White Tee Explained

White Tee
Cover:White Tee DFB.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Dem Franchize Boyz
Album:Dem Franchize Boyz
Released: (US)
Recorded:2003
Genre:
Length:4:38
Label:
Next Title:I Think They Like Me
Next Year:2005

"White Tee" is a 2004 song by Dem Franchize Boyz, which appeared on their debut album Dem Franchize Boyz, released on So So Def Records and Universal Records.

Playboi Carti sampled the song on his single "Woke Up Like This". In 2020, Travis Scott released the song "Franchise", which interpolates and pays homage to "White Tee" in its chorus.[1]

Controversy

An article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which mentions the song, and the fashion statement, stated that after the release of the song, many clubs and schools began to ban the use of white T-shirts on the basis that the shirts were associated with gangs.[2]

Music video

The video for the song begins with a faux news report by "Robert Watson" from Atlanta, who is holding a microphone with "DFB" on it. He is talking about waiting from a call from the governor, when his phone rings. He then tells the camera that he "just saved a bunch of money on wardrobe by switching to White Tee's", in reference to Geico commercials. The video then progresses into the song, where everyone is shown wearing white T-shirts as they perform numerous activities such as riding "quads", dancing on cars, skateboarding and riding bikes.[3]

Remix

The official remix features So So Def labelmates Jermaine Dupri and The Kid Slim. The remix is the last track (hidden track) off the group's next album, On Top of Our Game.

Charts

Chart (2004)[4] Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 10079
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs25
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tracks23

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Best New Music This Week: ASAP Ferg, Polo G, Lil Wayne, and More. Complex. McKinney. Jessica. September 26, 2020. October 22, 2020.
  2. Moustafa Ayad (August 7, 2006) White T-shirt is fashion necessity with a bad rep Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Accessed December 10, 2008.
  3. (August 18, 2004) MTV MUSIC - Dem Franchize Boyz - White Tee MTV.com Accessed December 10, 2008.
  4. Billboard.com - Artist Chart History - Dem Franchize Boyz
  5. Going for Adds . . 1565 . 21 . July 23, 2004 . July 3, 2022.