I Am the Best

To promote girl group 2NE1's new extended play (EP), YG Entertainment released a single every three weeks starting from April 21, 2011, to promote all six tracks from the EP.{{cite web |last=Jo |first=Beom-ja |date=April 18, 2011 |script-title=ko:2NE1, 21일 컴백..이번엔 3주마다 신곡 발표 '파격' |trans-title=2NE1, comeback on the 21st. This time, a new song will be released every 3 weeks |url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011041809041307309 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511122242/https://compass.adop.cc/RD/7790baf9-d757-48c9-91b1-a206de68d72d?over-size=null&over-size-w=null&over-size-h=null&over-zone=null&adop-zone=7790baf9-d757-48c9-91b1-a206de68d72d&type=js&loc=http%253A%2F%2Fwww.asiae.co.kr%2Fnews%2Fview.htm%253Fidxno%253D2011041809041307309&size_width=300&size_height=250&title=2NE1%252C%252021%25EC%259D%25BC%2520%25EC%25BB%25B4%25EB%25B0%25B1..%25EC%259D%25B4%25EB%25B2%2588%25EC%2597%2594%25203%25EC%25A3%25BC%25EB%25A7%2588%25EB%258B%25A4%2520%25EC%258B%25A0%25EA%25B3%25A1%2520%25EB%25B0%259C%25ED%2591%259C%2520%25ED%258C%258C%25EA%25B2%25A9%2520-%2520%25EC%2595%2584%25EC%258B%259C%25EC%2595%2584%25EA%25B2%25BD%25EC%25A0%259C&ref=& |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=Asia Economy |language=ko}} "Don't Cry" (a solo single by group member Park Bom) and "Lonely" were the first two singles, and they both peaked at number one on the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart.{{cite web |date=May 6, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:박봄, 5월첫째주 가온차트 정상탈환 |trans-title=Park Bom recaptures chart summit on the first week on May |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/hotnews/gaon/view.gaon?idx=28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526180056/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/hotnews/gaon/view.gaon?idx=28 |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |accessdate=May 6, 2011 |work=Gaon Chart |publisher= |language=Korean}}{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Hyo-jin |date=May 26, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:'나가수' 빠진 가온차트 2NE1 'Lonely' 1위 |trans-title=2NE1's 'Lonely' takes first place on Gaon Chart beating 'I Am a Singer' |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/hotnews/GAON/view.gaon?idx=32 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530122156/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/hotnews/GAON/view.gaon?idx=32 |archivedate=May 30, 2012 |accessdate=May 27, 2011 |work=Gaon Chart |publisher= |language=Korean}} YG released "I Am the Best" for digital download and streaming as the third single on June 24.{{Cite web |last=Baek |first=Sol-mi |date=June 24, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1 '내가 제일 잘나가', 공개 동시에 검색어·차트 '싹쓸이' |trans-title=2NE1's 'I Am the Best', 'sweeps' search terms and charts at the same time as release |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0002152995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152842/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0002152995 |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=My Daily |language=ko |via=Naver}} In a press release, YG announced that it was an "intense" song combining electronic music and hip hop, which appealed to youths who were part of the clubbing culture.{{cite web |last=Jo |first=Woo-young |date=June 15, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1, '제일잘나가' 24일 발표..방송활동 병행 |trans-title=2NE1, new single on the 24th 'The Best' .. will resume broadcasting activities |url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01374326596282048&mediaCodeNo=258 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219054845/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01374326596282048&mediaCodeNo=258 |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=Edaily |language=ko}}

YG Entertainment collaborator Teddy Park, who had produced most of 2NE1's past releases, wrote and produced "I Am the Best". Lee Kyung-joon engineered the track, which was mixed by Jason Robert. The Japanese-language version of the song was first made available for download via {{ill|Recochoku|ja|レコチョク}} on July 20, 2011, and was later included in the Japanese edition of the EP (Nolza) on September 21 as part of the group's debut in the country.{{cite web |last1=Lim |first1=Hee-yoom |date=July 8, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:'내가 제일 잘나가'…2NE1 日시장 데뷔 |trans-title='I Am the Best'… 2NE1 debut in Japanese market |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20110708n09832 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218161429/https://news.nate.com/view/20110708n09832 |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |website=The Herald Business |publisher= |language=ko |via=Nate}} Prior to the release of CL's first studio album Alpha in 2021, she held a live countdown event and played several snippets of unreleased versions of songs from both herself and 2NE1, and revealed that "I Am the Best" had originally featured Canadian singer Justin Bieber.{{Cite web |last=Chin |first=Carmen |date=October 21, 2021 |title=CL reveals 2NE1's 'I Am The Best' was originally a collaboration with Justin Bieber |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/cl-reveals-2ne1-i-am-the-best-originally-collaboration-justin-bieber-3075749 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711212533/https://www.nme.com/news/music/cl-reveals-2ne1-i-am-the-best-originally-collaboration-justin-bieber-3075749 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Listen|filename=I Am the Best - 2NE1 sample.ogg|description=A 21-second sample of "I Am the Best", featuring electronic and hip-hop elements, synthesizers and chanting|title="I Am the Best" – 2NE1|format=Ogg}}

"I Am the Best" is three minutes and 28 seconds long. It incorporates a range of musical styles (electronic, electro house, hip-hop, African rhythms and reggae), synthesizers, Middle Eastern-inspired strings in the song's middle eight, and chants.{{cite magazine|date=November 25, 2019|title=The 100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s: Staff List|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8544710/best-k-pop-songs-2010s-top-100/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109083017/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8544710/best-k-pop-songs-2010s-top-100|archive-date=November 9, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020|magazine=Billboard}}{{cite web |last=Jo |first=Woo-young |date=January 8, 2015 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1 '내가 제일 잘나가' 美 퓨즈TV 선정 '베스트19' |trans-title=2NE1 'I Am the Best' selected as 'Best 19' by Fuse TV |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20150108n22103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213152956/https://news.nate.com/view/20150108n22103 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=Star News |language=ko |via=Nate}} Critics described the genre as electro house{{cite magazine |last1=Herman |first1=Tamar |title=2NE1 Members Apologize for Not Releasing Final Album Ahead of Split |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/2ne1-break-up-final-album-apology-cl-dara-7595787/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 14, 2023 |date=November 29, 2016}} and electropop. Tim Chan from Rolling Stone noted the song's ability to bridge cultures and genres, "gloriously weav[ing] a Middle Eastern synth line in the middle of a glossy electro-pop track."{{cite magazine|last1=Chan|first1=Tim|date=November 24, 2020|title=Song You Need to Know: NCT, '90's Love'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/nct-90s-love-song-review-1094506/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126202147/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/nct-90s-love-song-review-1094506/|archive-date=January 26, 2021|access-date=March 16, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited}} Sociology professor John Lie highlighted the song as an example of the innovation of K-pop's formula, noting that it "subtly subverts the K-pop aesthetic and ethos" by incorporating a variety of different influences.{{sfn|Lie|2015|p=109}} The song is recognized as an empowerment anthem,{{cite web|last1=Sherman|first1=Maria|date=July 13, 2020|title=Start Here: Your Guide To Getting Into K-Pop|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/07/13/888933244/start-here-your-guide-to-getting-into-k-pop|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110042732/https://www.npr.org/2020/07/13/888933244/start-here-your-guide-to-getting-into-k-pop|archive-date=November 10, 2020|access-date=December 17, 2020|publisher=NPR}}{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Dong-joo |title=2NE1's 'I Am The Best' selected as one of the 19 best workout songs |url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/news/2ne1s-i-am-the-best-selected-as-one-003801813.html |publisher=Yahoo! Singapore |access-date=October 14, 2023 |language=en-SG |date=January 9, 2015}} with its lyrics centered around themes of self-confidence and narcissism.{{cite magazine|last1=Herman|first1=Tamar|date=March 8, 2020|title=International Women's Day K-Pop Playlist: 2NE1, BoA and More|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/9330354/international-womens-day-k-pop-empowerment|access-date=October 13, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030012128/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/9330354/international-womens-day-k-pop-empowerment|url-status=live}}

