Introduction
Nearly a year after it was first previewed on Einer Bankz’s YouTube channel, Polo G’s “RAPSTAR” became the Chicago rapper’s first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100. The official version of the track, which dropped this month, has already racked up 71 million Spotify streams to date. It is produced by Synco and Einer Bankz who also plays ukulele on the track. On the song, Polo G raps about his rise to fame and the struggles he’s experienced along the way.
Read more on Genius: genius.com/a/polo-g-breaks-down-the-meaning-of-rapstar
Read all the lyrics to "RAPSTAR" on Genius: genius.com/Polo-g-rapstar-lyrics
Watch the official music video for "RAPSTAR": www.youtube.com/watch
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Video
I ain't never had a single debut, number one.
This, like, the normal music I, always make.
It ain't like I stepped outside the box with shit.
So I feel like that's just a sign of what's to come for.
Me.
I originally made the song when I was out in, like Canada.
And I had did the acoustic version.
For like a year straight, everybody was asking me for that.
Song.
My little brother'll keep telling me like, "Man.
When are you going to drop this song?" Or? My sister'll keep asking me about it.
Like, "When you going to drop this song?" And, then I had just put in my search engine on Twitter, "Only bitch I give a conversation to is Siri." And I kept on swiping up, and it was like two minutes long people tweeting it.
It, had like 2 million views on the lyric video.
6 million on the acoustic on YouTube.
40,000 TikTok videos.
I'm like, "No, I got to shoot.
This.
I got to do this.".
My pops had told me one time that BMW stands for black man, winning.
So, that became my favorite car after that.
To be honest.
My first car was an Impala.
Like I used that to learn how to drive.
I, probably just learned how to drive like three years.
Ago.
After that, like when I knew what something that I feel like I look nice riding, in, I copped, the X7.
I was really just thinking about what I'm experiencing in life right, now.
At that time I was leveling up as a rapper.
So.
That's what life was for.
Me.
Planes, flying, chains, clinking.
And I was in the studio, moving around a lot and that's what was going on.
My son.
That's like my little twin.
Parenthood, being a father.
That's like a beautiful thing., You know, I always wanted a son., So I just know like.
You feel me, I'm grateful for my situation.
- The.
Only bitch I give a conversation to is Siri, I made that the first verse, and I had already had that in my notes.
I, always try to say some type of punchline, or some type of one line that people going to remember.
I start feeling chosen like, when I really took the path to wanting to be a rapper.
I had involvement in the streets too, but it's like, I, don't know.
For.
Some reason it felt like I had angels looking over me or watching out for me or looking out for me.
'cause.
It was a lot of situations that I'm like, "Damn like.
Why didn't it go this way? Or? Why didn't it go that way?" And I had this shit, where I always see a specific number.
It's like an angel number, 757.
I got it tattooed on my neck, on one side of my neck.
I, don't know which side.
And then I got the chosen one in the middle.
These days, I, really just pray for balance of peace of mind.
Just pray to keep a level head, for real., 'cause I know I'm gonna keep striving to get the shit I, want.
It's! Just the shit.
You really don't see, because everybody like acting like everything, perfect.
But, shit, ain't perfect for nobody, no matter how good you're, doing.
So I just really be praying for a peace of mind.
"Thinking about the old me," I'm, really referring to my childhood, and really how I was brought up.
A lot of things that I miss.
You know how like, when your parents tell you enjoy being a kid.
While you were a kid, 'cause when you get older, it's a lot of responsibilities that come with that.
So.
It's just like when I have a kid in the world when I could just do whatever I wanted to do.
Everybody got some demons that they fighting.
Everybody got struggle with.
Something.
You can be struggling with.
Depression.
You can have a bipolar disorder.
You can be fighting PTSD for something.
Everybody.
You feel me, got a battle that they facing everyday.
So, and behind closed doors.
I could be going through a lot.
I feel like just reflecting on all this shit I've been through up until this point.
I overcame a lot of it, but it's still fucked me to this day.
Like, something that happened to me way back when it could be a death in my family.
It could be where I had it, just, I was just going through a real rough time.
And, even though I made it out them.
Situations like it's still fuck with my mental.
I had left out the last line to the verse really just to make it a cliffhanger.
And in the acoustic version, I had cut it off like that.
Too.
So, I'm, like, "Yeah, I might as well keep it the same.
Way." My pop's, a big Pac fan.
That, was just the culture of our household to listen to a lot of different music.
At.
First I was up on Lil Wayne, but when I figured out, I really wanted to rap.
