Rapstar
{{Short description|2021 single by Polo G}}
{{Other uses|Rap star (disambiguation){{!}}Rap star}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Rapstar
| cover = Polo G - Rapstar.png
| type = single
| artist = Polo G
| album = Hall of Fame
| released = April 9, 2021
| genre = Trap{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lyrics/9564820/polo-g-rapstar-lyrics|title=Polo G's 'Rapstar' Lyrics|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 21, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/polo-g-is-living-life-like-a-rapstar-new-song.1990896.html|title=Polo G Is Living Life Like A "Rapstar"|work=HotNewHipHop|last=Zidel|first=Alex|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}}
| length = 2:45
| label = Columbia
| writer =
- Taurus Bartlett
- Einer Bankz
- Alexander Wu
| producer =
- Einer Bankz
- Synco
| prev_title = Richer
| prev_year = 2021
| next_title = Beat Box 5" / "Wit Dat
| next_year = 2021
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|w2IhccXakkE|"Rapstar"}}}}
}}
"Rapstar" is a song by American rapper Polo G. It was released through Columbia Records as the third single from his third studio album, Hall of Fame, on April 9, 2021. The song was produced by Synco, with social media star Einer Bankz performing the ukulele. On the song, Polo G harmonizes about his growing stardom, the downside of fame and the rewards of it. The single was well received by critics and became Polo G's first number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Background and composition
"Rapstar" was first previewed nearly a year before its release, on May 25, 2020, in a YouTube video where Polo G and the song's co-producer Einer Bankz performs an acoustic version of the song, with Bankz playing his signature ukulele.{{cite web|url=https://www.pieradio.co.uk/polo-g-sets-the-bar-higher-with-new-song-rapstar/|title=Polo G sets the bar higher with new song Rapstar|work=Pie Radio|last=Schofield|first=Adam|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} The song was officially announced just two days before its release, with Polo posting a teaser of the music video to his socials.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefocus.news/celebrity/polo-g-album-release-date-2021/|title=When is a new album from Polo G coming out?|work=The Focus|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}}
The song features a "plucky" arpeggio string loop{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.61504/title.polo-g-documents-hip-hop-fame-in-rapstar-video|title=Polo G Releases His Latest Video 'Rapstar'|work=HipHopDX|last=Scott|first=Dana|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} over the guitar-driven{{cite web|url=https://defpen.com/polo-g-rapstar/|title=New Music: Polo G - Rapstar|work=Def Pen|last=Shepard|first=Ryan|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/platform/new-music/2021/4/9/22375924/polo-g-rapstar-video|title=Polo G drops off new video for "Rapstar"|work=Revolt|last=Powell|first=Jon|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} ukulele-based trap beat.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/polo-g-is-living-life-like-a-rapstar-new-song.1990896.html|title=Polo G Is Living Life Like A "Rapstar"|work=HotNewHipHop|last=Zidel|first=Alex|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} Lyrically, it sees Polo delving through the ups and downs of his fame, as he raps "Every day a battle, I'm exhausted and I'm weary".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9554243/first-stream-taylor-swift-doja-cat-sza|title=First Stream: New Music From Taylor Swift, Doja Cat & SZA and More|magazine=Billboard|last=Lipshutz|first=Jason|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} In between those dark reflections, he boasts about his career success, his sexual prowess,{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2143576/polo-g-rapstar/music/|title=Polo G Shares New Song "Rapstar": Listen|work=Stereogum|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} his "impressive" features on songs, the wealth, and the women he is involved with.{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/polo-g-rapstar-single/|title=Polo G Details His Life As A Rising Star On His Boastful 'Rapstar' Track|work=Uproxx|last=Okon|first=Wongo|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} He also heavily alludes to his time growing up in the North side of Chicago. The first verse seemingly addresses his battle with anxiety and drug use, as he refers to his use of "pills", and how he feels sad, "when alone, my eyes teary".
The second verse shows him more "heated", as he talks about putting his streets first and about "homicides". Adam Schofield of Pie Radio summarized: "We see there are two very different sides to Taurus; a sad anxiety stricken lonely young man, and a violent gangster – it makes you wonder how rapping about guns and sadness works so well together!".