Music critics applauded the musical styles of "I Am the Best" and 2NE1's performance. Discussing the rise of the Korean wave in November 2011, James Brooks of Pitchfork highlighted the song's "show-stopping" energy and 2NE1's "manic, larger-than-life charisma".{{cite web |last1=Brooks |first1=James |title=To Anyone: The Rise of Korean Wave |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/article/8700-to-anyone-the-rise-of-korean-wave/ |website=Pitchfork |date=November 2, 2011 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023012/https://pitchfork.com/features/article/8700-to-anyone-the-rise-of-korean-wave/ |url-status=live }} In The New York Times, Jon Caramanica wrote that the song was "a postcard from the moment" when K-pop, which had been bound by the sound of other countries, "was beginning to embrace excess as its own style". Caramanica called 2NE1 a powerful influence in the industry, almost "ruthlessly modern", and believed that "'I Am the Best' encapsulated its "high-grade attitude".{{cite web |last1=Caramanica |first1=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=February 7, 2018 |title=A K-Pop Primer for Olympic Listening (Published 2018) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/arts/music/k-pop-olympics-korea.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713124322/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/arts/music/k-pop-olympics-korea.html |archive-date=July 13, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |website=The New York Times|url-access=limited}} Slant Magazine featured it in their list of the 25 Best Singles of 2011; critic Jonathan Keefe described the track as "a jaw-dropping, vibrant triumph of pure swagger and verve" and cited it as an example of the "unmitigated joy of K-pop".{{cite web |date=December 13, 2011 |title=The 25 Best Singles of 2011 |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-25-best-singles-of-2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227093116/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-25-best-singles-of-2011/ |archive-date=February 27, 2020 |access-date=January 28, 2021 |website=Slant Magazine}}

Korean Music Awards selection committee member Seo Jeong-min highlighted the song's "powerful, sensuous, and addictive electronic sound", and asserted that it firmly establishes itself as one of the representative tracks of K-pop.{{Cite web |last=Park |first=Jeong-min |title=2012 Best Dance & Electronic Song – KMA |url=https://koreanmusicawards.com/project/2ne1-%EB%82%B4%EA%B0%80-%EC%A0%9C%EC%9D%BC-%EC%9E%98-%EB%82%98%EA%B0%80-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027175720/https://koreanmusicawards.com/project/2ne1-%25EB%2582%25B4%25EA%25B0%2580-%25EC%25A0%259C%25EC%259D%25BC-%25EC%259E%2598-%25EB%2582%2598%25EA%25B0%2580-2/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 13, 2021 |publisher=Korean Music Awards |language=ko}} In Spin{{'}}s June 2012 list of the 21 Greatest K-Pop Songs of All Time, "I Am the Best" ranked at number three, with Chuck Eddy writing that it "might've been the best single released on the planet in 2011".{{cite web |last1=Bevan |first1=David |last2=Eddy |first2=Chuck |date=June 1, 2012 |title=The 21 Greatest K-Pop Songs of All Time |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/06/best-k-pop-songs-all-time/4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207142613/https://www.spin.com/2012/06/best-k-pop-songs-all-time/4/ |archive-date=February 7, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Spin}} In October 2013, the Smithsonian Institution recognized "I Am the Best" as a key work in the spread of the Korean wave around the world with "Gangnam Style" by Psy, and "Fantastic Baby" by Big Bang, among others.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cUfyAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA372| title=Music: The Definitive Visual History| publisher=DK Publishing| date=October 1, 2013| page=372| isbn=9781465421265}} In January 2017, Jeff Benjamin of Billboard picked the track as the number one single in the group's discography, writing that as "one of the most recognized K-pop songs in the world," the song speaks to 2NE1's legacy as a "bonafide, complete act", and commented that each member proves herself as an essential element of the "perfect-pop product" by turning into a superstar on her respective section.{{cite magazine |last=Benjamin |first=Jeff |date=January 24, 2017 |title=Every 2NE1 Single Ranked From Worst to Best: Critic's Take |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7662783/2ne1-songs-every-single-ranked |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202182431/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7662783/2ne1-songs-every-single-ranked |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2020}}

"I Am the Best" was a commercial success in South Korea, entering the Gaon Digital Chart at number four for the week ending June 25, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=27&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |script-title=ko:2011년 27주차 Digital Chart |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=February 4, 2015 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204070721/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=27&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |archive-date=February 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }} In only one day of tracking, the song received 632,923 streams and achieved 414,580 units in digital sales, and was ranked as the week's sixth best-selling song.{{cite web |title=2011년 27주차 Download Chart |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=27&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=May 13, 2021 |language=ko |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052153/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=27&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=2011년 27주차 Streaming Chart |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=27&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=May 13, 2021 |language=ko |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513035438/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=27&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |url-status=live }} The following week, "I Am the Best" rose three positions to the number one spot on the chart, becoming the group's fourth number one single.{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=28&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |script-title=ko:2011년 28주차 Digital Chart |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=February 4, 2015 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204070924/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=28&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |archive-date=February 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }} The song sold an additional 735,518 digital units and received 2,181,326 streams, ranking at number one on both the component download and streaming charts.{{cite web |title=2011년 28주차 Download Chart |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=28&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=May 13, 2021 |language=ko |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702204339/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=28&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=2011년 28주차 Streaming Chart |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=28&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=May 13, 2021 |language=ko |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513035432/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1040&targetTime=28&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |url-status=live }} In its third charting week, the song descended eight positions down to number nine, with Infinite Challenge collaboration track "Having an Affair" by GG (Park Myung-soo & G-Dragon) and Bom occupying number one.{{cite web |title=2011년 29주차 Digital Chart |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=29&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=April 7, 2021 |language=ko |archive-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309234220/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=29&hitYear=2011&termGbn=week |url-status=live }} By the end of 2011, the song had accumulated a total of 3.47 million units in digital sales, and ranked as the fourth best-selling single of the year in South Korea.{{cite web |url=http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/chart/download.php?f_chart_kind_cd=T&nationGbn=&f_month=3&f_year=2011&f_type=year |title=2011년 Download Chart |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=January 29, 2015 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716085829/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/chart/download.php?f_chart_kind_cd=T&nationGbn=&f_month=3&f_year=2011&f_type=year |archive-date=July 16, 2014}} Factoring in digital sales, streams and background music downloads, "I Am the Best" was ranked as the seventh best performing song in the country overall on the year-end Gaon Digital Chart for 2011, with the EP's other singles "Lonely" and "Don't Cry" ranking at number four and five, respectively.{{cite web |title=2011년 Digital Chart |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=2011&hitYear=2011&termGbn=year&year_time=3 |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=April 7, 2021 |language=ko |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511122240/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=2011&hitYear=2011&termGbn=year&year_time=3 |url-status=live }}

