Barely Holdin' On

"Barely Holdin' On" is a song by American rapper Polo G. It was released on August 18, 2023 as a single for his upcoming fourth studio album, Hood Poet. The song was produced by Southside, Dr. Luke, and Noah Goldstein.

"Barely Holdin' On"
Single by Polo G
from the album Hood Poet
ReleasedAugust 18, 2023
Length2:54
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Polo G singles chronology
"Heartbroken"
(2023)		 "Barely Holdin' On"
(2023)

Background

On August 15, 2023, Bartlett officially announced his next album, Hood Poet. He announced the single for release the following Friday, with the album to release on September 15, 2023.[1]

Composition

The song features tranquil guitars and keyboards and a fidgety beat.[2] Throughout the song, Polo raps about his mental-health and gunplay, with lines such as: "Ain't hard to figure him out 'cause all his thoughts was tweeted/ We blew some shots to shut him up, that’s why his top was leakin'."[3] In the first verse, Polo G mentions his childhood friend who was shot and killed in a drive-by on September 18, 2014,[2][4] while in the second verse he raps about his upbringing, in which he raps about his heavy trauma.[2]

Critical reception

Alexander Cole of HotNewHipHop called the track "an uplifting yet emotional song that speaks to some of the trauma Polo G has faced throughout his life."[5] Vibe said that the song "soundtracks the visual, but paints a picture of the artist attempting to rationalize his own trauma, as well."[4]

Music video

Polo G released the song's music video on August 18, 2023. It was directed by Araad and shows scenes of Polo G at a piano as well as with living individuals who each go through their own struggles.[6][7]

Credits and personnel

Technical

  • Randy Merrill – mastering engineer
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing engineer
  • Todd Hurtt – recording engineer

Charts
Chart performance for "Barely Holdin' On"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[8] 93
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[9] 4
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 68
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] 23

References
  1. Bartlett, Taurus. "Polo G - HOOD POET (Album Trailer) | OUT SEPTEMBER 15". YouTube. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  2. Partridge, Ken (Aug 18, 2023). "Polo G Finds Strength Amid Tragedy On New Song "Barely Holdin' On"". Genius. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  3. Breihan, Tom (August 18, 2023). "Polo G – "Barely Holdin' On"". Stereogum. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  4. Griffin, Marc (August 18, 2023). "Polo G Shows Empathy To Those "Barely Holdin' On" In New Visuals". Vibe. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  5. Alexander, Cole (August 18, 2023). "Polo G Returns With Lead "Hood Poet" Single, "Barely Holdin' On"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  6. Grant, Shawn (August 18, 2023). "Watch: Polo G Delivers New Video For "Barely Holdin' On"". The Source. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  7. Duong, Pual (August 18, 2023). "Video: Polo G "Barely Holding On"". Rap Radar. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  8. "Polo G Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  9. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  10. "Polo G Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  11. "Polo G Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
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