Released December 30, 2003 Label Grand Hustle, Atlantic | Recorded 2003 | |
Format CD single, Digital download Genre Southern hip hop, trap, Gangsta Rap Length 5:48 (album version)
4:35 (clean version)
3:58 (video version) | ||
"Rubber Band Man" is a song by American hip hop recording artist T.I., released December 30, 2003 as the third single from his second studio album Trap Muzik (2003). Production from David Banner was noted by music reviewers, particularly the ascending organ riff that has been described as 'hypnotic' and 'pure halftime show'. Upon release, it charted reasonably well, peaking at number 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is included in the hits collections Totally Hits 2004, Crunk Hits Volume 1, and Hip Hop Hits Volume 9. It was listed at number 34, on Complex Magazine's "Best Atlanta Rap Songs of all Time" and number 61, on their "Best Songs of the Decade."
Contents
Background
T.I. says the song's title is a reference to his habit of wearing rubber bands around his wrist, a habit that dates back to when he was a drug dealer. The rubber bands are used to hold big wads of money together because they won't fit into a normal pocket wallet. Publicity efforts for the single were derailed by T.I.'s arrest in August 2003. At the end of the song, there is a skit advertisement for "buster card" and the number is reversed, so if you play that skit in reverse, the number is 404-349-5000 which is the number for a Subway Restaurant in Atlanta, GA.
Music video
The song's music video was directed by Darren Grant. David Banner, Lil Duval, Michael Vick, Usher, Nelly, Bow Wow, Jagged Edge, Steve Rudolph, P. Diddy and Jazze Pha, all make cameo appearances in the video. The video also features several prominent shots of suburban Atlanta, including Bankhead courts and College Park.
Remix
The song was officially remixed and released in 2004, featuring verses from fellow American rappers Mack 10, Trick Daddy and Twista.