Two years after its release, Billboard listed "I Am the Best" as the sixth best-selling K-pop song in the United States during 2013.{{cite magazine|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|date=December 17, 2013|title=2013's Biggest-Selling K-Pop Songs in America: Psy, Girls' Generation, 2NE1 & More|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/5839716/2013s-biggest-selling-k-pop-songs-in-america-psy-girls-generation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316003449/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/5839716/2013s-biggest-selling-k-pop-songs-in-america-psy-girls-generation|archive-date=March 16, 2015|magazine=Billboard}} The following year, Microsoft featured the track in their Surface Pro 3 laptop commercial "Head to Head", which was broadcast from August 2014 onwards.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6214538/microsoft-commercial-2ne1-i-am-the-best-k-pop-ad-apple|first=Jeff|last=Benjamin|title=Watch Microsoft Brilliantly Shade Apple With 2NE1's K-Pop Hit in New Ad|date=August 13, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 9, 2014|archive-date=November 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104223252/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6214538/microsoft-commercial-2ne1-i-am-the-best-k-pop-ad-apple|url-status=live}} It further increased exposure to the song, which reached number one in the US on Billboard{{'}}s World Digital Songs chart. It was the first K-pop song to achieve the feat, and the fourth Korean song to do so overall; the first three were Psy's singles, "Gangnam Style" (2012), "Gentleman" (2013) and "Hangover" (2014).{{cite web |title=Microsoft Ad Helps 2NE1 Top World Digital Songs Chart |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/10/08/2014100801526.html |website=The Chosun Ilbo |date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511033407/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/10/08/2014100801526.html |url-status=live }} It sold 6,000 copies during the week ending October 10, 2014, according to Nielsen SoundScan, becoming the group's best sales week in the US.{{cite magazine |last=Benjamin |first=Jeff |date=October 20, 2014 |title=2NE1's K-Pop Hit 'I Am the Best' Gains Spins at U.S. Radio Stations |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6289223/2ne1-i-am-the-best-us-radio-stations |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513095131/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6289223/2ne1-i-am-the-best-us-radio-stations |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=May 8, 2016|url-access=subscription}} As of 2020, the song held the distinction of being the fifth-longest-charting single on the World Digital Songs chart, tied with BTS' "Mic Drop" (2017).{{cite web |title=BTS milestone: Boy group caught up with 2NE1 to rank as the fifth-longest-charting single |url=https://www.econotimes.com/BTS-milestone-Boy-group-caught-up-with-2NE1-to-rank-as-the-fifth-longest-charting-single-1579275 |website=EconoTimes |date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218161405/https://www.econotimes.com/BTS-milestone-Boy-group-caught-up-with-2NE1-to-rank-as-the-fifth-longest-charting-single-1579275 |url-status=live }} The song received airplay from radio stations in New York and Boston without officially being released to the airplay market, and attracted interest from some for being one of the few Korean-language songs to be played on American radios.{{cite magazine|last1=Benjamin|first1=Jeff|date=October 6, 2014 |title=2NE1's 'I Am the Best' Tops World Digital Songs Chart After Big Sales Week|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6274183/2ne1-i-am-the-best-world-digital-songs-chart-sales-week|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 7, 2014|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007083433/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/6274183/2ne1-i-am-the-best-world-digital-songs-chart-sales-week|url-status=live}}

Elsewhere, in France, "I Am the Best" entered the SNEP singles chart at number 117 in the chart issue dated November 8, 2014. It rose to number 61 the following week where it peaked, and remained on the chart for four additional weeks. In Japan, the peaked at number 37 on the RIAJ Digital Track Chart and number 53 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100,{{cite web |title=レコード協会調べ 2011年08月31日～2011年09月06日 |url=http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2011s&weeklyCd=20110906&rankKbn=50 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821104534/http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2011s&weeklyCd=20110906&rankKbn=50 |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2015 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=Billboard Japan Hot 100 2011/10/03 |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100&year=2011&month=10&day=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032028/http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100&year=2011&month=10&day=3 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2015 |work=Billboard Japan |language=ja}} and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in December 2014 for digital sales of over 100,000 units.

File:I Am the Best mv.jpg

The first preview of the music video for "I Am the Best"—the song's first 10 seconds sung by group leader CL—was released on June 19, 2011. The preview was posted on YG Life and YouTube along with the song's cover art. YG Entertainment said that it would release an additional 10-second snippet of the track each day until the release date of the single on June 24.{{cite web |last=Kwon |first=Soo-bin |date=June 20, 2011 |script-title=ko:2NE1 '내가 제일 잘나가' 음원 10초 선공개 |trans-title=2NE1 'I'm the Best' 10 second pre-release |url=https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201106200938111002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807013013/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201106200938111002 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=Newsen |language=ko}} After a three-day delay due to an editing issue, the song's music video premiered on 2NE1's YouTube channel on June 27.{{cite web |last1=Park |first1=Sae-jin |date=October 6, 2014 |title=K-pop girl group 2NE1's 'I Am the Best' draws more than 100 million views on YouTube |url=http://eng.ajunews.com/view/20141006170219826 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526083702/http://eng.ajunews.com/view/20141006170219826 |archive-date=May 26, 2016 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |website=Aju Business Daily |publisher= |quote=...since its release on June 27, 2011.}} It was directed by Seo Hyun-seung, who had previously directed the music videos for 2NE1's "Fire" (2009), "Try to Follow Me" (2010) and "Can't Nobody" (2010).{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Myung-joo |date=July 1, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1 '내가 제일 잘 나가', 뮤비도 '제일 잘' 나가 |trans-title=2NE1 'I Am the Best', the music video is also 'the best' |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1107010242 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115025418/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1107010242 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=Osen |publisher= |language=ko}} The choreography practice video was uploaded to the group's channel on July 1 and featured the group in their practice studio wearing Adidas training outfits.{{cite web |last1=Jo |first1=Woo-young |date=July 1, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1, '내가 제일 잘나가' 안무 연습영상 공개 |trans-title=2NE1, 'I Am the Best' choreography practice video released |url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01134886596310256&mediaCodeNo=258 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511122232/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01134886596310256&mediaCodeNo=258 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=Edaily |language=ko}}{{sfn|Neves|Sarkar|2017}} A Japanese version of the music video was additionally uploaded later that month and was included in the DVD of Nolza in September.{{cite web |title=Discography {{!}} 2NE1(トゥエニィワン) Japan official website |url=https://2ne1.jp/discography/detail.php?id=1002177 |website=2NE1 Japan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722162200/https://2ne1.jp/discography/detail.php?id=1002177 |archive-date=July 22, 2014}}

