X (21 Savage and Metro Boomin song) explained

X
Type:single
Artist:21 Savage and Metro Boomin featuring Future
Album:Savage Mode
Released:July 14, 2016
Recorded:2016
Genre:
Length:4:18
Producer:
Chronology:21 Savage
Prev Title:Lit
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:No Heart
Next Year:2016

"X" (originally titled "X Bitch") is a song written and performed by British-American rapper 21 Savage and American record producer Metro Boomin featuring fellow Atlanta-based rapper Future. Produced by its lead performers, it was released on July 14, 2016 as the lead single from their collaborative extended play, Savage Mode (2016).[1] [2] The song was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Background and release

On July 2, 2016, 21 Savage announced his collaborative EP with Metro Boomin, sharing the artwork and the release date.[3] On July 14, he shared the EP's track listing and released "X" featuring Future as the project's first single.[4] He released Savage Mode on July 15.[5] While talking about the song's success in an interview with Rolling Out magazine, he said; "I knew the song was taking off when I looked at iTunes and saw the numbers and all the views".

Critical reception

Eric Diep of HipHopDX wrote that "X" is "a good entry point for listeners just learning about 21".[6] Niya Hogans from Rolling Out gave the song a positive review, saying that it has "catchy lyrics and a dope beat".[7] Rolling Stone ranked it at number 21 on its 50 Best Songs of 2016 list, commenting: β€œThe Atlanta trap contender teams up with Future for a thugged-and-drugged banger, boasting "I spent your rent at the mall," while producer Metro Boomin gives it all a creepy cinematic vibe.”[8] Fact named it as one of the 20 best rap and R&B tracks of 2016.[9]

Music video

The music video for "X" was released on December 25, 2016. The video was directed by Vincent Lou.[10]

Live performances

On September 17, 2016, 21 Savage performed the song at the BET Hip Hop Awards, which aired in the next month.[11]

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2016)Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[12] 79
Chart (2017)Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13] 74

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 21 Savage - X Bitch Feat. Future (Prod. By Metro Boomin) - Stream [New Song]].
  2. Web site: 21 Savage & Metro Boomin - X ft Future (Official Audio). 21 Savage. 14 July 2016. YouTube.
  3. Web site: "Savage Mode" Album Artwork & Release Date Revealed. rapWAVE. July 2, 2016. October 5, 2016.
  4. Web site: 21 Savage & Metro Boomin Reveal Tracklist For "Savage Mode". HotNewHipHop. July 2, 2016. October 5, 2016.
  5. Web site: Stream 21 Savage & Metro Boomin Savage Mode EP. Stereogum. July 15, 2016. October 5, 2016.
  6. Web site: 21 Savage & Metro Boomin - Savage Mode Review. HipHopDX. July 25, 2016. September 19, 2016.
  7. Web site: Hidden hip-hop gems of summer '16: A retrospective. Rolling Out. September 15, 2016. October 5, 2016.
  8. Web site: 50 Best Songs of 2016. November 30, 2016. November 30, 2016.
  9. Web site: The 20 best rap and R&B tracks of 2016. Fact. December 18, 2016. July 17, 2017.
  10. Web site: Watch 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, And Future Flex In The Video For "X". Complex. December 25, 2016.
  11. Web site: BET Hip-Hop Awards 2016: Watch Isaiah Rashad, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage Perform . . October 4, 2016 . October 5, 2016.
  12. Web site: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2016. Billboard. December 31, 2019.
  13. Web site: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2017. Billboard. July 1, 2020.
  14. Web site: 21 Savage's "Savage Mode" (Review). HotNewHipHop. Patrick Lyons.