X (21 Savage and Metro Boomin song)
"X" (originally titled "X Bitch") is a song written and performed by Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage and American record producer Metro Boomin featuring fellow Atlanta-based rapper Future. Produced by its lead performers, it was released on July 14, 2016 as the lead single from the their collaborative extended play, Savage Mode (2016).[1][2] The song was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
"X" | ||||
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Single by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin featuring Future | ||||
from the album Savage Mode | ||||
Released | July 14, 2016 | |||
Recorded | 2016 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:18 | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | ||||
21 Savage singles chronology | ||||
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Metro Boomin singles chronology | ||||
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Future singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"X" on YouTube |
Background and release
On July 2, 2016, 21 Savage announced his collaborative EP with Metro Boomin, sharing the artwork and the release date.[3] On July 14, he shared the EP's track listing and released "X" featuring Future as the project's first single.[4][1] He released Savage Mode on July 15.[5] While talking about the song's success in an interview with Rolling Out magazine, he said; "I knew the song was taking off when I looked at iTunes and saw the numbers and all the views".[6]
Critical reception
Eric Diep of HipHopDX wrote that "X" is "a good entry point for listeners just learning about 21".[7] Niya Hogans from Rolling Out gave the song a positive review, saying that it has "catchy lyrics and a dope beat".[6] Rolling Stone ranked it at number 21 on its 50 Best Songs of 2016 list, commenting: “The Atlanta trap contender teams up with Future for a thugged-and-drugged banger, boasting "I spent your rent at the mall," while producer Metro Boomin gives it all a creepy cinematic vibe.”[8] Fact named it as one of the 20 best rap and R&B tracks of 2016.[9]
Music video
The music video for "X" was released on December 25, 2016. The video was directed by Vincent Lou.[10]
Live performances
On September 17, 2016, 21 Savage performed the song at the BET Hip Hop Awards, which aired in the next month.[11]
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada)[18] | 2× Platinum | 160,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[19] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[20] | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- "21 Savage - X Bitch Feat. Future (Prod. By Metro Boomin) - Stream [New Song]".
- 21 Savage (14 July 2016). "21 Savage & Metro Boomin - X ft Future (Official Audio)" – via YouTube.
- ""Savage Mode" Album Artwork & Release Date Revealed". rapWAVE. July 2, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- "21 Savage & Metro Boomin Reveal Tracklist For "Savage Mode"". HotNewHipHop. July 2, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- "Stream 21 Savage & Metro Boomin Savage Mode EP". Stereogum. July 15, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- "Hidden hip-hop gems of summer '16: A retrospective". Rolling Out. September 15, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- "21 Savage & Metro Boomin - Savage Mode Review". HipHopDX. July 25, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- "50 Best Songs of 2016". November 30, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
- "The 20 best rap and R&B tracks of 2016". Fact. December 18, 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
- "Watch 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, And Future Flex In The Video For "X"". Complex. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
- "BET Hip-Hop Awards 2016: Watch Isaiah Rashad, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage Perform". Pitchfork Media. October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
- "21 Savage Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
- "21 Savage Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- "21 Savage Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- "21 Savage Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
- "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
- "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2017". Billboard. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- "Canadian single certifications – 21 Savage & Metro Boomin – X". Music Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
- "British single certifications – 21 Savage & Metro Boomin – X". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
- "American single certifications – 21 Savage & Metro Boomin – X". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- Patrick Lyons. "21 Savage's "Savage Mode" (Review)". HotNewHipHop.