Number 2 (song)

During his guest appearance on the American talk show The Late Late Show with James Corden on 20 April 2021, KSI exclusively revealed that his upcoming second studio album would include a track that features American rappers Future and 21 Savage, titled "Number 2".[1] KSI told James Corden, "It's called 'Number 2'. It's one of my biggest songs on the album. And I have Future and 21 Savage on the song. It's going to be mad. When people hear this tune, they're going to lose their heads. It's going to melt faces."[2] A preview of "Number 2" was released to the video-sharing app TikTok on 9 July 2021.[3][4]

Speaking to Genius about collaborating with both Future and 21 Savage, KSI said, "I've always wanted to work with 21 Savage and Future. I've listened to all their songs for years. I've been a fan. So to be able to have a song with them and have them want to be on the track, it's just crazy." KSI continued, "I didn't want them to just carry me. I wanted to stand out as well and show that I can hold my own in between these two legends."[5]

"Number 2" is a hip hop and trap song.[6][7] The song begins with Future performing the first verse, which is followed by KSI performing both the chorus and the second verse, with an auto-tune-heavy delivery.[8][9] KSI's verse is immediately preceded by a beat switch into a more gloomy instrumental, which leads into the third verse, performed by 21 Savage.[8] In their verses, Future and 21 Savage flaunt their wealth and lavish lifestyles, with a theme of street level braggadocio.[7][10] In both the chorus and his verse, KSI relishes in his success and addresses his haters and non-believers.[5][11]

Speaking to Apple Music about the inspiration for "Number 2", KSI explained, "[This is a] track where I’m gloating. I’m taking on the people [who] doubted me. So many [people] were shitting on me, saying [that] I’d never amount to anything. And now these guys look like clowns in a circus."[12] KSI told Genius that "Number 2" shows his "braggadocios side". He recalled, "There was a lot of people who told me that the whole YouTube thing was pointless [and that] I was wasting my time. So I had to find a way to prove to everyone [that] when this thing pops off [and] when this thing takes over, I'm going to be the one with the [last] laugh. And I definitely am now."[5]

"Number 2" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Writing for The Guardian, Kadish Morris called "Number 2" a "fine collaboration".[13] In her review for NME, Kyann-Sian Williams described the instrumental as "nicely gloomy". Williams noted that some of KSI's lyrics are "goofy" and believed that the song is "saved by clean verses from Future and 21 Savage", although she admitted that the pair also "turn in some mediocre bars".[6] Writing for Earmilk, Chloe Robinson described the instrumental as "bold" and "vibrant" and commended its "fresh, sonic flavour" that has a "masterful, magnetic feel". Robinson additionally praised the three rappers for bringing "hard [and] commanding vocal swagger".[14] Courtney Wynter of GRM Daily liked how the three rappers combine "their differing styles".[7] Writing for Complex, Jordan Rose acclaimed that the song "sounds well put together" and praised KSI for putting the featured artists "in positions to play to their strengths".[8] In her review for HotNewHipHop, Erika Marie proclaimed that "Number 2" would be "a standout [track] for hip hop fans".[9]

The music video for "Number 2" was co-directed by Troy Roscoe and Nayip Ramos.[11] It premiered on KSI's YouTube channel on 26 July 2021 at 19:45 BST.[15] The futuristic video alternates between shots of the three rappers playing an online car racing video game in their respective homes and in-game footage of the trio racing through a virtual CGI cityscape, behind the wheels of three matching BMWs.[7][11] During the second verse, KSI takes a break from the race to pose for photos with his fans, and during the third verse, 21 Savage races while standing on top of his vehicle.[11] At the end of the video, the three rappers appear to hit an unfinished part of the game and drive off a cliff to their demise. The video closes with a brief message that reads, "Game over".[11] The video's theme acknowledges KSI's roots as both a YouTuber and a gamer.[7][16]

In the United Kingdom, "Number 2" placed at number 29 on the midweek update of the UK Singles Chart in its first week of release, but it was excluded from the published chart at the end of the week, in line with the Official Charts Company rule that a main artist is limited to a maximum of three entries per week.[17] The song debuted at number 53 on the UK Streaming Chart and number 15 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart.[18][19]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[20]