The music video features a range of elaborate sets and props such as pyramids, diamonds, and globe-shaped chairs.{{cite web |last1=Choi |first1=Na-young |date=June 28, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1, 만화서 튀어나온 듯..'파격+강렬' 뮤비 공개 |trans-title=2NE1 looks like they came out of a comic book... 'Extraordinary + Intense' MV released |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0002225561 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |website=Osen |language=ko |via=Naver |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152842/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0002225561 |url-status=live }} The visual incorporates glam punk fashion and street style ensembles designed by Sophie Hulme, Gemma Slack, Cassette Playa and Gareth Pugh.{{Cite web|last=Josephs|first=Matthew|date=January 3, 2013|title=Video Stars: 2NE1 'I Am the Best'|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/fashion/video-stars-2ne1-i-am-the-best|access-date=August 27, 2021|website=Clash Magazine|language=en|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827195700/https://www.clashmusic.com/fashion/video-stars-2ne1-i-am-the-best|url-status=live}}{{sfn|Anderson|2020|pp=72}} It features CL dressed as a wrestler (complete with a sparkling WWE championship belt), and the members in futuristic and punk-inspired attire, metal-studded leather pieces, and unconventional hairstyles; for example, CL's resembles a bull's horn while Dara's resembles that of the Dragon Ball character Vegeta.{{cite web |date=July 11, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:씨엘 머리는 황소뿔 '산다라박 베지터머리와 용호상박' |trans-title=CL's hair is a bull's horn, 'Sandara Park vegetable head and dragon tiger head' |url=http://www.busan.com/view/busan/view.php?code=20110711000015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511122252/https://compass.adop.cc/RE/1292d84f-a057-452f-9f37-45645f43e09f?over-size=null&over-size-w=null&over-size-h=null&over-zone=null&adop-zone=1292d84f-a057-452f-9f37-45645f43e09f&type=re&loc=http%253A%2F%2Fwww.busan.com%2Fview%2Fbusan%2Fview.php%253Fcode%253D20110711000015&rnd=&percentage=false&size_width=1&size_height=1& |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |website=Busan Ilbo |publisher= |language=ko}} They are seen ascending stairs during the third chorus while breaking platinum records with baseball bats, seemingly indicating the widening of boundaries of the genre. The final scene features the members with AK-47s, destroying a pyramid with a new structure emerging with "2NE1" reflecting in the light.

The music video attracted two million views in two days after its release.{{cite web |last1=Yoon |first1=Seong-yeol |script-title=ko:2NE1 '제일 잘나가' 뮤비, 2일만 200만 클릭 눈앞 |trans-title=2NE1 'I Am the Best' MV, 2 Million Clicks in Just 2 Days |url=https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2011063013384791441&type=1&outlink=1 |website=Star News |language=ko |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511122234/https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2011063013384791441&type=1&outlink=1 |url-status=live }} It was one of YouTube's top 10 trending videos in several territories worldwide, including France, Hong Kong, Sweden, Taiwan, and Mexico. The video garnered positive reviews from commentators; in March 2012, Tom Breihan of Stereogum ranked it number one on their list of 20 Best K-pop Videos, writing that "the song is ridiculously catchy and propulsive, and everything about the video{{snd}}the editing, the choreography, the sheer volume of what-the-fuck imagery{{snd}}works to support it", and opined "it's the greatest music video ever made". In Billboard{{'}}s article "Top 5 Must-See Music Videos From the K-Pop Phenoms" marking the group's fifth anniversary, Jeff Benjamin commented that "throughout all the looks, styles and sound, none seem to define 2NE1 as much as 'I Am the Best.'"{{cite magazine |last1=Benjamin |first1=Jeff |title=Happy 5th Anniversary, 2NE1! Top 5 Must-See Music Videos From the K-Pop Phenoms |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/6077450/2ne1-5th-anniversary-music-videos-k-pop-phenoms |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 16, 2015 |language=en |date=May 16, 2014 |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316064031/http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/6077450/2ne1-5th-anniversary-music-videos-k-pop-phenoms |url-status=dead }} In 2019, Hyperallergic editor So Yun Um noted the video's use of "elegant minimalism to speak volumes," adding that the video's extensive wardrobe and "sparse, high-contrast black and white convey grandeur, class, and charisma — 2NE1’s indelible presence."{{Cite web|last=Um|first=So Yun|date=August 16, 2019|title=Dive Into K-Pop With Five Essential Music Videos|url=http://hyperallergic.com/513683/best-kpop-music-videos/|access-date=August 27, 2021|website=Hyperallergic|language=en-US|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827194208/https://hyperallergic.com/513683/best-kpop-music-videos/|url-status=live}} The video exceeded 100 million total YouTube views on October 6, 2014, and made 2NE1 one of the few K-pop groups to have accomplished the feat.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Eun-jung |title=투애니원 '내가 제일 잘나가' 뮤비 유튜브 1억뷰 |trans-title=2NE1 'I Am the Best' MV 100 million views on YouTube |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20141006160200005 |website=Yonhap News Agency |language=ko |date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152843/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20141006160200005 |url-status=live }}

