Fuckin' Problems
"Fuckin' Problems" is a hip hop song by American rapper AAP Rocky, featuring Canadian rapper [Drake](/page/Drake), American rapper [2 Chainz](/page/2_Chainz), and American rapper [Kendrick Lamar](/page/Kendrick_Lamar). Released on October 24, 2012, as the second single from Rocky's debut studio album *Long. Live. AAP*, the track samples "Quit Hatin'" by Aaliyah and was produced by Noah "40" Shebib and Drake (as C. Papi).[1][2][3] The song received widespread critical acclaim for its catchy hook, star-studded lineup, and blend of trap influences with melodic elements, becoming a breakout hit for Rocky.[3] It debuted at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaked at number 8, marking Rocky's first top-10 entry on the chart and spending a total of 28 weeks there.[3] The track also topped the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and reached number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, contributing to the commercial success of Long. Live. A$AP, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200.[3] "Fuckin' Problems" has been certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA for sales and streaming equivalent to eight million units in the United States, reflecting its enduring popularity.[4] At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, it earned a nomination for Best Rap Song, highlighting its impact within the genre.[5] The official music video, directed by Samantha Lecca and Clark Jackson, premiered in December 2012 and features cameo appearances by several celebrities, further amplifying its cultural reach.[6]Background and recording
Development
"Fuckin' Problems" originated as a collaboration between Drake and 2 Chainz during sessions in early 2012, inspired by a line from 2 Chainz that Drake developed into the song's hook.[7] Drake initially recorded the track for his upcoming album Nothing Was the Same, incorporating a reworked vocal sample, but ultimately decided it did not align with the project's direction.[7] The song was subsequently offered to Kendrick Lamar for inclusion on his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city, with Drake planning to contribute a verse alongside ASAP Rocky.[8] Kendrick recorded an initial verse but declined to use it, citing a mismatch with the album's narrative and conceptual focus; instead, he suggested passing it to ASAP Rocky while collaborating with Drake on the separate track "Poetic Justice."[7][8] By mid-2012, during ASAP Rocky's preparations for his debut studio album Long. Live. ASAP, Drake gifted the track to him as a potential hit single to bolster the project's momentum amid high expectations.[7] Rocky confirmed features from Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, finalizing the lineup through discussions that highlighted their mutual support during Rocky's Club Paradise Tour appearances.[9] The producers, Noah "40" Shebib and Drake (as C. Papi), completed the beat to support the posse cut's energetic vibe.[10] This transition solidified "Fuckin' Problems" as a key single for Long. Live. ASAP.Production
"Fuckin' Problems" was produced by Noah "40" Shebib and Drake, under his alias C. Papi.[11] The beat originated from early sessions between Drake and 2 Chainz, where 2 Chainz's ad-lib line "I love bad bitches, that's my fuckin' problem" was slowed down and looped to form the hook.[7] Drake and Shebib reworked the track by incorporating a vocal sample from Aaliyah's unreleased song "Quit Hatin'", re-sung with a new melody to fit the production.[12] The verses were recorded separately: 2 Chainz laid down his hook and verse first, followed by Drake's contribution, with Kendrick Lamar re-recording his verse after the initial version was scrapped, and A$AP Rocky adding his part once the track was assigned to him.[7][13] The final mix emphasized a trap-influenced beat with melodic elements, blending the artists' styles into a cohesive posse cut.Composition
Music and structure
"Fuckin' Problems" is classified as a hip hop track with prominent trap influences, characterized by its mid-tempo groove at 96 beats per minute and composition in the key of D♭ major.[14][15] The song's instrumentation centers on booming 808 bass drums, crisp hi-hat patterns, and layered synth elements, creating a sparse yet driving foundation that supports the ensemble of rappers.[16] These elements draw from the track's core sample, a sample of the synth riff from Aaliyah's unreleased demo "Quit Hatin'," which loops throughout to form the melodic backbone.[2] The overall runtime spans 3:57, allowing space for each artist's contribution without overcrowding the arrangement.[10] Structurally, the song adheres to a verse-chorus format, beginning with a brief intro that establishes the sampled synth loop and atmospheric production.[10] This leads into four distinct verses delivered sequentially by [AAP Rocky](/page/AAP_Rocky), Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, each building on the preceding energy while adhering to the steady rhythmic pulse.[10] The chorus, anchored by 2 Chainz's hook, repeats after each verse, reinforcing the track's catchiness through its simple, repetitive phrasing over the looping sample.[10] Transitions between sections are minimal, relying on subtle drops in the 808 bass and hi-hat rolls to maintain momentum. The production, co-handled by Noah "40" Shebib and Drake (as C. Papi), employs a minimalistic style that prioritizes vocal clarity amid the hazy, reverb-laden synths and sub-bass.[11] This approach fosters an atmospheric quality, where the instrumentation recedes to highlight rhythmic interplay and delivery. A key musical motif emerges in the hook's sample loop, whose ascending synth notes generate building tension resolved by the explosive bass entry and ad-libbed vocals, encapsulating the track's hypnotic flow.Lyrics
