X (21 Savage and Metro Boomin song)
2016 single by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin featuring Future
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"X" (originally titled "X Bitch") is a song written and performed by British-American rapper 21 Savage and American record producer Metro Boomin featuring fellow Atlanta-based rapper Future. Produced by the former two, it was released on July 14, 2016, as the lead single from their collaborative extended play, Savage Mode (2016).[1][2] The song was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
| "X" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin featuring Future | ||||
| from the album Savage Mode | ||||
| Released | July 14, 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2016 | |||
| Genre | Trap | |||
| Length | 4:18 | |||
| Label | Self-released | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers | ||||
| 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‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[19] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[20] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[21] | 5× Platinum | 5,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||