"I'm a Thug" is a song by American rapper Trick Daddy, and the second single from his fourth studio album Thugs Are Us (2001). Produced by Righteous Funk Boogie, it peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is Trick Daddy's second highest-charting song, behind "Let's Go". “I’m a Thug, samples Millie Jackson’s ‘Cheating Is’ from 1977.
| "I'm a Thug" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Trick Daddy | ||||
| from the album Thugs Are Us | ||||
| Released | May 24, 2001 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 4:14 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Righteous Funk Boogie | |||
| Trick Daddy singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "I'm a Thug" on YouTube | ||||
Background and composition
editThe track serves as an ode to Trick Daddy's labelmate Buddy Roe, who at the time was serving a life term in federal prison for possession of cocaine. Lyrically, Trick raps about being perceived as a bad person due to his race and resemblance to a thug, in contrast to who he really is, and condemns the judicial system.[1][2] The track also features a choir of children singing about being a "thug" with enthusiasm.[1][3]
Critical reception
editJason Birchmeier of AllMusic cited the song as a highlight of Thugs Are Us.[4]
Music video
editThe official music video was directed by Nick Quested. In one moment in the video, Trick hands out treats from an ice cream truck to a bunch of kids running toward him.[1]
Charts
edit| Chart (2001) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[5] | 17 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] | 8 |
| US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[7] | 16 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard)[8] | 10 |
References
edit- ^ a b c Ducreay, Safra (July 25, 2018). "How Trick Daddy's 'I'm A Thug' Gave a Voice to the Voiceless". The Boombox. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ Baker, Soren (March 16, 2001). "Trick Daddy Raises Slip-N-Slide Profile With Thugs Are Us". MTV. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ "Trick Daddy - Thugs Are Us". HipHopDX. May 29, 2001. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ Birchmeier, Jason. "Thugs Are Us - Trick Daddy | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.