The lyrics of "Fuckin' Problems" revolve around a central theme of boastful excess, where the rappers frame their overwhelming success with women, financial prosperity, and street reputation as ironic "problems" stemming from an abundance of attractive partners. This narrative unfolds through a series of verses that escalate in bravado, emphasizing hedonistic lifestyles and interpersonal dynamics in the rap world. The song's explicit content underscores a playful yet competitive tone among the collaborators, reflecting early 2010s hip-hop's fixation on opulence and conquest.[10] The hook, delivered by 2 Chainz and Drake with ad-libs from A$AP Rocky, establishes the song's core conceit with its repetitive declaration: "I love bad bitches, that's my fuckin' problem / And yeah, I like to fuck, I got a fuckin' problem / If findin' somebody real is your fuckin' problem / Bring your girls to the crib, maybe we can solve it." This chorus directly interpolates the melody and rhythmic phrasing of Ol' Dirty Bastard's 1995 track "Shimmy Shimmy Ya," transforming the original's playful seduction into a more profane celebration of promiscuity and superficial resolutions to relational woes.[10] A$AP Rocky's opening verse kicks off the track with vivid depictions of lifestyle excess, boasting about his unparalleled style and influence: "Never met a motherfucker fresh like me / All these motherfuckers wanna dress like me." He weaves in references to wealth accumulation ("Gettin' figures and fuckin' bitches all on the same day") and hip-hop staples like smoking Swishers, evoking a gritty yet glamorous Harlem-rooted persona. Drake's subsequent verse pivots to the complexities of relationships amid fame, critiquing shallow connections with lines like "I’m just sayin’ you could do better / Tell me, have you heard that lately?" while nodding to celebrity isolation and the allure of "bad bitches" as a temporary escape. 2 Chainz injects humor into his boasts, exaggerating his prowess with quips such as "I'm a different nigga when I fuck / I'm a different nigga when I rap," and playful scenarios involving "two bitches just national," highlighting a lighthearted, over-the-top flex on multitasking in pleasure and performance. In contrast, Kendrick Lamar's closing verse provides an introspective counterpoint on authenticity, asserting his grounded roots: "You can tell by the shit that I spend, the shit that I lend, the shit that I buy / The shit that I smoke, the shit that I pour, the shit that I ride," emphasizing loyalty to his Compton clique over fleeting indulgences. The language throughout employs heavy profanity ("fuckin'," "bitches," "nigga") and dense slang ("stunt," "licorice" for innuendo, "chrome" for firearms), delivered with rhythmic flow that fosters competitive one-upmanship—each artist topping the previous in extravagance to assert dominance. Cultural allusions abound to luxury and celebrity spheres, from implied high-end fashion in Rocky's "fresh" aesthetic to Drake's fame-weary confessions, alongside era-specific hip-hop tropes like gunplay threats and party excess that defined 2012's trap-influenced sound.[10]Release and promotion
Release
"Fuckin' Problems" was first released as a digital download single on October 24, 2012, by Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records, marking it as the second single from AAP Rocky's debut studio album *Long. Live. AAP*, following the lead single "Gold".[1][17] The track, featuring guest verses from Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, became a centerpiece of Rocky's early mainstream breakthrough.[18] The song received its radio premiere on November 27, 2012, expanding its reach through rhythmic contemporary and urban adult contemporary airplay formats. Available initially in explicit and clean digital versions via platforms like iTunes, it was later issued in promotional CD single formats in select markets, including promo copies from Sony Music in Europe during 2013.[19] A promotional vinyl edition also circulated for industry use, aligning with the single's buildup to the album launch.[20] The single's rollout tied into initial promotion during AAP Rocky's 2012 live performances, including announcements and previews shared amid his tour appearances that year. It ultimately appeared as the seventh track on *Long. Live. AAP*, released on January 15, 2013, via A$AP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records.[21]Promotion and marketing
