Million Dollar Baby (Tommy Richman song) explained

Million Dollar Baby
Cover:Tommy Richman - Million Dollar Baby.png
Alt:Low-res scanline frame, night-vision style but black-and-white, of Richman in a cap and jacket, hand extended toward camera with only middle finger and thumb protruding.
Type:single
Artist:Tommy Richman
Album:Coyote
Genre:
Length:2:35 (single version)
2:03 (radio edit)
Producer:
  • Max Vossberg
  • Jonah Roy
  • Mannyvelli
  • Sparkheem
  • Kavi
Prev Title:Selfish
Prev Year:2024
Next Title:Devil Is a Lie
Next Year:2024

"Million Dollar Baby" is a song by American singer and rapper Tommy Richman. It was released on April 26, 2024, through ISO Supremacy and Pulse Records, later redistributed through Concord and Universal as the lead single from his upcoming debut studio album Coyote. It was written by Richman with production credits from Max Vossberg, Jonah Roy, Mannyvelli, Sparkheem and Kavi. The song became the longest running number-one song on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart, staying at the top spot for ten consecutive weeks starting in May 2024.

With minimal established commercial history prior, Richman revealed snippets of the song on TikTok. Building on the teasers' popularity, "Million Dollar Baby" garnered immediate commercial success upon its April release, becoming Richman's breakthrough hit. "Million Dollar Baby" debuted and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Million Dollar Baby" topped the charts in Australia, Latvia, and New Zealand, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in many other countries, including Austria, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Critics acclaimed the song for its unique, catchy sound and Richman's vocals; some deemed it an imminent contender for song of the summer.

Background

After having moved from his hometown of Woodbridge, Virginia to Los Angeles in 2022, Richman quickly garnered attention for his "signature production style" without being confined to "genre labels". In 2023, he was recognized by American musician Brent Faiyaz with whom he embarked on his F*ck the World tour that also exposed him to a larger audience.[1] Richman was then signed to Faiyaz's label Iso Supremacy through a joint venture with Pulse Records as the first signee.[2]

Following a string of single releases under the label, Richman started teasing "Million Dollar Baby" on his social media on April 22, 2024, and posted footage of recording sessions using a "VHS-style recording".[3] The snippet amassed over 9.5 million views on TikTok in less than a week, and helped give it an "explosive debut".[4] Richman described the sound as "palatable and listenable" and referred to it as something he likes and is "interested in". His goal was to "make cool shit for people" and for him.[5] Post-release, the song received continued popularity on the platform: Forbes reported that it had become the soundtrack to several trends, including a dance challenge, "prom transition videos" and "the 'Black wife/girlfriend effect'... videos of Black women showing off how their partners’ styles have evolved since the start of their relationships".[6]

Composition

"Million Dollar Baby" is a "funk-infused"[7] R&B[8] song with hi-hats from Southern trap, synths and a psychedelic sound.[9] [10] It features staccato synth lines, a "ridiculously bouncy" bassline and trap percussion; Richman's multi-tracked vocals range from a "pitched-down chant" to a "soaring falsetto". The song consists of "one verse and two choruses", and is in the key of F-sharp minor with a tempo of 137 BPM. The artist also released a "VHS" mix of the song, emulating the mix of the snippet posted to TikTok, which features a more "blown-out bass".

Richman sings about wanting to make it in the industry and represent his state of Virginia. He talks about staying out of trouble so that he can pursue his goals, because he knows what he's worth (a million dollars).

Reception

Commercial

"Million Dollar Baby" became Tommy Richman's breakthrough hit, becoming immensely popular on streaming platforms: Billboard reported that the song had gained 4.6 million "on-demand US streams" on its release day (April 26, 2024).[11] On the chart dated May 11, 2024, the song debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, with "38 million streams, 302,000 in radio airplay audience and 4,000 sold", behind Taylor Swift and Post Malone's "Fortnight".[12] This became Richman's first entry, setting a record as the highest debut from an artist with no prior history on the chart since "Rich Men North of Richmond" by Oliver Anthony Music the previous year.[13]

"Million Dollar Baby" was also very successful globally, reaching the top five in multiple countries. The song reached number one in New Zealand, Australia and Latvia;[14] number three in the United Kingdom and Canada; number four in Lithuania; and number five in Ireland.[15] [16] Billboard also reported that, following the song's success, the rest of Richman's catalog had received a "gain of 106%" in US streams (in the April 26–29 tracking period). The song is the longest running consecutive number-one song on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, having stayed at the top spot for ten weeks from May to July 2024.[17] [18]

