Backseat Freestyle

"Backseat Freestyle" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It debuted on October 15, 2012 in the United Kingdom as the third single from Lamar's second studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). It was released in the United States with the album's release on October 22, 2012. "Backseat Freestyle" was written by Lamar and Chauncey Hollis and produced by Hollis under his stage name Hit-Boy.

"Backseat Freestyle"
Single by Kendrick Lamar
from the album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
ReleasedOctober 22, 2012 (2012-10-22)
Recorded2012
Genre
Length3:32
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Hit-Boy
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology
"Fuckin' Problems"
(2012)		 "Backseat Freestyle"
(2012)		 "Poetic Justice"
(2013)
Music video
"Backseat Freestyle" on YouTube

The song was given critical acclaim, with many critics commending Lamar for his technical ability. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and at 79 on the UK Singles Chart. It also made appearances on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rap Songs charts, as well as the Belgian Ultratip chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the US and silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the UK. Since its release, it has been placed on multiple lists as one of Lamar's best songs.

Lamar, Jerome D, and Dave Free directed the video for "Backseat Freestyle", which shows a young Lamar lip sync to the lyrics while the video cuts between black and white scenes of Compton and Paris. The song has been on the set lists for several concert tours and has appeared in popular culture.

Background

Hit-Boy met Kendrick Lamar a couple years before the creation of "Backseat Freestyle". After Lamar signed to Interscope Records, Hit-boy was encouraged by those he knew at Interscope to work with him.[1] The two did several studio sessions in Las Vegas for a few days, though none of the songs created would appear on the final mix of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.[2] According to Hit-Boy, with one of the records they created, Lamar "couldn’t get the hook right in his mind, so that song got deaded."[1] Lamar subsequently requested more beats.[2] When he heard the new beat that would be eventually chosen, Lamar stated "That’s the one! This is going on my album". While on tour, he recorded his vocals and altered parts of the beat towards more of his liking.[1] The track was originally produced for singer Ciara for an R&B song called "Hit Boy",[2] though "the situation fell apart".[3] When producing the song, Hit-Boy sampled The Chakachas' 1970 song “Yo Soy Cubano,” as well as an episode from the Cartoon Network series The Powerpuff Girls.[4]

Speaking on his delivery of his vocals, Lamar remarked how rapper Eminem influenced his "aggression" on the song.[5]

Composition

The song follows the concept of Lamar's album, which is a day in the life of a teenage Kendrick Lamar. The song is preceded by a short skit at the end of the previous track "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", in which Lamar's friend tells him "K-Dot, get in the car, nigga, we finna roll out. Nigga, I got a pack of blacks and a beat CD; get your freestyles ready."

Critical reception

The song received critical acclaim from music critics, with many focusing on Lamar's technical ability. Consequence writer Michael Madden described how Lamar uses "his technical gifts" to approach "Minaj-ian levels of animation" on the song.[6] Jonah Bromwich of Pitchfork noted the song as a "technical showcase" with a "particularly clever" structure.[7] Kyle Ellison of The Quietus called the song's lyrics "preposterous and brilliant".[8] Writing for Slant Magazine, Mark Collett described it as a "scuzzy, sleazy delight" part of a "larger narrative".[9] Martyn Young for musicOMH viewed the song as a "breathlessly exciting hard-edged cut" and complimented Hit-Boy's production as having "juddering bone shaking power" that creates "an intensely thrilling four minutes".[10] Jaeki Cho of XXL praised how Lamar "channels multiple voices and executes crisp-clean double- and triple-time bonanza with ease."[11] Eric Diep of Complex complimented the song's "infectious voice sample"[12] while Anupa Mistry of NOW Magazine appreciated the "grizzled lyricism".[13]

Though, not all reviews from critics were positive. Kia Makarechi, writing for The Huffington Post, called it "perhaps the least introspective song" on the album and lamented it getting a video before other songs.[14] While Jakob Dorof of Tiny Mix Tapes complimented the song's "demonically raw-throated" third verse, he opined that the song's beat gets "beyond [Lamar's] better judgment."[15]

