Format Digital download Genre Hip hop | Recorded 2012 Length 3:45 | |
Released January 15, 2013 (2013-01-15) Label Young Money
Cash Money
Republic | ||
"Dope" is a song by American rapper Tyga featuring Rick Ross. The song was originally titled "187" but was later changed to "Dope". The song premiered on December 20, 2012, and was released as a digital download on January 15, 2013. It is the first single from the rapper's studio album, Hotel California (2013). The song samples "Deep Cover" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Contents
The song received mixed reviews from critics who felt that it paled in comparison to the original hip-hop classic. "Dope" only managed to peak at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100. It fared better charting at numbers 15 and 19 on the Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts respectively. The song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of over half-a-million units in the country. It received similar chart presence in Canada, peaking at number 72 on the Canadian Hot 100.
The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Colin Tilley.
Critical reception
"Dope" received mixed reviews from music critics. David Jeffries of AllMusic said that the track was "the almost worthy "Rack City" successor with [Rick] Ross on the shot callers cut." Chayne Japal of Exclaim! said that it was an interesting take on the song but that it "ultimately crumbles with Tyga's inappropriate implementation of the non-chorus." Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews felt that producers FKi stripped the song of almost everything that made the original well-regarded and doesn't standout as much.
Music video
The music video was released on January 18, 2013, and was directed by Colin Tilley. The video begins with Tyga walking up to a parked car and shooting the driver. Tyga then gets into his own car and drives away. Right as he drives away cops begin to follow him and a high speed chase around the city begins. The rest of the "Dope" music video switches between scenes of the car chase and Tyga rapping inside a mansion with Rick Ross.