Critical

The song received critical acclaim by critics. Jordan Rose of Complex called "Million Dollar Baby" a contender for "Song of the Summer" as Richman delivers his "most electric song so far".[19] Eric Skelton of the same publication praised its concise fullness, likening it to "dessert for dinner"; he also singled out the variety and production of Richman's vocals, commenting that "the Virginia singer layers his own voice on top of itself... in an endearingly self-indulgent way". Likewise, Carl Lamarre at Billboard also thought the track was a "song of the summer" contender with its "funky sound" and "seamless vocal riffs". Lamarre went on to praise the track for its "sticky hook" and "an undeniable bass".[20] Robin Murray of Clash highly praised it for "a ridiculously catchy hook, an effervescent beat, and some of Tommy’s catchiest bars".[21]

Writing for HotNewHipHop, Gabriel Bras Nevares pointed out the "creative blend of classic Southern trap" and "poppy" vocal passages with "melodic leads". Bras Nevares thought the song was the "boiling point" of the "steady build-up" Richman has had experienced up until that point, as he found out a way to "capitalize" on the best aspects of his "unique style". The writer furthermore described it as an "odd mix" between sounding "pretty hard" and "quite sophisticated".[22] Katherine St. Asaph of Stereogum acclaimed "Richman’s falsetto, the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis cowbell, and [the song's] slick funk with massive summer jam potential".

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA)[23] 1
Belarus Airplay (TopHit)101
Brazil (Brasil Hot 100)[24] 51
CIS (TopHit)[25]
32
Croatia (Billboard)[26] 17
Denmark (Tracklisten)[27] 7
Estonia Airplay (TopHit)[28] 58
France (SNEP)[29] 44
Greece International (IFPI)[30] 8
Iceland (Plötutíðindi)[31] 1
India (IMI)[32] 11
Italy (FIMI)[33] 88
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)[34] 23
Latvia (LAIPA)[35] 1
Latvia Airplay (LAIPA)[36] 16
Lithuania (AGATA)[37] 4
Luxembourg (Billboard)[38] 8
Malaysia (Billboard)[39] 6
Malaysia International (RIM)[40] 9
New Zealand (Billboard)[41] 1
Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)[42] 68
Norway (VG-lista)[43] 4
Philippines (Billboard)[44] 4
Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)[45] 16
Romania (Billboard)[46] 11
Singapore (RIAS)[47] 3
South Korea (Circle)[48] 116
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[49] 15
UAE (IFPI)[50] 4
Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)177

Monthly charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"
Position
CIS Airplay (TopHit)[51] 57
CIS Airplay (TopHit)
61
Kazakhstan Airplay (TopHit)[52] 53
Lithuania Airplay (TopHit)[53] 83
South Korea (Circle)[54] 122