Accolades

"Backseat Freestyle" has been widely regarded as one of Lamar's best songs and has been ranked high by critics. In 2018, Bianca Alysse of Billboard ranked the song number six on their list of the 20 greatest Kendrick Lamar songs.[16] Stereogum placed the song as number eight on their 2020 list,[17] and in 2021, Rolling Stone ranked the song number three on their list of the 50 greatest Kendrick Lamar songs.[18] In 2022, Alex Petridis of The Guardian ranked it second in his list of Lamar's greatest songs.[19]

Release and commercial performance

"Backseat Freestyle" was released as the third single from Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, debuting in the United Kingdom on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show on October 15, 2012.[20] The song was posted on Hit-Boy's Twitter the same day.[21] Following its single release, it entered and peaked at number 79 on the UK Singles Chart, dropping off the chart after one week.[22] In the United States, "Backseat Freestyle" peaked at number six on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart following the release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City on October 22, 2012.[23] It also peaked at numbers 29 and 22 respectively on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rap Songs charts.[24][25] Beyond the Anglosphere, the single peaked at number 81 on the Belgian Ultratip chart.[26]

On June 8, 2018, "Backseat Freestyle" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) with a 1,000,000 certified units in the US.[27] On August 2, 2019, it was award a silver certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 200,000 certified units in the UK.[28]

Music video

The music video for the song was released on January 2, 2013[14] and was directed by Kendrick Lamar, Jerome D, and Dave Free.[29] Lamar stated it took "probably two months" to film because of the large amount of travel and him having "too many ideas".[30] The black and white video shows Lamar rapping along to the lyrics while switching between footage of his hometown Compton, California and Paris, France, the latter a reference to the song's chorus.[31][32] Several characters referenced in the album appear. Lamar's father is featured in a skit smoking marijuana and asking his son for his domino set, as well an appearance of recurring character "Sherane", who is seen leaning against Lamar's car twerking.[14][33] Lamar explained how he just wanted "to have fun" with making the video by including skits and his father[34] and wanted to give the audience something they wouldn't expect.[30]

Live performances and pop culture
Lamar performed "Backseat Freestyle" during The Damn Tour

Lamar has frequently performed the song for concert tours. It was part of the set list for the Good Kid, M.A.A.D City World Tour,[35][36] Kunta Groove Sessions Tour,[37] The Damn Tour,[38] and for The Big Steppers Tour.[39] It was also performed during The Championship Tour[40] and as part of Lamar's opener for The Yeezus Tour.[41]

The song has appeared in pop culture on occasion. In 2014, a video of Taylor Swift lip-syncing to "Backseat Freestyle" went viral and attracted considerable attention.[42][43] In 2019, the song was used in the film Waves during a bonfire scene with a group of teenagers. The use of the song, along with tracks from several other high-profile artists, received media attention because of the indie nature of the film.[44][45]

Credits and personnel

Recording

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the Good Kid, M.A.A.D City album liner notes.[46]

Charts
Chart (2012–13) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[26] 81
UK Singles (OCC)[22] 79
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[23] 6
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[24] 29
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[25] 22

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[28] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[27] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