Critical reception
Billboard{{'}}s Jason Lipshutz named it among the week's essential releases, stating: "Polo G remains one of the strongest storytellers in modern hip-hop, and even when his money-counting can't provide a sense of peace, the results are often captivating for his listeners". Stereogum{{'}}s Chris DeVille said the song "is like a super hi-res version of Polo G's signature sound", while opining that it "continues Polo G's tradition of sounding vaguely triumphant even as he unpacks his depression and trauma. It's a strange combination, but he pulls it off". Similarly, Alex Zidel of HotNewHipHop said Polo is "back to the same style we know and love him for", adding that he "continues his prolific run with the release of 'Rapstar'{{-"}}, with Zidel deeming it a highlight from Polo's recently released material. Uproxx's Wongo Okon shared the sentiment, stating that "The Chicago native has released countless songs that have proven his stay in the rap game will be far from temporary. The rapper continues his run with his latest single, 'Rapstar'{{-"}}. Adam Schofield of Pie Radio said "Bankz impressively playing the ukulele mixed with Polo G's angelic voice may just be our new favourite thing!". HipHopDX{{'}}s Devon Jefferson called the song a "flex-heavy banger", as "Polo G raps through a barrage of relentless punchlines and a flossy hook".{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.61494/title.new-music-friday-new-singles-from-polo-g-doja-cat-sza-mo3-yfn-lucci-more|title=New Music Friday - New Singles From Polo G, Doja Cat & SZA + More|work=HipHopDX|last=Jeffferson|first=Devon|date=April 8, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan opined that the song finds Polo G "exploring his melodic side to great effect".{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/23-new-rap-and-rb-songs-out-this-week-5/|title=23 New Rap and R&B Songs Out This Week|work=BrooklynVegan|last=Sacher|first=Andrew|date=April 10, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} XXL named it among the best new music of the week.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/best-new-songs-doja-cat-polo-g-rich-homie-quan/|title=The 13 Best New Songs This Week|work=XXL|last=Seabrook III|first=Robby|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}}
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable"
!Award !Year !Category !Result !Ref. |
| Brit Awards
|2022 |International Song of the Year |{{nom}} |
| MTV Video Music Awards
|2021 |Best Hip-hop |{{nom}} |
Commercial performance
On its first day of release, the song reached number one on both US Apple Music and Spotify, opening at the latter with 2.7 million streams, marking Polo G's first number-one on Spotify and a career peak in daily song streams.{{cite web|url=https://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=325918&title=POLO-G,-TAYLOR-LEAD-STREAMING-DEBUTS|title=Polo G, Taylor Swift Lead Streaming Debuts|work=Hits Daily Double|date=April 10, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}}
The song debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated April 24, 2021, with over 6,300 sales, and 77.7 million streams. The song became Polo G's first US number-one single and second top 10.{{Cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=April 19, 2021|title=Polo G Scores First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With Debut of 'Rapstar'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9558932/polo-g-rapstar-debuts-no-1-hot-100/|access-date=April 19, 2021|magazine=Billboard}}
Music video
The music video was released alongside the song and was directed by Arrad.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/polo-g-shares-video-for-new-song-rapstar-watch/|title=Polo G Shares Video for New Song "Rapstar"|work=Pitchfork|last=Yoo|first=Noah|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} The visual shows Polo G putting his life as a rap star on display; he goes through seven different settings, showing off the rewards and lavish lifestyle that come with fame. It begins with Einer Bankz playing his ukulele, whereafter Polo is seen at a BMW dealership buying high-end luxury coupes for all his friends with a big bag of cash. He records music, and is inducted into a fictitious Hip hop Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/polo-g-rapstar-video|title=Polo G Dissects Life as a Superstar in New "Rapstar" Video|work=Complex|author=FNR Tigg|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} He also shows love for his hometown, Chicago, playing basketball in a Chicago Bulls outfit.{{cite web|url=https://www.sohh.com/polo-g-shows-off-daddy-duties-in-new-rapstar-video/|title=Polo G Shows Off Daddy Duties In New Rapstar Video|work=SOHH|last=Jones|first=Biz|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}} He is later seen lying on the ground after being stabbed in the back by his lover. In the video, Polo sports a look that pays homage to 2Pac, which reflects the song's lyrics in which Polo declares himself Pac's reincarnation. The video stars Polo G's son Tremani, as the two are seen bonding through father and son time. Rappers DDG, Trench Baby, Scorey and Baby Rich also make cameos.