File:2NE1 from acrofan.jpg

On South Korean music programs, "I Am the Best" received first-place trophies on the July 17 broadcast of Inkigayo and on the August 5, 2011, broadcast of Music Bank.{{cite web |last=Moon |first=Wan-sik |date=July 17, 2011 |script-title=ko:2NE1, '내가 제일 잘나가'로 '인가' 1위 |trans-title=2NE1 ranked first with "I Am the Best" |url=https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2011071717085280166 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231003933/https://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2011071717085280166 |archive-date=December 31, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Star News |language=ko}}{{cite web |last=Jeon |first=A-ram |date=August 5, 2011 |script-title=ko:'뮤직뱅크' 2NE1, 불참에도 '내가 제일 잘 나가'로 1위 차지 |trans-title='Music Bank' 2NE1 won first place with "I Am the Best" despite absence. |url=http://tvdaily.asiae.co.kr/read.php3?aid=1312541451187456019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231012120/http://tvdaily.asiae.co.kr/read.php3?aid=1312541451187456019 |archive-date=December 31, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=TV Daily |language=ko}} The song's success led it to be nominated for various awards at domestic award shows; at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards held in Singapore, "I Am the Best" was named the Song of the Year and made 2NE1 the first group to win the award twice, following their win for "I Don't Care" in 2009.{{cite web |date=September 9, 2014 |title=Winners' list of 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards |url=https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/winners%E2%80%99-list-of-2011-mnet-asian-music-awards/ar-BB4FEJJ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802205308/https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/winners%E2%80%99-list-of-2011-mnet-asian-music-awards/ar-BB4FEJJ |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |publisher=MSN}}{{Cite web |title=2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Winners {{!}} 2009 MAMA |url=https://www.mwave.me/en/mama/history/2009/winner/122 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125013941/https://www.mwave.me/en/mama/history/2009/winner/122 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2021 |website= |publisher=Mwave |language=en}} It also received nominations for Best Dance Performance – Female Group at the ceremony{{cite web |date=October 24, 2011 |title=List of nominees announced for MNET Asian Music Awards in Singapore |url=https://sgmagazine.com/events/news/5000-tickets-made-available-2011-mnet-asian-music-awards-singapore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218161410/https://sgmagazine.com/events/news/5000-tickets-made-available-2011-mnet-asian-music-awards-singapore |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=SG Magazine}} and Song of the Year at the 2011 Melon Music Awards.{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Eun-gu |date=November 24, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:[2011 MMA]아이유 베스트송상 수상 '좋은 날~' |trans-title=[2011 MMA] IU wins Best Song Award for 'Good Day~' |url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01679366596449000&mediaCodeNo=258 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511122302/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01679366596449000&mediaCodeNo=258 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Edaily |language=ko}} It was awarded at the YouTube K-pop Awards held at Google Korea for being one of the top three most popular music videos in South Korea during 2011.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Hye-rin |date=November 22, 2011 |script-title=ko:슈주-2NE1-현아, 유튜브 K-pop 어워즈 수상 |trans-title=Super Junior-2NE1-Hyuna wins at YouTube K-pop Awards |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20111122n12974?mid=e0101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425190613/https://news.nate.com/view/20111122n12974?mid=e0101 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |access-date=April 25, 2021 |website=Osen |language=ko |via=Nate}}

At the 9th Korean Music Awards in February 2012, "I Am the Best" was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Dance & Electronic Song, winning the latter prize.{{Cite web |title=2012 Song of the Year Nominations – I Am the Best |url=https://koreanmusicawards.com/project/2ne1-%EB%82%B4%EA%B0%80-%EC%A0%9C%EC%9D%BC-%EC%9E%98-%EB%82%98%EA%B0%80/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607100406/https://koreanmusicawards.com/project/2ne1-%EB%82%B4%EA%B0%80-%EC%A0%9C%EC%9D%BC-%EC%9E%98-%EB%82%98%EA%B0%80/ |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=October 14, 2023 |website=Korean Music Awards |language=ko-KR}} It received the Best New Artist Video award at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Japan held in Chiba, winning against artists such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and LMFAO.{{Cite web |last=Sunwoo |first=Carla |date=June 25, 2012 |title=2NE1 wins Best New Artist at VMAs |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2012/06/25/etc/2NE1-wins-Best-New-Artist-at-VMAs/2955047.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027175716/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2012/06/25/etc/2NE1-wins-Best-New-Artist-at-VMAs/2955047.html |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 15, 2021 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en}} It was also nominated for 50 Best Works of 2011 at the Space Shower Music Awards in Japan.{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2012 |script-title=ja:スペースシャワーTV「Music Video Awards」、バンプ・ブラフ・アジカンなど50作品がノミネート |url=https://rockinon.com/news/detail/63613 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152842/https://rockinon.com/news/detail/63613 |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Rockin'On Japan |language=ja}}

2NE1 premiered "I Am the Best" on television with their first performance on Inkigayo on June 26, 2011,{{Cite web |last=Baek |first=Sol-mi |date=June 26, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:'첫무대' 2NE1, 노래+머리+의상으로 무대 압도…'인기가요' 컴백 |trans-title='First Stage' 2NE1 dominates the stage with their song + hair + costume ... 'Inkigayo' comeback |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0002153414 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=My Daily |language=ko |via=Naver |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152845/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=117&aid=0002153414 |url-status=live }} following up with their first performance on Show! Music Core on July 2.{{cite web |last1=Yang |first1=Ja-young |date=July 2, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:'음악중심' 투애니원, 노는 언니 포스 물씬~ '내가 제일 잘 나가~' |trans-title='Music Core' 2NE1, playing with force~ 'I Am the Best~' |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=015&aid=0002494382 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=The Korea Economic Daily |via=Naver |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011072050/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=015&aid=0002494382 |url-status=live }} After the release of the choreography practice video, the group announced a dance contest for the song on July 8, where 2NE1 and their choreographers would choose the four best submissions to win exclusive concert tickets for their upcoming Nolza tour in Seoul, Adidas Originals merchandise, and 2NE1 stage attire.{{cite web |date=July 11, 2011 |title=2NE1 'I Am The Best' Official Video and Dance Cover Contest |url=http://theturnmag.com/2011/07/2ne1-i-am-the-best”-official-video-and-dance-cover-contest/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712180815/http://theturnmag.com/2011/07/2ne1-i-am-the-best%E2%80%9D-official-video-and-dance-cover-contest/ |archive-date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=January 24, 2014 |work=The Turn Magazine |location=}} The winner was L.Y.N.T., a female dance troupe from Vietnam.{{sfn|Lee|Nornes|2015|p=87}} In August, 2NE1 embarked on their Nolza tour—the group's first headlining tour—and included the song in its set list.{{cite web |last=Baek |first=Ji-eun |date=August 28, 2011 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1, 첫 단독콘 대성황! '이것이 2NE1이다' |trans-title=2NE1’s first solo concert was a huge success! 'This is 2NE1' |url=https://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201108280100236900020406&servicedate=20110828 |access-date=April 7, 2021 |website=Sports Chosun |language=ko |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152842/https://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201108280100236900020406&servicedate=20110828 |url-status=live }} The group performed "Lonely" and "I Am the Best" at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Singapore on November 29, 2011, where they sported black outfits with gold and silver ornaments.{{cite web |date=November 29, 2011 |script-title=ko:'2011 MAMA' 2NE1, 파워풀한 무대 '댄싱머신 씨엘+공민지' 눈길 |trans-title='2011 MAMA' 2NE1, powerful and eye-catching stage with 'dancing machines CL + Gong Minzy' |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0000159291 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=TV Report |via=Naver |language=ko |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011072051/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0000159291 |url-status=live }} Their stage received the ceremony's highest viewership levels, garnering an audience rating of 5.56 percent.{{cite web|last1=Jang|first1=Yeon-joo|date=December 2, 2011|script-title=ko:2011 MAMA, 가장 많이 본 공연은 2NE1…최고 시청률 5.56%|trans-title=2011 MAMA, 2NE1's stage is the most watched performance … with the highest viewership rating of 5.56%|url=http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20111202000619&md=20120317053048_BL|website=The Herald Business|language=ko|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524235711/http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20111202000619&md=20120317053048_BL|url-status=live}} The following month, they reprised the song at the MTV Iggy Best New Band in the World Concert at Times Square's Best Buy Theater{{Cite web|last=Noh|first=LeAnn|date=December 13, 2011|title=2NE1 named MTV Iggy's Best New Band|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/10/719_100702.html|access-date=October 15, 2021|website=The Korea Times|language=en|archive-date=November 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102171035/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/10/719_100702.html|url-status=live}} and at the 2011 SBS Gayo Daejeon.{{Cite web|last=Kim|first=Hye-mi|date=December 30, 2011|script-title=ko:'SBS 가요대전' 2NE1, 화려한 의상과 포퍼먼스로 무대 장악|trans-title='SBS Gayo Daejun' 2NE1 dominates the stage with colorful costumes and performances|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000104632|website=Xports News|language=ko|via=Naver|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-date=October 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152844/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000104632|url-status=live}}

