"SkeeYee" is a song by American rapper Sexyy Red. It was released on June 9, 2023, as the fourth single from her mixtape Hood Hottest Princess with an accompanying music video.[1][2] The song was produced by Tay Keith, DJ Meech and BanBwoi.

"SkeeYee"
Single by Sexyy Red
from the album Hood Hottest Princess
ReleasedJune 9, 2023
Genre
Length2:37
LabelOpen Shift
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Sexyy Red singles chronology
"Pound Town 2"
(2023)
"SkeeYee"
(2023)
"Shiesty"
(2023)
Music video
"SkeeYee" on YouTube

The song was the first to top the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart after its creation.[3][4] The song was ranked as Best Rap Song of 2023 by Rolling Stone.[5]

Background

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In terms of the lyrics, the meaning of the title has been described as: "It's when you tell a guy to pull up, and also when you swerve him anyway — he wants to fuck with you but you've got him stuck. SkeeYee is the baddest bitch showing up to the club, single-handedly turning the party, and the sound of the jewelry on her wrist."[6]

The song garnered popularity on the video-sharing app TikTok before it was officially released, through a trend in which users aggressively whip their hair as the ad-lib "skee-yee" is heard.[7]

The song also garnered popularity in professional wrestling in October 2023 when X user @HaangEmHiigh shared an edited video of WWE wrestler Jey Uso hyping up the crowd with the song playing over it. The video caught Red's attention with Uso responding by extending a WWE invitation to Red.[8][9] Red eventually made an appearance in WWE on the May 28, 2024, episode of WWE NXT to unveil the newly created NXT Women's North American Championship belt. It was also announced that she will be the host of WWE's premium live event NXT Battleground on June 9.[10]

Composition

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The production of the song consists of pianos and 808s.[6]

Critical reception

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Walden Green of The Fader gave a favorable review of the song, writing that Sexyy Red "delivers her bodacious bars in this ridiculous flow — a little bit Carti, a little bit Uzi, hot-wired for maximum Southern rap horsepower — but with so much confidence on the mic, it's hard not to buy the bad bitchery Red's selling." Green also commented it as having "hi-fi rap production that screams 'opulence, you own everything.'"[6] Alphonse Pierre of Pitchfork stated that the song's hook is "so hypnotic and nutty, you'll probably be asking Why? until you just decide to give in."[11] Elijah Watson, Sr. of Okayplayer described the hook as a moment on Hood Hottest Princess that has "given me a rush".[12]

"SkeeYee" claimed the top spot on Rolling Stone's "Best Rap Songs of 2023". The commentary emphasized the emergence of "Regular Rap Girls" who prioritize grit over glamour and noted Sexyy Redd's authentic representation of her roots and experiences, praising her casual yet exciting flow. The production by Tay Keith was highlighted for its nostalgic elements, contributing to the widespread appeal of the song, described as both "silly" and extraordinary.[5]

Music video

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The music video was previewed on social media a day before its release. It features a cameo from American rapper GloRilla.[13] During filming, the NYPD stopped the shoot.[14]

Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications for "SkeeYee"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[20] Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ Gilbert, Natalie (July 3, 2023). "Sexyy Red Mad After Money Gets Thrown At Her During Performance". XXL. Retrieved September 16, 2023. Sexyy Red is seen performing her new single, "SkeeYee,"
  2. ^ Elbert, Mark (September 8, 2023). "Sexyy Red Responds to Fan-Made Drawing of Her: 'I Know You Lying'". Complex. Retrieved September 16, 2023. Complex ranked her viral single "SkeeYee," the song of the summer for 2023
  3. ^ Cabison, Rosalie (August 30, 2023). "TikTok Billboard Top 50". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  4. ^ "Sexyy Red's 'SkeeYee' Crowns Inaugural TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart". Billboard. September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "The 15 Best Rap Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c Green, Walden (June 16, 2023). "Song You Need: Sexyy Red's hi-fi horny raps". The Fader. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  7. ^ Denis, Kyle; Lipshutz, Jason; Unterberger, Andrew (July 12, 2023). "It's the Summer of Sexyy Red on Streaming". Billboard. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  8. ^ Lowson, Thomas (October 13, 2023). "Jey Uso Invites Rap Artist Sexyy Red to WWE After Recent Clip Goes Viral". SE Scoops | Wrestling News, Results & Interviews. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  9. ^ Russell, Skylar (October 12, 2023). "Sexyy Red Reacts To Video Of Jey Uso Bouncing To SkeeYee, 'WWE, When Y'all Gonna Invite Me?' | Fightful News". Fightful. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  10. ^ Kasabian, Paul (May 28, 2024). "Video: Sexyy Red to Host WWE NXT Battleground, Unveils Women's North American Title". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Pierre, Alphonse (June 15, 2023). "Sexyy Red: Hood Hottest Princess Album Review". Albums. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  12. ^ "Okayplayer Staff Picks: Best Albums of 2023 So Far". Okayplayer. July 12, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  13. ^ "Sexyy Red previews the video to "Skeeyee" with a cameo from Glorilla". Twitter. June 8, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  14. ^ Buford, Jayson (July 12, 2023). "Sexyy Red Is in Her Own League, and She Knows It". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  15. ^ "Sexyy Red Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  16. ^ "Sexyy Red Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  17. ^ "Sexyy Red Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  18. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  19. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  20. ^ "American single certifications – Sexyy Red – SkeeYee". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 25, 2024.