| "Gangsta" | ||||
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| Single by Free Nationals, ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak | ||||
| Released | February 23, 2024 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:14 | |||
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| Songwriters | ||||
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| Free Nationals singles chronology | ||||
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| ASAP Rocky singles chronology | ||||
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| Anderson .Paak singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Gangsta" on YouTube | ||||
"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.
"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]
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." [5]
The music video was directed by François Rousselet and is set in a world governed by children. [6] [8] Kid versions of ASAP Rocky and Anderson .Paak wear stylish outfits and drive through a cartoon Los Angeles in a muscle car, [3] [5] where the streets are lined with playhouses;they rob a liquor store with others,perform in front of a private jet, [6] defend themselves in court, [2] [3] [8] engage in Super Soaker shootouts and throw Molotov cocktails. [3] In one scene,it is revealed that the events of the video are from the imagination of a child playing in a bathtub. [6]
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [9] | 12 |