On June 23, 2012, 2NE1 performed the song along with "Scream" at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Japan. During the concerts of their New Evolution Global Tour, which they embarked on the following month, "I Am the Best" was used as the opening number.{{cite web |last=Cho |first=Ji-young |date=July 29, 2012 |title= |script-title=ko:월드스타 2NE1, 2만 블랙잭과 함께한 광란의 2시간(종합) |trans-title=World Star 2NE1, 2 hours of madness with 20,000 Blackjacks (total) |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0000230863 |access-date=April 7, 2021 |website=TV Report |language=ko |via=Naver |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816012903/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0000230863 |url-status=live }} The group made a performance with the song at the K-Pop Collection in Okinawa on October 18,{{Cite web |last=Nam |first=Min |date=October 23, 2012 |title= |script-title=ko:2NE1 일본팬 인기몰이…'내가 제일 잘나가' |trans-title=2NE1's popularity among Japanese fans...'I Am the Best' |url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002352465 |access-date=October 15, 2021 |website=Herald Pop |language=ko |via=Naver |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152843/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002352465 |url-status=live }} and at the SBS K-Pop Super Concert in California on November 10.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jung-ah |date=November 13, 2012 |title= |script-title=ko:'SBS 슈퍼 콘서트', 美서 성황리에 마쳐 '역시 K-POP' |trans-title='SBS Super Concert', successfully completed in the US 'K-pop as expected' |url=https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10001541106&plink=ORI&cooper=NAVER |access-date=October 15, 2021 |website=SBS Entertainment |language=ko |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308110234/https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10001541106&plink=ORI&cooper=NAVER |url-status=live }} For their 2014 All or Nothing World Tour, the group sang the track while sitting astride motorbikes.{{cite web |last1=Leung |first1=Melanie |date=November 14, 2018 |title=2NE1 bring the wow to Macau [Review] |url=https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/entertainment/music/article/3058609/2ne1-bring-wow-macau-review |access-date=October 15, 2021 |website=Young Post |publisher=South China Morning Post |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627055703/https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/entertainment/music/article/3058609/2ne1-bring-wow-macau-review |url-status=live }}

Following a year's hiatus on December 2, 2015, 2NE1 gave a surprise performance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong. After CL's solo performance, the rest of the group unexpectedly appeared and reunited to perform "Fire" and "I Am the Best".{{Cite web |last=Omega |first=Jan |date=November 25, 2016 |title=2NE1: YG Entertainment K-Pop Girl Group Confirmed To Disband, CL And Dara Re-Signed To Label As Soloists |url=https://news.yahoo.com/2ne1-yg-entertainment-k-pop-144735160.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013215720/https://news.yahoo.com/2ne1-yg-entertainment-k-pop-144735160.html |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=October 13, 2023 |website= |publisher=Yahoo! News |language=en-US}} Fuse TV named the reunion as one of the best performances of the year, and was only one of the two non-Western acts to have been mentioned by the media outlet.{{cite web |title=Beyoncé, 2NE1, Madonna, & More: Amazing Performances of 2015 |url=https://www.fuse.tv/galleries/2015/12/best-of-2015-amazing-performances-photos |website=Fuse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610231832/https://www.fuse.tv/galleries/2015/12/best-of-2015-amazing-performances-photos |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |language=en |date=December 18, 2015|url-status=dead }} On February 25, 2018, CL co-headlined the 2018 Winter Olympics closing ceremony with Exo and performed parts of the song.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8219143/olympics-closing-ceremony-cl-exo-performance-video|title=K-Pop Stars CL & EXO Impress at Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony|first=Tamar|last=Herman|magazine=Billboard|date=February 25, 2018|access-date=February 26, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307184554/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8219143/olympics-closing-ceremony-cl-exo-performance-video|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Yun |first1=Suh-young |title=Ivanka Trump's 'incredible' encounter with CL, EXO |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/04/690_244791.html |website=The Korea Times |access-date=October 15, 2021 |language=en |date=February 26, 2018 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023194054/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/04/690_244791.html |url-status=live }} At the games, figure skaters Kim Kyu-eun and Alex Kam featured the track in their routine for the figure skating exhibition gala.{{Cite magazine|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=February 24, 2018|title=Olympic Figure Skating Exhibition Gala Spotlights K-Pop With Performances to BIGBANG, BTS, Red Velvet & 2NE1|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8218319/olympics-figure-skating-exhibition-gala-songs-bigbang-bts-red-velvet-2ne1/|access-date=October 15, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019193734/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8218319/olympics-figure-skating-exhibition-gala-songs-bigbang-bts-red-velvet-2ne1/|url-status=live}} In July of that year, the Olympic's YouTube channel ranked CL's performance the eighth-best Olympic live music performance of all time.{{cite AV media|date=July 27, 2018|title=Top 10 Olympic Live Music Performances of All Time {{!}} Top Moments|medium=Online video|language=en|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0lijlzCNfg&ab_channel=OlympicsOlympics|access-date=June 7, 2021|publisher=Olympics|via=YouTube|archive-date=June 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607163903/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0lijlzCNfg&ab_channel=OlympicsOlympics|url-status=bot: unknown}}