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tommy Richman Hasn't Forgotten His DMV Roots. Val. Caroline. The Miami Times. August 8, 2023. April 28, 2024. April 28, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240428090050/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/interview-tommy-richman-on-how-his-sound-has-evolved-17578438. live.
  2. PULSE Records Partners With Brent Faiyaz's Iso Supremacy, Signs Tommy Richman. Lamarre. Carl. Billboard. August 21, 2023. April 28, 2024. April 29, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240429200753/https://www.billboard.com/pro/pulse-records-brent-faiyaz-iso-supremacy-tommy-richman/. live.
  3. Web site: I'm a million dollar baby.. Instagram. April 28, 2024.
  4. Web site: Who Is Tommy Richman? Meet The "Million Dollar Baby" Singer. Williams. Aaron. Uproxx. April 29, 2024. May 1, 2024. May 1, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240501081259/https://uproxx.com/music/who-is-tommy-richman-million-dollar-baby/. live.
  5. Web site: Tommy Richman Releases New Single "Million Dollar Baby". McMahon. Jason. Substream Magazine. April 26, 2024. April 28, 2024. April 28, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240428090050/https://substreammagazine.com/2024/04/tommy-richman-releases-new-single-million-dollar-baby/. live.
  6. Web site: Johnson . Arianna . Why 'Million Dollar Baby' Debuted High On Music Charts—Despite Rap Beefs And Taylor Swift's Success . 2024-05-17 . Forbes . en . May 16, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240516212232/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/05/07/why-million-dollar-baby-debuted-high-on-music-charts-despite-rap-beefs-and-taylor-swifts-success/ . live .
  7. Web site: Skelton . Eric . Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby" Is an Instant Smash . 2024-05-06 . Complex . en-us . May 4, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240504210036/https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-skelton/tommy-richman-million-dollar-baby-hit . live .
  8. Web site: The Rise of Tommy Richmans Viral Hit Million Dollar Baby - Neon Music - Digital Music Discovery & Showcase Platform . 2024-05-06 . neonmusic.co.uk . en . May 20, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240520202819/https://neonmusic.co.uk/the-rise-of-tommy-richmans-viral-hit-million-dollar-baby/ . live .
  9. Web site: Tommy Richman Hits The Mainstream with "Million Dollar Baby" . 2024-05-19 . sheeshmedia.com . en.
  10. Web site: 2024-05-07 . The Dua Lipa Album Is... Fine? . 2024-05-19 . Stereogum . en . May 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240519160912/https://www.stereogum.com/2262610/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review/columns/chained-to-the-rhythm/ . live .
  11. Unterberger . Kyle Denis,Jason Lipshutz,Andrew . Denis . Kyle . Lipshutz . Jason . Unterberger . Andrew . 2024-05-01 . Tommy Richman Scores a 'Million Dollar' Breakout Hit (And Sees a Catalog Boost) With Viral Single . 2024-05-06 . Billboard . en-US . May 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240506212851/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/tommy-richman-million-dollar-baby-trending-up-1235671152/ . live .
  12. Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of May 18, 2024. Billboard. May 14, 2024. May 14, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240514094416/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2024-05-18/. live.
  13. Web site: Garcia . Thania . 2024-05-06 . Tommy Richman's 'Million Dollar Baby' Breaks Through at No. 2; Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' Keeps Heating Up the Hot 100 . 2024-05-17 . Variety . en-US . May 16, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240516131103/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/million-dollar-baby-tommy-richman-debut-charts-sabrina-carpenter-espresso-1235993157/ . live .
  14. Web site: NZ Top 40 Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. May 13, 2024. May 10, 2024. May 10, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240510045253/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=5804. live.
  15. Web site: 2024-05-03 . Official Irish Singles Chart on 3/5/2024 . 2024-05-06 . Official Charts . en . January 7, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170107110119/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/ . live .
  16. Taylor Swift & Post Malone's 'Fortnight' Spends a Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100. Trust. Gary. Billboard. May 6, 2024. May 6, 2024. May 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240506172159/https://www.billboard.com/lists/taylor-swift-post-malone-fortnight-number-one-hot-100-second-week/. live.
  17. Rutherford . Kevin . 2024-07-18 . Tommy Richman's 'Million Dollar Baby' Rules TikTok Billboard Top 50 for 10th Week . 2024-07-19 . Billboard . en-US.
  18. Rutherford . Kevin . 2024-07-11 . Jared McCain's 'Jus' Know' Dance Drives BlackMayo to No. 2 on TikTok Billboard Top 50. 2024-07-11 . Billboard . en-US.
  19. Web site: Everything You Need to Know About Tommy Richman. Rose. Jordan. Complex. April 28, 2024. May 1, 2024.
  20. Here Are Six Things to Know About "Million Dollar Baby" Singer Tommy Richman. Lamarre. Carl. Billboard. April 29, 2024. May 1, 2024. May 1, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240501081259/https://www.billboard.com/lists/tommy-richman-million-dollar-baby/. live.