That's when I started looking deeply into Tupac.
And, then just finding out a lot of shit about him, like the way he moved, you feel me.
What.
He stood for.
Just, the music.
He was making, the messages that he had.
I just felt like.
That's what make him one of the all time, greats.
So, that's something that you can marvel.
At.
Death come with being in the streets, and a lot of times, people just glorify what.
What going, the good that go on in the streets.
But.
It's a lot of ...
The cons outweigh the pros when it comes to the street.
Life.
So, I was just really giving some people with like a vivid image, like what could go.
Down.
Man, I got problems with anxiety, all day, every day.
Shit, I got anxiety right, now.
But, it's just like, just thinking about it, like.
You know how sometimes your thoughts just so clouded in your head.
You got 1,000,001 thoughts at one time.
You damn near want to scream.
Like it'd be so, so much times when my anxiety just get overbearing.
And I'm, just like, "What, the fuck." It feel great.
You feel me, to know I'm still winning with all the shit, and the trials and tribulations that I went through, shit., 'cause, I, just, sometimes I just think about like when shit was rough or we ain't have it all.
And.
Then you look up and I'm in this big ass, crib.
I'm doing an interview with y'all.
I got chains on my neck, shit like that.
That, make everything that I went.
Through, like.
It wasn't that bad.
I could walk into a room and just read somebody's body: language.
Or we can have a small conversation.
I feel like I.
Damn near got a person figured out.
Yeah.
That's definitely the reason why I ever speak on depression, anxiety.
Just.
Anything emotionally.
That I know affect a lot of people out.
There.
'cause I know it's a lot of people that can relate to it.
Like I say.
Everybody going through something., Whenever I feel that, feel that way or whenever I'm feeling down, I'm going to speak on it in my music just to help the next person get through what they going.
Through.
Years straight, everybody was asking me for that: song.
And, it went crazy on TikTok, And I was originally supposed to drop a feature that I had with, with Durk and Kid LAROI.
For my next single.
But I had told them, after I was seeing all the signs.
Like, "No I got to shoot.
This.
I got to do this.".
FAQs
What is Polo G songs about? ›
Artistry. Polo G was originally known for his Chicago drill sound, but eventually transitioned to a more melodic style. He has been noted for his "vivid and explicit storytelling"; his lyrics often involve tough subjects, including racism and mental health.
Who was Rapstar written by? › What is Rapstar by Polo G ranked? ›“Rapstar,” released on Columbia Records, is the 1,122nd No. 1 in the Hot 100's 62-year history. It's the 52nd single to debut at No.
What is Polo G biggest hit? ›RAPSTAR. What is this? RAPSTAR was truly the song that announced Polo G to the world and cemented his place as a huge up-and-coming star.
Who is the world first rapper singer? ›One of the first rappers at the beginning of the hip hop period, at the end of the 1970s, was also hip hop's first DJ, DJ Kool Herc. Herc, a Jamaican immigrant, started delivering simple raps at his parties, which some claim were inspired by the Jamaican tradition of toasting.
Who is rap god dedicated to? ›Eminem references the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal in order to demonstrate his longevity as a dominant force in the rap industry, thus establishing himself as an "immortal god". The song's tempo is 148 BPM.
Is Polo G shy? ›Even though he seems a little reserved in person, Polo G is certainly not a shy guy.
Is Polo G the best rapper right now? ›It wasn't long before he earned himself a number one album with Hall of Fame and a pop chart topper with “Rapstar.” Polo G is firmly entrenched as one of the best rappers in the game right now.
Who is Polo G best friend? ›Rap star Polo G revealed his best friends BMoney, someone he's known since the sandbox days, was shot and killed in Chicago over the weekend.
Who is #1 rapper this year? ›Sitting at number one is Drake, who is now this year's top-streamed artist so far with at 6.7 billion in streams.
Who is the No. 1 Billboard singers? ›
BTS currently holds the record for most consecutive weeks at number one with 180.
Who has been #1 on Billboard? ›- The Beatles.
- Madonna.
- Elton John.
- Elvis Presley.
- Mariah Carey.
- Stevie Wonder.
- Janet Jackson.
- Michael Jackson.
Polo G recently stunned his fans and jewelry connoisseurs with his rare diamond chain that holds the world's first-ever iPhone pendant.
Has Polo G gone number 1? ›Hall of Fame also became his first number-one album on the Billboard 200. At the end of 2021, he released a deluxe reissue of the album, Hall of Fame 2.0.