On April 16, 2022, 2NE1 reunited to perform the song as a surprise performance during 88rising's Head in the Clouds showcase at the Coachella Festival in Indio, California, marking the group's first performance in over six years since the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards.{{cite web |last1=Sachdeva |first1=Maanya |title='Queens of K-pop' 2NE1 reunite at Coachella for first performance since 2015 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/2ne1-kpop-coachella-2022-news-b2059560.html |website=The Independent |access-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417063600/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/2ne1-kpop-coachella-2022-news-b2059560.html |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |language=en |date=April 17, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Ting |first1=Jasmine |title=2NE1 Reunites at Coachella |url=https://www.papermag.com/2ne1-reunion-coachella-2022-2657167392.html?rebelltitem=8#rebelltitem8 |website=Paper |access-date=April 17, 2022 |language=en |date=April 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408123421/https://www.papermag.com/2ne1-reunion-coachella-2022-2657167392.html?rebelltitem=8#rebelltitem8 |url-status=live }}

"I Am the Best" has appeared in various television series in South Korea and abroad, including in the first episode of the 2018 drama series Something in the Rain (when Jung Hae-in's character watches Son Ye-jin casually dancing to the song).{{cite web |last=Pham |first=Hanh |date=April 1, 2018 |title=Viewers went crazy because Son Ye Jin danced 2NE1's hit 'I'm The Best' in front of young Jung Hae In |url=https://saostar.vn/dien-anh/nguoi-xem-phat-cuong-vi-son-ye-jin-nhay-hit-im-the-best-cua-2ne1-truoc-mat-trai-tre-jung-hae-in-2499578.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218161407/https://saostar.vn/dien-anh/nguoi-xem-phat-cuong-vi-son-ye-jin-nhay-hit-im-the-best-cua-2ne1-truoc-mat-trai-tre-jung-hae-in-2499578.html |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |website=Saostar |language=vi}} It was featured in season 10 of the American reality series So You Think You Can Dance, when Jenna Johnson dances with Mark Kanemura in a routine choreographed by Kanemura.{{cite magazine |last=Barrett |first=Annie |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/08/20/sytycd-results-two-eliminated-from-top-8-are/ |title='SYTYCD' results: Two eliminated from Top 8 are... | PopWatch |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=January 24, 2014 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003072939/http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/08/20/sytycd-results-two-eliminated-from-top-8-are/ |url-status=dead }} In March 2017, the song was used in The Magicians episode "Plan B", where one of the magicians (played by Hale Appleman) set off one of his magical objects to induce his targets into a dance trance.{{cite web |last1=Ong |first1=Jasmine |date=April 5, 2019 |title=8 K-pop Easter Eggs You May Have Missed In American TV Shows |url=https://teenage.com.sg/entertainment/k-pop-easter-eggs-american-tv/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608055619/https://teenage.com.sg/entertainment/k-pop-easter-eggs-american-tv/ |archive-date=June 8, 2021 |access-date=June 8, 2021 |website=Teenage Magazine |language=en}} In 2019, it was heard in episode 5 of the drama Welcome 2 Life (with Rain's character referencing the song's title){{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joon-hyeon |date=August 16, 2019 |title='웰컴2라이프', 소름유발 화면전환부터 짙은 여운 남긴 절규오열까지…명장면 6 |trans-title='Welcome 2 Life', from a goose-inducing screen change to a scream that leaves a deep lingering ... 6 famous scenes |url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/201908167964I |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=The Korea Economic Daily |language=ko |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112024311/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/201908167964I |url-status=live }} and in the South Park episode "Board Girls". The following year, it was used in the drama series Mr. Queen and in a dance performance of the Netflix original film Work It.{{cite web |date=April 3, 2021 |title=6 Korean movies to detox from the drama Penthouse that you need to watch right away! |url=https://kenh14.vn/drama-ngap-hong-vi-penthouse-xem-ngay-6-tua-phim-han-lang-man-nay-de-duoc-giai-doc-tam-hon-20210323223452069.chn |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403145627/https://kenh14.vn/drama-ngap-hong-vi-penthouse-xem-ngay-6-tua-phim-han-lang-man-nay-de-duoc-giai-doc-tam-hon-20210323223452069.chn |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=Kenh 14 |language=vi}}{{cite web |title=Work It Soundtrack: All The Music In New Netflix Dance Film Starring Sabrina Carpenter |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/work-it-soundtrack-music/ |publisher=Capital FM |date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027165110/https://www.capitalfm.com/news/work-it-soundtrack-music/ |url-status=live }}

About choosing "I Am the Best" for its "Head to Head" Surface Pro 3 commercial, Microsoft said that the song's "confident lyrics and lively beats made a good fit with the new product's image".{{cite web |last1=Sohn |first1=Ji-young |title=Microsoft features 2NE1 song in new ad |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140813000863 |website=The Korea Herald |date=August 13, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=May 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530000441/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140813000863 |url-status=live }} A follow-up commercial, "Accolades", was later released and was broadcast during the 57th Annual Grammy Awards,{{Cite web |date=February 10, 2015 |title=2NE1's 'I Am The Best' Steals Spotlight at The Grammy Awards 2015 in Microsoft Surface Pro 3 TV Spot: K-Pop Crossover Heating Up |url=https://www.vcpost.com/articles/41892/20150210/2ne1s-best-steals-spotlight-grammy-awards-2015-microsoft-surface-pro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219203407/https://www.vcpost.com/articles/41892/20150210/2ne1s-best-steals-spotlight-grammy-awards-2015-microsoft-surface-pro.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=October 11, 2023 |website=Venture Capital Post |language=en}} resulting in the song regaining the top spot on the World Digital Songs chart.{{cite magazine |date= |title=World Digital Song Sales, February 14, 2015 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/world-digital-song-sales/2015-02-14 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816103957/https://www.billboard.com/charts/world-digital-song-sales/2015-02-14/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=October 11, 2023 |url-access=subscription}} In 2018, it was chosen for an advertisement campaign for the 2019 Kia Forte car by Kia Canada.{{cite web |title=2NE1's 'I Am The Best' hit song in brand new car commercial |url=https://news.sabay.com.kh/article/1091286 |website=Sabay News |access-date=November 23, 2022 |language=km |date=September 29, 2018 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123091158/https://news.sabay.com.kh/article/1091286 |url-status=live }} It was included in the Xbox 360 Kinect game Dance Central 3 (2012),{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Goldfarb |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/23/dance-central-3-release-date-announced |title=Dance Central 3 Release Date Announced |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2014 |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223063729/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/23/dance-central-3-release-date-announced |url-status=live }} the video-game series' first K-pop song,{{cite web |last1=Valdes |first1=Giancarlo |title=Dance Central 3 hops, shuffles, and body rolls its way to greatness (review) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/15/dance-central-3-review/ |website=VentureBeat |access-date=December 18, 2020 |date=October 15, 2012 |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811015841/https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/15/dance-central-3-review/ |url-status=live }} and was added to the soundtrack of Ubisoft's game Just Dance 2020.{{Cite news |last=Arcadio |first=Ryan |date=November 12, 2019 |title=Ubisoft to include more K-pop songs in 'Just Dance 2020' |url=https://technology.inquirer.net/92303/ubisoft-to-include-more-k-pop-songs-in-just-dance-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112090218/https://technology.inquirer.net/92303/ubisoft-to-include-more-k-pop-songs-in-just-dance-2020 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=October 13, 2023 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