References
  1. Ahmed, Insanul (October 23, 2012). "The Making of Kendrick Lamar's 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'". Complex. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  2. Walker, Joe (June 10, 2021). "Hit-Boy: Kendrick Lamar's 'Backseat Freestyle' Was Ciara R&B Song". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  3. Genius (February 12, 2020). "The Making Of Kendrick Lamar's "Backseat Freestyle" With Hit-Boy | Deconstructed". YouTube. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  4. Walker, Joe (October 26, 2021). "Kendrick Lamar's 'Backseat Freestyle' Sampled 'Powerpuff Girls'". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  5. Kennedy, John (October 14, 2013). "Kendrick Lamar Says 'Backseat Freestyle' Was Influenced by Eminem". Vibe. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  6. Madden, Michael (October 24, 2012). "Album Review: Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city". Consequence. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  7. Bromwich, Jonah (October 16, 2012). "Kendrick Lamar: "Backseat Freestyle"". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  8. Ellison, Kyle (January 10, 2013). "The Quietus | Reviews | Kendrick Lamar". The Quietus. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  9. Collett, Mark (December 12, 2012). "Review: Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City". Slant Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  10. Young, Martyn (October 22, 2012). "Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d. City | Album Reviews". musicOMH. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  11. Cho, Jaeki (October 23, 2012). "Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  12. Diep, Eric (October 15, 2022). "Listen: Kendrick Lamar "Backseat Freestyle" (Prod. By Hit-Boy)". Complex. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  13. Mistry, Anupa (2012). "Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city". NOW Magazine. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012.
  14. Makarechi, Kia (January 3, 2013). "WATCH: Kendrick Lamar Stunts Around Paris". HuffPost. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  15. Dorof, Jakob (2012). "Music Review: Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  16. Alysse, Bianca (February 5, 2018). "Kendrick Lamar's 20 Best Songs: Critic's Picks". Billboard. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  17. Leas, Ryan (November 13, 2020). "The 10 Best Kendrick Lamar Songs". Stereogum. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  18. Thompson, Paul; Reeves, Mosi; Dukes, Will; Ihaza, Jeff; Buford, Jayson; Penn II, Michael (November 1, 2021). "The 50 Greatest Kendrick Lamar Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  19. Petridis, Alexis (May 5, 2022). "Kendrick Lamar's 20 greatest songs – ranked!". The Guardian. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  20. Lobenfeld, Claire (October 15, 2012). "Stream: Kendrick Lamar, "Backseat Freestyle" (Prod. by Hit-Boy)". The Fader. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  21. Pelly, Jenn (October 15, 2012). "New Kendrick Lamar: "Backseat Freestyle"". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  22. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  23. "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  24. "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  25. "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  26. "Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  27. "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  28. "British single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  29. Fitzmaurice, Larry (January 2, 2013). "Watch the Black-and-White Video for Kendrick Lamar's "Backseat Freestyle"". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
  30. Fuse (January 15, 2013). "Kendrick Lamar Explains "Backseat Freestyle" Video". YouTube. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  31. Mlynar, Phillip (January 3, 2013). "Kendrick Lamar Heads to Paris in "Backseat Freestyle" Video". MTV. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  32. ""Backseat Freestyle" video: watch Kendrick Lamar's misunderstood track". The Denver Post. October 9, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  33. Markman, Rob (January 3, 2013). "Kendrick Lamar Introduces Sherane In 'Backseat Freestyle' Video". MTV. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  34. "Kendrick Lamar Gets Real In His 'Backseat Freestyle' Video". MTV. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  35. Josephs, Brian (June 18, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Announces "good kid, m.A.A.d city" World Tour". Complex. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  36. Deville, Chris (May 19, 2013). "Hangout 2013 Saturday: Tom Petty, Kendrick Lamar, Public Enemy, & More". Stereogum. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  37. Terry, Josh (November 6, 2015). "Kendrick Lamar's intimate 'Kunta's Groove Sessions' is one of the best shows we've seen all year". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  38. Masley, Ed (July 13, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar launches DAMN. with triumphant one-man show of force". AZ Central. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  39. Paul, Larisha (October 19, 2022). "Kendrick Lamar to Livestream Full 'The Big Steppers Tour' Paris Concert on 'Good Kid, m.A.A.d City' 10th Anniversary". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  40. Rietmulder, Michael (May 6, 2018). "Kendrick Lamar, in White River Amphitheatre show, proves he's the most vital rapper in America". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  41. "Marvel at footage of Kanye West's Yeezus tour, featuring a mountain and a Jesus impersonator". Fact. October 21, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  42. Garner, Chris (September 8, 2014). "Taylor Swift Knows Every Word To Kendrick Lamar's "Backseat Freestyle" - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  43. Block, Justin (November 10, 2014). "Listen to the Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift Mash-Up That the Internet Asked For". Complex. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  44. Buchanan, Kyle (December 10, 2019). "How 'Waves' Got Kanye and Kendrick on Its Soundtrack". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  45. Bitran, Tara (January 2, 2020). "How 'Waves' Secured Rights to More Than 45 Songs: It Was the "Biggest Head-Scratcher"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  46. Lamar, Kendrick (2012). good kid, m.A.A.d city (CD liner notes). Aftermath/Interscope Records. B001753602.
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