=Reception=
Complex{{'}}s FNR Tigg noted how in the video, Polo G "takes the trials and tribulations [...] and the downside of living his glamorous life". Tigg said he effectively utilizes the Notorious B.I.G.'s infamous "more money, more problems" tagline. Lyrical Lemonade said positively, "Not many artists possess the type of talent that Polo does, especially for his age, he's mastered his sound and always matches his great music with even better music videos that elevate the tracks".{{cite web|url=https://lyricallemonade.com/p/rapstar-polo-g|title=Rapstar – [Polo G]|work=Lyrical Lemonade|last=Montanez|first=Elliot|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 10, 2021}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Rapstar" ! scope="col"| Chart (2021) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{single chart|Australia|4|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=April 16, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Austria|14|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Flanders|50|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=May 2, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Canada|1|artist=Polo G|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Czechdigital|56|year=2021|week=18|rowheader=true|access-date=May 10, 2021}} |
| scope="row"| Denmark (Tracklisten){{cite web|url=http://hitlisten.nu/default.asp?w=15&y=2021&list=t40|title=Track Top-40 Uge 15, 2021|publisher=Hitlisten|access-date=April 21, 2021}}
| 3 |
|---|
| {{single chart|Finland|11|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=April 18, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Germany|29|songid=2173033|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=April 23, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardglobal200|3|artist=Polo G|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2021}} |
| scope="row"| Greece International (IFPI){{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html|title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 15/2021|publisher=IFPI Greece|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426180802/http://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html|archive-date=April 26, 2021}}
| 4 |
| {{single chart|Hungarystream|15|year=2021|week=15|rowheader=true}} |
| scope="row"| Iceland (Tónlistinn){{cite web|url=http://plotutidindi.is/lagalistinn/|title=Tónlistinn – Lög|trans-title=The Music – Songs|language=is|publisher=Plötutíðindi|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422180725/http://plotutidindi.is/lagalistinn/|archive-date=April 22, 2021|url-status=dead}}
| 16 |
| {{single chart|Ireland4|2|date=20210416|rowheader=true|access-date=April 16, 2021}} |
| scope="row" | Lithuania (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/16s/|title=2021 16-os SAVAITĖS (balandžio 16-22 d.) SINGLŲ TOP100|language=lt|publisher=AGATA|date=April 23, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423151634/https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/16s/|url-status=live}}
| 12 |
| {{single chart|Dutch100|23|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=April 16, 2021}} |
| scope="row"| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2021-04-16|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=April 19, 2021|access-date=April 17, 2021}}
| 2 |
| scope="row"| Norway (VG-lista){{cite web|url=https://topplista.no/charts/singles/2021-w15/|title=VG-lista – Topp 20 Single 2021-15|publisher=VG-lista|access-date=April 16, 2021}}
| 4 |
| {{single chart|Portugal|18|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=May 2, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakdigital2|30|year=2021|week=16|rowheader=true|access-date=April 26, 2021}} |
| scope="row"| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2021&dspp=15|title=Veckolista Singlar, vecka 15|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|access-date=April 16, 2021}}
| 5 |
| {{single chart|Switzerland|14|artist=Polo G|song=Rapstar|rowheader=true|access-date=April 18, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|UK|3|date=20210416|rowheader=true|access-date=April 16, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|UKrandb|1|date=20210416|rowheader=true|access-date=April 17, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|1|artist=Polo G|rowheader=true|access-date=April 19, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|1|artist=Polo G|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|29|artist=Polo G|rowheader=true|access-date=June 29, 2021}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|1|artist=Polo G|rowheader=true|access-date=July 7, 2021}} |
| scope="row"| US Rolling Stone Top 100{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2021-04-15/|title=Top 100 Songs|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=July 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203124457/https://www.rollingstone.com/charts/songs/2021-04-15/|archive-date=December 3, 2021|url-status=dead}}
| 1 |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Rapstar"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|artist=Polo G|title=Rapstar|relyear=2021|certyear=2021|access-date=February 6, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|title=Rapstar|artist=Polo G|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2022|access-date=March 30, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|title=Rapstar|artist=Polo G|award=Platinum|number=6|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2024|access-date=December 20, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Rapstar|artist=Polo G|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2023|id=13344|access-date=January 10, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|artist=Polo G|title=Rapstar|relyear=2021|source=radioscope|access-date=December 20, 2024|certyear=2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Polo G|title=Rapstar|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2024|access-date=October 9, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|award=Gold|certyear=2021|title=Rapstar|artist=Polo G|type=single|id=file_2021-07-23-15-12-54.pdf|relyear=2021|access-date=July 27, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|title=Rapstar|artist=Polo G|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2021|access-date=October 6, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Polo G|title=Rapstar|award=Platinum|relyear=2021|certyear=2022|id=17271-5509-1|access-date=July 21, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Platinum|number=7|type=single|artist=Polo G|title=Rapstar|relyear=2021|certyear=2024|access-date=September 12, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|award=Gold|type=single|certyear=2021|certweek=35 (31-35)|id=20210913110828|access-date=October 26, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|award=Platinum|type=single|artist=Polo G|certyear=2021|source=artist|access-date=February 6, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streamsonly=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Rapstar" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="row"| Various
| April 9, 2021 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | rowspan="3"| Columbia | align="center"| |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| United States
| rowspan="2"| April 20, 2021 |
| Urban contemporary radio |