==Legacy==

Critics have recognized "I Am the Best" as a symbol of the "girl crush" image in K-pop as well as one of the works that helped increase K-pop's global exposure. Writing for Billboard, Caitlin Kelley defined "girl crush" as "anything that conveys the image of ferocity, stepping outside the expectations of hyperfemininity", but also amounting to "more abstract ideas of relatability, aspiration and female empowerment." She noted 2NE1 as one of the groups which largely developed the image in the genre, and referred to "I Am the Best" as "one of the most iconic girl crush concepts on many levels."{{cite magazine |last1=Kelley |first1=Caitlin |title=How 'Girl Crush' Hooked Female Fans and Grappled With Feminism as K-pop Went Global in 2018 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2018/8491604/girl-crush-k-pop-feminism-2018 |magazine=Billboard |language=en |date=December 27, 2018 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=December 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227183933/https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2018/8491604/girl-crush-k-pop-feminism-2018 |url-status=live }} In 2018, Pitchfork included the song in their article of 45 highlights in girl group history. The following year, British GQ called it the highlight of 2011 and a game-changer in a decade of K-pop, acknowledging 2NE1 for bringing the genre to the "curious attention of the Western fashion and music media", and regarded "I Am the Best" as the "visual blueprint" for the genre's "feisty" girl crush concept. Billboard ranked the song number four on their "100 Greatest K-pop Songs of the 2010s" list, calling the song "undeniably iconic" and the "track that bulldozed into our lives and pulled so many of us into the wondrous world of Korean pop". In 2020, the lyrics of "I Am the Best" were featured in an exhibition titled "Korean Pop Lyrics: Melodies of Life" at the National Hangeul Museum in Seoul.{{cite web |last1=Yae-rim |first1=Kwon |date=May 15, 2020 |title=Beauty of Hangeul rediscovered through Korean pop songs |url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200515000693 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103052018/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200515000693 |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}}

Regarding the song's international exposure, Jeff Benjamin of Billboard wrote that "K-pop has much of its overseas travel to thank for this absolute monster of a pop smash." GQ named it one of 24 songs that shaped the decade while Stereogum named its video the second best music video of the 2010s, the only non-Western work to be mentioned in both lists. In 2021, Billboard editor Nolan Feeney wrote that "I Am the Best" "lives up to its name a decade later", and considered it to have helped pave the way for K-pop's takeover in America.{{cite magazine |title=The 50 Greatest Producers of the 21st Century: Staff List |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9603412/best-music-producers/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 12, 2021 |language=en |date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822213818/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9603412/best-music-producers/ |url-status=live }} In a ranking conducted by a panel of 35 music and industry experts curated by Melon and Seoul Shinmun from August of that year, it was listed as the seventh best Korean idol song of all time, with critic Kim Young-dae writing that it presented a "completely new attitude and possibility" to the music of K-pop girl groups. He added that the 10-second opening sung by CL "will be remembered as a critical moment in K-pop history", along with the intro to "Gangnam Style" released the following year. Rolling Stone ranked it the eighth greatest song in the history of Korean pop music in 2023, stating that "2NE1 established a new industry standard".

Credits adapted from Tidal.{{cite web |title=Credits / I Am the Best / 2NE1 |url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/38914038/credits |publisher=Tidal |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219054725/https://listen.tidal.com/album/38914038/credits |url-status=live }}

• 2NE1{{spaced ndash}}vocals
• Teddy Park{{spaced ndash}}lyricist, composer, producer
• Lee Kyung-joon {{spaced ndash}}engineer
• Jason Robert{{spaced ndash}}mixer

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{{Certification Table Top|caption={{sronly|Sales and certifications for "I Am the Best"}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=single|digital=true|award=Gold|refname="riaj gold"|certyear=2014|certmonth=12|note=Japanese ver.}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea (Gaon)|nocert=true|salesref={{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=S1020&termGbn=year&hitYear=2011&targetTime=11&nationGbn=K |title=Download Chart (Domestic) – 2011 (see #4) |publisher=Gaon Chart |access-date=August 10, 2016 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204142140/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=S1020&termGbn=year&hitYear=2011&targetTime=11&nationGbn=K |archive-date=February 4, 2015}}|type=single|relyear=2011|salesamount=3,470,000}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|nocert=true|salesref=|type=single|relyear=2011|salesamount=12,000}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}

• List of best-selling singles in South Korea
• List of Gaon Digital Chart number ones of 2011

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |editor-last1=Lee |editor-first1=Sangjoon |editor-last2=Nornes |editor-first2=Abé Mark |title=Hallyu 2.0: The Korean Wave in the Age of Social Media |date=2015 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |location=Ann Arbor, Michigan |isbn=978-0472120895 |doi=10.3998/mpub.7651262 |hdl=10356/143911 }}
• {{cite book |last1=Lie |first1=John |title=Popular Music, Cultural Amnesia, and Economic Innovation in South Korea |date=2015 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Oakland, California |isbn=9780520283121}}
• {{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Crystal S. |title=Soul in Seoul: African American Popular Music and K-pop |date=2020 |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |location=Jackson, Mississippi |isbn=9781496830135 |doi=10.2307/j.ctv1595mmf |s2cid=225296119 }}
• {{cite book |editor-last1=Neves |editor-first1=Joshua |editor-last2=Sarkar |editor-first2=Bhaskar |title=Asian Video Cultures: In the Penumbra of the Global |date=2017 |publisher=Duke University Press |location=Durham, London |isbn=9780822372547 |doi=10.1215/9780822372547 }}

{{2NE1}}

{{Mnet Asian Music Award for Song of the Year}}

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Category:2NE1 songs

Category:2011 singles

Category:Songs in Korean

Category:YG Entertainment singles

Category:Songs written by Teddy Park

Category:Gaon Digital Chart number-one singles

Category:Songs with feminist themes

Category:Capitol Records singles

Category:Electropop songs

Category:Electro house songs

Category:Song recordings produced by Teddy Park