Released January 4, 2015 | Format Digital download Label WondalandEpic | |
Length 3:46 (original version)3:55 (remix version) Writer(s) VariousAmethyst Amelia KellyCharlotte AitchisonEleanor Kateri TannisGeorge AstasioJasbir SehraJason PebworthJidenna Theodore MobissonJohn TurnerJonathan Christopher ShaveKurtis McKenzieMilan WileyNana Kwabena TuffuorNathaniel Irvin IIIRoman GianArthur Irvin | ||
"Classic Man" is a song by American rapper Jidenna, released on February 3, 2015 as his commercial debut single. The song, which features vocals from fellow American singer Roman GianArthur, was included on Janelle Monáe's Wondaland Records collective EP, The Eephus, as the lead single. In December 2015, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance. The song was produced by Jidenna, alongside Nana Kwabena and Nate "Rocket" Wonder.
Contents
Composition
The song samples Australian rapper Iggy Azalea's 2014 single "Fancy", which features English singer Charli XCX and production from The Invisible Men, with all the original writers and composers being credited on "Classic Man".
Music video
The music video of the song was released to YouTube on February 20, 2015. The video shows Jidenna at a party, walking on the street, and at a martial arts school. The video was directed by Alan Ferguson. The music video for the remix was released on July 15, 2015. It features Jidenna and Kendrick Lamar rapping in various locations. Ty Dolla Sign, Janelle Monáe, Roman GianArthur, and Hit-Boy make cameo appearances in the music video.
Commercial performance
"Classic Man" debuted at number 89 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the chart dated May 23, 2015. The song peaked at number 22 in its sixteenth week on the chart. As of August 2015, the song has sold 399,000 copies in the US.
Remix
Jidenna and Wondaland Records released a remix of the song featuring American rapper Kendrick Lamar, included as a bonus track on The Eephus EP. The remix was accompanied by a music video, which premiered on July 15, 2015. Jamaican rapper Sean Paul also released a remix of this song called "Ganja Man".
Usage in popular media
A Chopped and screwed version of "Classic Man" featured in the Academy Award winning 2016 film Moonlight.