Released January 12, 2006 Recorded 2004–2005 Label Universal
Chamillitary | Format CD single
12" single Length 5:02
4:08 (radio edit) | |
Genre Hardcore hip hop
gangsta rap | ||
"Ridin'" is a song by American rapper Chamillionaire, released as the lead single from his debut studio album The Sound of Revenge (2005). The song, produced by Play-N-Skillz, features a guest appearance from fellow American rapper Krayzie Bone, of Bone Thugs n Harmony. Its title is often incorrectly assumed to be "Ridin' Dirty", due to the chorus. The lyrics concern racial profiling and police brutality, as well as the stereotyping of African-Americans driving a vehicle with drugs or other contraband on the inside ("Riding dirty").
Contents
Music video
The music video shows cops abusing their powers, though Chamillionaire does admit to various crimes of this being promoted, including DWI and prostitution. He juxtaposes police actions with wrestling scenes to show how the police allegedly treat suspects. The music video, filmed in Dallas, Texas, features cameo appearances from Tom Lister Jr., Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Play-N-Skillz, Chingo Bling, OG Ron C, Big Tuck, and Chamillionaire's younger brother Rasaq.
Reception
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. for two weeks and peaked at number two in the United Kingdom, behind Shakira when it was released. At the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, "Ridin'" won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and received a nomination for Best Rap Song. It was awarded the last Best Rap Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006. The song ranked number three on Rolling Stone's "100 Best Songs of 2006" and #6 on BET's "Top 100 Music Videos Of 2006". It was the best selling ringtone in 2006, with 3.2 million sales, certified by the RIAA as the first multi-platinum Mastertone artist in history.
The song is played after Houston Astros victories and has also become an Internet meme in image macros. Spunk rock band Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer has covered the song live. 'Ridin' Dirty is the title of the 1996 album by UGK. Chamillionaire often cites this as one of his all-time favorite records.
Chart performance
"Ridin'" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 88 the week of February 25, 2006. Eight weeks later, it moved eight spots from number 12 to number 4 the week of April 29, 2006 and stayed there for two weeks. It peaked at number one and stayed there for two weeks. This gave both artists their first Hot 100 number-one hit in their career. It stayed on the chart for thirty-one weeks.
Later adaptation
On July 17, 2006, Chamillionaire announced via bulletin on his official Myspace page that American parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic recorded a parody of "Ridin'" for his new album Straight Outta Lynwood (released on September 26, 2006). The parody, called "White & Nerdy" also featured a music video and was released as the lead single from the album. Chamillionaire stated in an interview that he enjoyed the parody of the song written by Yankovic, and was surprised by Yankovic's rapping ability.
Track listing
- "Ridin'" (Album Version)
- "Ridin'" (UK Remix) (featuring Sway)
- "Ridin'" (Instrumental)
- "Ridin'" (Radio Edit) – 3:45
- "Ridin'" (Album Version) – 5:03
- "Ridin'" (Album Version)
- "Think I'm Crazy"
- "Ridin'" (UK Remix) (featuring Sway)
- "Ridin'" (Instrumental)
- "Ridin'" (Video)
- "Ridin'" (Radio Edit) (featuring Krayzie Bone) – 4:07
- "Ridin'" (Main) (featuring Krayzie Bone) – 5:06
- "Ridin'" (Instrumental) – 4:58
Remixes and parodies
The remixes feature the following artists: