Released June 5, 2014 Recorded 2014 Length 4:29 | Format Digital download Genre Hip hop Label Cash Money
Republic | |
"Lifestyle" is a song by American hip hop group Rich Gang, featuring rappers Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan. The song, produced by London on da Track, was released on June 5, 2014. The song has been certified Platinum in the United States.
Contents
Background and composition
The song premiered in May 2014, but as the lead single from the upcoming second album of Rich Gang was released on June 5, 2014. There has been speculation on the homosexual undertones of the song in Young Thug verse, "I won't do nothin' with the bitch, she can't even get me hard / Somethin' wrong with the pussy / Even though I ain't gon' hit it, I'ma still make sure that she gushy" Some have suggested this indicates his dislike for females in favour of same-sex relationships. He claims it is just language and he is not gay. The song was popularly used on Vine and other social video platforms to mock the hook sung by Young Thug which many found unintelligible.
Critical reception
Pitchfork Media ranked the song at number 69 on their list of the top 100 songs of 2014. Complex named the song at number 2 on their list of the 50 best songs of 2014. Conversely, Brooklyn Russell of Pretty Much Amazing described it as "a sort of Millennial version of Generation X’s 'Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang,'" calling it "an all-encompassing generational hip-hop party track." Russell also praised the song's production, adding "Thug comes through over a breezy instrumental and casually gives us the now iconic opening line: 'I did a lot of shit just to live this here lifestyle.'"
Music video
A music video for "Lifestyle", directed by Be El Be, was released on June 30, 2014. The video featured Birdman, Young Thug, Rich Homie wearing clothing that resembles Prince's Fashion Evolution from the 1980s and others enjoying their time with call girls on a plane and yacht.
Remixes
In August 2014, American rapper Lil Boosie released his remix of "Lifestyle". On September 29, shortly after being signed to Rich Gang/Cash Money Records, Atlanta-based singer Jacquees released a video to his remix of "Lifestyle". Another remix of the song by Atlanta-based rapper Waka Flocka Flame was released in October 2014.
Live performances
Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan performed the song at the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 14, 2014.
Track listing
- "Lifestyle" (featuring Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan) – 4:29