The single "Fuckin' Problems" generated significant pre-release buzz through its exclusive premiere on Complex magazine's website on October 18, 2012, where the track's high-profile collaborations with Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar were immediately highlighted as a major draw.[22] A$AP Rocky described the song as a "reunion" of artists who had previously toured together on Drake's 2012 Club Paradise Tour, further amplifying anticipation among fans familiar with their prior joint appearances.[10] Post-release promotion integrated the track into A$AP Rocky's live performances during his 2012–2013 touring schedule, including multiple renditions on the Under the Influence of Music Tour in 2013, where it became a staple setlist closer.[23] The song's visibility was boosted by a dedicated radio push, with rhythmic and urban contemporary stations adding it starting November 27, 2012, contributing to its peak at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.[24] Media coverage emphasized the collaborative star power, with features in publications like XXL, which covered the single's rapid ascent and cultural impact shortly after release.[25] A$AP Rocky participated in promotional interviews addressing the track's creation and artist dynamics, such as a Hard Knock TV discussion where he defended the mainstream collaborations against fan criticism.[26] These efforts underscored the song's all-star lineup as a key marketing hook, positioning it as a posse cut bridging diverse hip-hop scenes.Music video
Production
The music video for "Fuckin' Problems" was directed by Samantha Lecca and Clark Jackson.[27][28] Filming took place in late 2012, primarily in interior urban settings like lofts, capturing the song's energetic vibe.[29] The production adopted a low-key, gritty aesthetic infused with high-fashion elements that highlighted the artists' personal styles, including tailored dark clothing and neon accents.[29] Cameo appearances featured models and affiliates of A$AP Rocky, while the guest artists—Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar—made full on-screen contributions without additional featured performers.[6][27] In post-production, editors focused on quick cuts and prominent neon lighting to enhance the video's dynamic, nightlife atmosphere.[29] The finished video premiered on December 3, 2012, during BET's 106 & Park.[27]Synopsis and themes
The music video for "Fuckin' Problems," directed by Samantha Lecca and Clark Jackson, centers on A$AP Rocky as the protagonist, rapping his verses in a spacious loft surrounded by women dressed in bikinis and lingerie who dance provocatively around him, capturing the song's narrative of navigating romantic entanglements in nightlife settings.[30][31] These scenes are intercut with surreal elements, including lively party atmospheres and displays of luxury like opulent interiors, emphasizing Rocky's role as the focal point of excess and allure. The guest artists appear in isolated, symbolic vignettes: Drake performs in an elegant room featuring a grand piano, 2 Chainz raps beneath a lavish chandelier, and Kendrick Lamar delivers his lines beside a crackling fireplace, each portrayal highlighting their individual stature within the collaborative track.[31] Visual motifs throughout the video reinforce the theme of "bad bitches" from the lyrics, with repeated interactions between Rocky and the models underscoring objectification and desire, complemented by symbols of urban affluence such as prominent gold chains and tailored dark attire worn by the rappers.[29] These elements create a hedonistic, unapologetic tone that mirrors the song's exploration of fame's pitfalls, particularly the complications arising from encounters with attractive women amid a backdrop of indulgence and superficiality. The abstract clips for the guest verses serve as symbolic extensions of Rocky's central narrative, blending performance with fantasy to evoke the intoxicating yet problematic aspects of celebrity lifestyle.[32] The video's reception highlighted its high-energy execution and stylish aesthetics, which effectively captured the track's collaborative dynamism and visual appeal.[29] However, it faced criticism for perpetuating objectification through the prominent, sexualized depictions of women, aligning with broader discussions of misogynistic tropes in hip-hop visuals that reduce female presence to decorative roles.[32]Remixes and covers
Remixes
No official remixes of "Fuckin' Problems" were released. However, edited versions for radio and promotional use were issued. These include a clean radio edit, distributed digitally by RCA Records in October 2012 as an AAC file, which censors explicit language to comply with radio broadcast standards, such as substituting "fuckin'" with "f**kin'" and bleeping or altering other profanities throughout the verses and chorus.[33][20] A super clean version, with additional sanitization of lyrics for promotional use, appeared on a 2013 CD single promo released by Sony Music in Sweden, featuring the same runtime of 3:56 but with minimized objectionable content for international markets and media outlets.[34]Freestyles and covers
Following the release of "Fuckin' Problems" in October 2012, the track quickly became a staple in hip-hop mixtape culture, inspiring a wave of unofficial freestyles from established and emerging artists during late 2012 and 2013. These freestyles often repurposed the song's beat to showcase personal bars, extending its viral momentum through platforms like DatPiff and YouTube, where user-generated content amplified its reach among fans and aspiring rappers.[35] Tyga delivered a high-profile freestyle blending "Fuckin' Problems" with Kanye West's "Clique" on his mixtape 187, released in December 2012, where he rapped about his lavish lifestyle and industry ascent over the instrumental. Similarly, Joell Ortiz dropped a solo freestyle on October 31, 2012, emphasizing gritty storytelling and wordplay in a style true to his Slaughterhouse affiliation.[35] Rick Ross, alongside Maybach Music Group signee Stalley, contributed a freestyle in late 2012 that highlighted their trap-influenced delivery, further cementing the beat's appeal in Southern rap circles.