"AP" is a song by American rapper Pop Smoke. It was released on February 26, 2021, through

Victor Victor Worldwide Steven William Victor (born September 6, 1980) is a Haitian-American record executive, artist manager, music publisher, and A&R representative. He is the founder & CEO of Victor Victor Worldwide and SVP of A&R at Universal Music Group. He forme ...

and

Republic Records Republic Records is a New York City–based American record label owned by Universal Music Group (UMG). It was founded by Avery Lipman and Monte Lipman as an independent label in 1995, and was acquired by UMG in 2000. Republic was initially an ...

. It is the

lead single A lead single (also known as a debut single) is the first single to be released from a studio album by an artist or a band, usually before the album itself is released and also occasionally on the same day of the album's release date. Release ...

from the ''Boogie'' soundtrack, in which Pop Smoke stars.

Background and release

The song first originated as a collaboration with

Rich the Kid Dimitri Leslie Roger (born July 13, 1992), professionally known as Rich the Kid, is an American rapper. He released his debut studio album, '' The World Is Yours'', on March 30, 2018. His second studio album, ''The World Is Yours 2'', was releas ...

, who previewed the song in April 2020 when it was called "Nikes". On February 25, 2021,

and

announced the song would be the

from the ''

Boogie Boogie is a repetitive, swung note or shuffle rhythm,Burrows, Terry (1995). ''Play Country Guitar'', p.42. Dorling Kindersley Limited, London. . "groove" or pattern used in blues which was originally played on the piano in boogie-woogie mu ...

'' soundtrack. It was released on February 26, 2021.

Music and lyrics

Musically, "AP" is a

drill A drill is a tool used for making round holes or driving fasteners. It is fitted with a bit, either a drill or driver chuck. Hand-operated types are dramatically decreasing in popularity and cordless battery-powered ones proliferating due to ...

track. Aleia Woods from '' XXL'' stated that the track consists of "Pop Smoke's signature grit and growl over a grim and bass-heavy beat". Wongo Okon of

Uproxx ''Uproxx'' (stylized in all caps) is an entertainment and popular culture news website. It was founded in 2008 by Jarret Myer and Brian Brater, and acquired by Woven Digital (later renamed Uproxx Media Group) in 2014. The site's target audienc ...

wrote Pop Smoke "flaunts his lavish lifestyle and raps about his jewelry, money, and more". Pop Smoke raps on the hook: "AP, Spicy/I bust a check in my Nikes. Am I a killa? Might be/Two tone, icy."

Promotion

The lyric video for "AP" shows footage from the movie of Pop Smoke as well as behind-the-scenes photos.

Critical reception

Zoe Haylock of ''

Vulture A vulture is a bird of prey that scavenges on carrion. There are 23 extant species of vulture (including Condors). Old World vultures include 16 living species native to Europe, Africa, and Asia; New World vultures are restricted to North a ...

'' described the song as an "intimidating anthem".

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. * Pop Smoke vocals, songwriter *

808Melo Andre Michael Loblack (born 6 April 1997), known professionally as 808Melo or 808MeloBeats, is a British record producer and songwriter from Ilford, East London. 808Melo is credited as a pioneer of UK drill and Brooklyn drill and is known for ...

production, programming, songwriter *

Rico Beats Ricardo Lamarre, known professionally as Rico Beats, is an American record executive, record producer, and songwriter. His most notable production credits are DJ Khaled's "Take That Off", Nicki Minaj's " Roman Reloaded", Soulja Boy's " Mean Mu ...

production, programming, vocal programming, songwriter *

Steven Victor Steven William Victor (born September 6, 1980) is a Haitian-American record executive, artist manager, music publisher, and A&R representative. He is the founder & CEO of Victor Victor Worldwide and SVP of A&R at Universal Music Group. He forme ...

songwriter *

Jaycen Joshua Jaycen Joshua is a mix engineer and music producer who owns the revered Canton House Studios in Studio City, California. Joshua started his mix career in 2005 when he became partners with his mentor Dave Pensado and formed The Penua Project. Joshu ...

mastering engineer, mixing engineer

Charts

References

{{Pop Smoke 2020 songs 2021 singles Pop Smoke songs Republic Records singles Songs released posthumously Songs written by 808Melo Songs written by Pop Smoke Songs written for films