Did Polo G the goat go number 1? ›The Goat is Polo G's second highest charting album after Hall of Fame, Polo's first #1 album. The Goat peaked #1 on Apple Music albums, making Polo's first #1 on Apple Music.
How much does Polo G make in a minute? ›I've been making, like, 2000 a minute. is that a lie? if I made 2000 a minute, literally, you know how rich I'd be, right? I mean, you the one who said it.
Does Lil Baby have a #1 song? ›Lil Baby Earns Third No. 1 With 'It's Only Me'; 'Unholy' by Sam Smith and Kim Petras Tops Hot 100; Red Hot Chili Peppers Chart Second Album of 2022.
How many platinum does Polo G have? ›Rappers with the most platinum songs this decade (20s): 26 - Lil Baby 13 - Juice WRLD 11 - Polo G 9 - Megan Thee Stallion 8 - Pop Smoke 7 - Moneybagg Yo 6 - Drake 6 - NBA Youngboy 5 - Lil Durk 5 - A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie 5 - Rod Wave 5 - 21 Savage 5 - Gunna Lil Baby RUNNING it.
Who was the 1st white rapper? ›MC Serch and Pete Nice—along with their DJ Daddy Rich, who is Black—were among the first caucasians to make credible rap music.
Who is the father of rap? ›| DJ Kool Herc | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Kool DJ Herc Kool Herc Father of Hip-Hop |
| Born | April 16, 1955 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Origin | The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
Who was the first black rapper? ›
Kurtis Walker (born August 9, 1959), professionally known by his stage name Kurtis Blow, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record/film producer, b-boy, DJ, public speaker and minister. He is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label.
What does Lil mean in rap? ›Li'l is an abbreviation of the word little. It's often used in names or titles to emphasize youth or physical size.
Why do rappers use autotune? ›While some may call this “cheating,” using autotune during a long, live show, can help the artist give a great vocal performance without worrying about their voice hitting too many sharp or flat notes.
Why do rappers wear chains? ›Most if not all rappers opt for gold chain necklaces, that indicate wealth, popularity and success. In this way, they are able to sell their image better to their fans. It can even act as a personal reminder of all the blood, sweat and tears it took to achieve monumental success in the hip-hop world.
Who is the fastest rapper alive? ›The fastest rapper in the English language is US artist Ab-Soul, rapping 8.31 seconds per second on average. The fastest Italian artist is Shiva, who raps an impressive 6.33 syllables per second on average. Puerto Rican artist Kendo Kaponi is the fastest in Spanish, rapping an average of 6.11 syllables per second.
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? ›- JAY-Z. With a career spanning over three decades, JAY-Z's hustle and bustle is evergreen. ...
- Kendrick Lamar. ...
- Nas. ...
- Tupac Shakur. ...
- Eminem. ...
- The Notorious B.I.G. ...
- Lil Wayne.
Rapper Polo G leaves jail after being accused of attacking Miami police officer.
Is Polo G Guilty or not? ›Polo G never pled guilty in the case and will not have to serve any probation, as the case is now completely closed.
Who is the hottest rapper today? ›- DaBaby.
- Future. ...
- Tyler the Creator. ...
- Coolio. ...
- 50 Cent. ...
- P. ...
- Lil Baby. ...
- Chance the Rapper. Chance the Rapper performs at Way out West in Gothenburg, Sweden. ...
- Lil Uzi Vert.
- Drake.
- Lil Baby.
- Polo G.
- Eminem.
- Kendrick Lamar.
- J. Cole.
- Megan Thee Stallion.
Who is ranked the best rapper? ›
- Andre 3000.
- Snoop Dogg.
- Kendrick Lamar.
- LL Cool J.
- KRS-One.
- Big Daddy Kane.
- Chuck D.
- Outkast (Big Boi and Andre 3000)
The Polo in Polo G is named after the company Polo Ralph Lauren, or Ralph Lauren. And the G in Polo G is named after a deceased close friend of Taurus' nicknamed Gucci. Taurus also likens himself to Tupac being that they make the same type of music and more said in a Instagram post before the RAPSTAR music video.
Does Polo G have a baby? ›Polo G is a proud father of his son, Tremani whom he had with his girlfriend Crystal Blease. See if has got any other kids, & learn more about Polo G's son Tremani.
Does Polo G like Ralph Lauren? ›He started going by the name “Polo G” homaging his love of wearing Ralph Lauren Polo. “That was always my go to outfit when I went on lunch or anything important related to school.