[36] Trey Songz added an R&B-tinged freestyle in 2013, infusing melodic hooks into the track's structure to appeal to crossover audiences.[37] Lil Wayne's contribution came on his mixtape Dedication 5 in September 2013, where he added verses alongside Kidd Kidd and Euro, transforming the song into a chaotic, punchline-heavy reinterpretation that sampled the original beat while critiquing relationships and fame.[38] Kevin McCall followed with an R&B-infused freestyle around the same period, shifting the tone toward smoother, seductive flows that contrasted the original's bravado.[39] These efforts, often shared via mixtape aggregators and video platforms, helped sustain the song's buzz in underground scenes, with viral uploads on sites like WorldStarHipHop featuring amateur and semi-professional freestyles. Covers emerged more sparingly but included notable reinterpretations, such as Australian artist Xavier Dunn's acoustic rendition in 2014, which stripped the track to folk-guitar arrangements and soulful vocals, garnering attention for its genre-bending contrast to the hip-hop original.[40] Emerging rappers and singers in 2013-2014 also produced live acoustic or stripped-down versions at small venues and online sessions, often shared on SoundCloud, reflecting the song's adaptability beyond rap.[41] Overall, these freestyles and covers amplified "Fuckin' Problems'" influence in mixtape ecosystems, fostering a creative dialogue that prolonged its cultural shelf life without official endorsement.[42]Critical reception
Reviews from critics
Upon its release in October 2012 as the second single from AAP Rocky's debut album *Long. Live. AAP*, "Fuckin' Problems" received widespread acclaim from critics for its star-studded collaboration and infectious energy. Complex ranked it the 21st best song of 2012, praising the "beast mode" performances from Rocky, 2 Chainz, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar, which created a dynamic chemistry that fully realized the track's hype as a rare peak-moment posse cut.[43] Pitchfork placed it at number 35 on their top 100 tracks of 2013 list, highlighting the charismatic rappers outdoing each other in pop appeal over a buzzy, catchy synth-bass line produced by Noah "40" Shebib and Drake, delivered with cocky grins and audience-charming tactics like puns and references to classic pop-rap.[44] Critics lauded the song's role in defining early 2010s hip-hop posse cuts, with Rolling Stone noting in their review of the album that the track "murdered dance parties" alongside other high-energy cuts, establishing it as a definitive 2012 hip-hop anthem through its rowdy, collaborative vibe.[45] XXL included it among the 25 best songs of 2013, emphasizing its radio dominance and memorable lines like Kendrick Lamar's "I love bad bitches, that's my fuckin' problem," which captured the track's playful bravado and catchiness.[46] While praised for its entertainment value, some reviews offered mixed assessments, critiquing the song's shift toward mainstream appeal over lyrical substance. Pitchfork observed that the rappers prioritized pop tactics like dick jokes and groan-worthy puns over competitive wordplay, framing it as a Top 40 reimagining of a cypher rather than a showcase of dense lyricism.[44] The New Yorker described Rocky as less effective as the ringleader, noting that Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar sounded more authoritative, rendering the ensemble dynamic somewhat uneven and formulaic in its trap-leaning bravado.[47] These views aligned with broader critiques of the track as a polished but shallow entry into trap's radio formula, prioritizing hooks and features over deeper introspection. The album Long. Live. A$AP, contextualizing the single's reception, earned a Metacritic score of 75 based on 40 reviews, reflecting generally favorable but divided opinions on its commercial leanings.[48]Accolades
"Fuckin' Problems" earned a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, where it competed against tracks including Jay-Z's "Holy Grail" featuring Justin Timberlake but lost to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz's "Thrift Shop."[49] It also secured the Best Collaboration award at the 2013 BET Awards, alongside nods in related categories.[50] The track ranked No. 35 on Pitchfork's list of The Top 100 Tracks of 2013.[44] It was also featured among XXL's 25 Best Songs of 2013.[46] In retrospective rankings, "Fuckin' Problems" appeared on The Ringer's 100 Best Rap Songs of the 2010s and XXL's list of 63 Hip-Hop Songs That Defined the 2010s, highlighting its enduring status as a landmark collaboration in hip-hop.[51][52]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Fuckin' Problems" marked A$AP Rocky's breakthrough on major music charts, driven by its high-profile collaborations and timely promotion. The track debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 in late 2012 and steadily climbed, reflecting the song's growing radio airplay and streaming traction. Its performance was particularly strong within hip-hop and R&B audiences, underscoring the appeal of its ensemble cast and production.| Chart (2012–2013) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 65 |
| UK Hip Hop and R&B (Official Charts Company) | 10 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 8 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 2 |
| US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard) | 2 |