting them.[4] [5] In January 2015, TMZ reported Hotstylz were suing Eminem and Shady Records for the amount of $8 million, for using the 25 second sample of "Lookin' Boy" on his song "Rap God", without their permission.[6] [7] In March 2016, the lawsuit was dismissed as both parties reached a confidential settlement.[8]

Cultural references

There are numerous references to famous celebrities and popular icons that go in this order:

Remixes

There are several remixes and alternate versions of "Lookin' Boy" that feature:

On the R. Kelly remix there are references to:

On The Cassidy freestyle there are references to:

On the Bow Wow Remix there are references to:

Charts

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20121113084522/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lookin-boy/id279846964?i=279847017&ign-mpt=uo%3D4. Lookin Boy - Single by Hotstylz. live. iTunes Store (United States). May 13, 2008. November 13, 2012. March 11, 2023.
  2. https://web.archive.org/web/20150707173353/http://www.mtv.co.uk/hot-stylz-featuring-young-jochotstylz-featuring-yung-joc/videos/lookin-boy Lookin Boy | MTV UK.
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/06/eminem-sued-by-rap-group-hot-stylz-over-rap-god-sample Hotstylz claim Eminem's Rap God uses unauthorised sample | Music | The Guardian
  4. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/hotstylz-releases-eminem-diss-track-rap-fraud/ Hotstylz Releases Eminem Diss Track “Rap Fraud” - XXL
  5. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hotstylz-why-we-dissed-eminem-s-daughter-20131111 Hotstylz: Why We Dissed Eminem’s Daughter - Rolling Stone
  6. http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6429477/eminem-sued-chicago-rappers-hot-stylz-rap-god-lyrics Eminem Sued By Chicago Rappers Hot Stylz Over 'Rap God' Lyrics | Billboard
  7. http://www.vibe.com/2015/01/chicago-rappers-hotstylz-sue-eminem-over-rap-god-lyrics/ Chicago Rappers Hotstylz To Sue Eminem For $8 Million Over Sample In ‘Rap God’
  8. https://www.hollywood.com/general/eminem-settles-lawsuit-over-alleged-sample-60554866/ Eminem settles lawsuit over alleged sample
  9. Web site: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2008. Billboard. February 17, 2021.