  21. Web site: Murray . Robin . 2024-05-01 . Tommy Richman Shares Smash Hit 'Million Dollar Baby' News . 2024-05-17 . Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews . May 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240517203130/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/tommy-richman-shares-smash-hit-million-dollar-baby/ . live .
  22. Web site: Tommy Richman Becomes A "Million Dollar Baby" On New Single: Stream. Bras Nevares. Gabriel. HotNewHipHop. April 28, 2024. May 1, 2024. May 1, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240501081259/https://www.billboard.com/lists/tommy-richman-million-dollar-baby/. live.
  23. Web site: ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 13, 2024. May 10, 2024. May 10, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240510071556/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/hip-hop-r-and-b-singles-chart/2024-05-13. live.
  24. Tommy Richman Chart History (Brasil Hot 100) . Billboard. July 18, 2024.
  25. Web site: Top Radio Hits Global Weekly Chart: Jul 18, 2024. TopHit. July 28, 2024.
  26. Croatia Songs: Week of May 25, 2024. Billboard. May 21, 2024.
  27. Web site: Track Top-40 Uge 20, 2024. Hitlisten. May 22, 2024.
  28. Web site: Top Radio Hits Estonia Weekly Chart: Jul 25, 2024. TopHit. July 28, 2024.
  29. Web site: Top Singles (Week 20, 2024). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. fr. May 20, 2024. May 20, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240520202742/https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-la-semaine/top-albums/?semaine=20%3F&annee=2024&categorie=Top%20Singles. live.
  30. Web site: Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) (Week: 20/2024). IFPI Greece. May 23, 2024. May 22, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240522091143/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html. dead.
  31. Web site: Streymi, spilun og sala viku 21.. is. Plötutíðindi. June 8, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240524205817/https://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/. May 24, 2024. dead.
  32. Web site: IMI International Top 20 Singles for week ending 27th May 2024 Week 21 of 52. IMIcharts. May 28, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240528163852/https://imicharts.com/.
  33. Web site: Top Singoli – Classifica settimanale WK 20. Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. it. May 18, 2024. March 18, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200318054616/https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/classifiche.kl#/charts/3/2024/20. live.
  34. Web site: Top Radio Hits Kazakhstan Weekly Chart: Jul 11, 2024. TopHit. July 28, 2024.
  35. Web site: 12 June 2024 . Straumēšanas TOP 2024 – 21. nedēļa . Streaming TOP 2024 – Week 21 . 14 June 2024 . . lv.
  36. Web site: Latvijas spēlētāko dziesmu Radio Top 2024. gads – 24. nedēļa. Latvia's most played songs Radio Top 2024 – Week 24. lv. LAIPA. 22 June 2024. 21 June 2024.
  37. Web site: 2024 19-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100). lt. AGATA. May 10, 2024. May 10, 2024. May 10, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240510075614/https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s19-3/. live.
  38. Luxembourg Songs: Week of May 25, 2024. Billboard. May 21, 2024.
  39. Malaysia Songs: Week of June 1, 2024. Billboard. May 29, 2024.
  40. Web site: TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 26 (21/06/2024-27/06/2024). RIM. July 6, 2024. July 6, 2024. Facebook.
  41. Web site: New Zealand Songs: Week of May 18, 2024 . . 24 July 2024.
  42. TurnTable Nigeria Top 100: July 5th, 2024 – July 11th, 2024. TurnTable. July 20, 2024. July 20, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240720185141/https://www.turntablecharts.com/charts/1. dead.
  43. Web site: Singel 2024 uke 20. VG-lista. May 17, 2024. May 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240517144531/https://topplista.no/charts/singles/2024-w20/. live.
  44. Philippines Songs: Week of May 25, 2024. Billboard. May 21, 2024.
  45. Web site: OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie. OLiS. pl. May 23, 2024. Select week 10.05.2024–16.05.2024.. February 2, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230202134558/https://www.olis.pl/charts/oficjalna-lista-sprzedazy/single-w-streamie. live.
  46. Romania Songs: Week of May 25, 2024. Billboard. May 21, 2024.
  47. Web site: RIAS Top Charts Week 20 (10 - 16 May 2024). RIAS. May 21, 2024. May 21, 2024. https://archive.today/20240521161545/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/.
  48. Web site: Digital Chart – Week 28 of 2024. Circle Chart. ko. July 18, 2024.
  49. Web site: Veckolista Singlar, vecka 21. Sverigetopplistan. May 24, 2024.
  50. Web site: UAE: 2024 - W21 - 05/17 to 05/23. The Official MENA Chart. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. June 8, 2024.
  51. Web site: Top Radio Hits Global Monthly Chart: June 2024. TopHit. July 28, 2024.
  52. Web site: Top Radio Hits Kazakhstan Monthly Chart: June 2024. TopHit. July 28, 2024.
  53. Web site: Top Radio Hits Lithuania Monthly Chart: June 2024. TopHit. July 28, 2024.
  54. Web site: Digital Chart – July 2024. Circle Chart. ko. August 8, 2024.

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