Who is the biggest rapper on Spotify? ›The following list contains the most-streamed artists on the audio streaming platform Spotify. As of June 2023, Canadian rapper Drake is the most-streamed artist of all time on Spotify, while American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is the most-streamed female artist.
What rapper has the most kids? ›1. DMX - 15 children. What rapper has 17 kids? Earl Simmons, professionally known as DMX, is the rapper alleged to have 17 children.
Which rapper has the most top 10 hits? ›Leading the way among all rappers when it comes to top 10s is Drake, who has accrued an incredible 35 smashes throughout his career. Behind the Canadian powerhouse comes Lil Wayne with 24 top 10s, then Eminem and Jay-Z with 21 apiece.
What is #1 song right now? ›The current number one pop song on iTunes right now is Still With You by Jung Kook. Related Charts: Top new pop songs, iTunes top pop albums, and iTunes top 100 songs.
Who is the most famous singer ever? ›| Popularity ranking | Artist | Fans tracking |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Rihanna | Fans tracking: 5,151,439 |
| 02 | Drake | Fans tracking: 5,134,300 |
| 03 | Coldplay | Fans tracking: 5,027,135 |
| 04 | Eminem | Fans tracking: 5,014,689 |
What is the biggest song of all time? ›
According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
Which song was #1 the longest? ›"Old Town Road" holds the record for the longest stretch at No. 1 with 19 weeks. It also became the fastest song in history to be certified diamond. "The Box" charted at No.
What is the longest number 1 song? ›Frankie Laine – I Believe (18 weeks)
Famous composer Mantovani then claimed the Number 1 spot, before Frankie gave him a nudge and racked up an additional three weeks. Only five songs in history have scored three separate stints at the top!
The Polo in Polo G is named after the company Polo Ralph Lauren, or Ralph Lauren. And the G in Polo G is named after a deceased close friend of Taurus' nicknamed Gucci. Taurus also likens himself to Tupac being that they make the same type of music and more said in a Instagram post before the RAPSTAR music video.
How old was Polo G mom when she had him? ›Mac, who was 18 when she gave birth to Polo G, the second of her four children, had no music-industry experience when she began to manage his career.
Who is Maxine that Polo G talks about? ›Maxine is Polo's late grandmother who obviously had a positive effect on his life. On many occasions, Polo has iterated the significance of her presence in his life and the influence she has had on him.
What is Polo G's real name? ›Taurus Tremani Bartlett (born January 6, 1999), known professionally as Polo G, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois.
Why does Polo G use the goat? ›The goat represents the Capricorn zodiac sign, but I know a lot of Capricorns were considered some of the greatest at whatever profession it was that they were doing. LeBron James is a Capricorn. Martin Luther King is a Capricorn. Denzel Washington is a Capricorn.
What song made Polo G famous? ›Born in 1999 and raised in the rough Cabrini-Green neighborhood of northern Chicago, Polo G was rapping by the time he was a teenager. His earliest songs appeared online in 2017, but it wasn't until his breakout single "Finer Things" that things really started to take off.
How many kids did Polo have? ›Polo G is a proud father of his son, Tremani whom he had with his girlfriend Crystal Blease. See if has got any other kids, & learn more about Polo G's son Tremani.
Did Polo G buy his mom a house? ›
Polo G even joked on Twitter that the home he bought his mom is bigger than his own. Stacia Mac has spoken at length about her work managing her 22-year-old son's career, telling DJ Booth a year ago that she's taken inspiration from momagers like Tina Knowles. "I told him he had one year to make it big.
Does Polo have kids? ›Family and Kids After his release from prison in 1299, Polo returned to Venice, where he married, raised three daughters and, for some 25 years, carried on the family business.
Why did Polo go to jail? ›As previously reported, Polo G was arrested in Miami in 2021, following an album release party for his Hall of Fame LP. He was charged with resisting arrest, battery on a police officer, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and threatening a public servant.
How rich is Polo G? ›| Net Worth in 2023 | $10 Million |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in 2022 | $9 Million |
| Net Worth in 2021 | $8 Million |
| Net Worth in 2020 | $7 Million |
| Net Worth in 2019 | $6 Million |
She is the oldest of five siblings. Her father, a former underground rapper, is African-American, while her mother, who gave birth to Gaston at age 17, is Dominican.
Who replaced Polo G? ›JID Replaces Polo G on Listen Out/Listen In Lineup
JID's career stretches back more than a decade and includes collaborations with 21 Savage, Denzel Curry, J Cole, Doja Cat, Imagine Dragons and more.