Superthug
"Superthug," also known as "Superthug (What What)," is a hip hop song by American rapper N.O.R.E. (born Victor Santiago Jr.), released on September 21, 1998, as the second single from his debut solo album N.O.R.E..[1] Produced by the duo The Neptunes—consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo—the track features background vocals by singer Tammy Lucas and uncredited contributions from Pharrell on the hook.[1] The song's distinctive beat samples the 1978 new wave track "Heart of Glass" by Blondie, contributing to its infectious, genre-blending appeal that helped propel it to commercial success.[2] Upon release, "Superthug" achieved significant chart performance, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, marking one of N.O.R.E.'s biggest hits and an early breakthrough for The Neptunes as producers.[3] The track's creation stemmed from a beat originally created for Janet Jackson during 1997 recording sessions for her album The Velvet Rope, resulting in an unreleased demo "(I Like It) Ruff," which Pharrell later repurposed after it was rejected; N.O.R.E. wrote his lyrics during a trip to Miami, solidifying the song's raw, street-oriented narrative about hustling and bravado.[1] Its success not only boosted the album N.O.R.E.—which debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200—but also elevated The Neptunes' profile in the late 1990s hip hop landscape.[3] "Superthug" remains a cultural staple in hip hop, frequently sampled and referenced in media, from video games to television, and is celebrated for its role in bridging East Coast rap with innovative production techniques that influenced the genre's evolution into the 2000s.[4]Background and development
Conception and songwriting
Following the release of Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album The War Report in 1997, which established the duo in the New York hip-hop scene, N.O.R.E. sought to launch his solo career.[5] The song "Superthug" was conceived in early 1998 during initial sessions for N.O.R.E.'s self-titled debut solo album, aiming to capture a playful yet bold vibe reflective of street bravado.[6] The beat for "Superthug" originated from a track Pharrell produced for Janet Jackson's 1997 album but was rejected and repurposed for N.O.R.E. N.O.R.E. wrote his lyrics during a trip to Miami in 1998.[1] The collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes originated through mutual connections in the late 1990s New York hip-hop underground, where Pharrell expressed admiration for Capone-N-Noreaga by reciting lyrics from their track "Blood Money" during their first meeting.[5] This partnership brought a fresh production perspective to N.O.R.E.'s project, with Pharrell providing the instrumental foundation that aligned with the desired energetic tone. In the songwriting process, N.O.R.E. crafted his verses focusing on themes of street life and unapologetic bravado, drawing from his Queensbridge experiences to infuse authenticity and swagger.[7] N.O.R.E. recorded a placeholder "What, what, what" ad-lib as a rhythmic countdown to structure his bars, which Pharrell decided to retain as the track's infectious, chant-like chorus.[6] To enhance the hook's appeal, background vocals were added by singer Tammy Lucas, whose soulful delivery provided a melodic contrast to the raw rap elements and deepened the song's layered texture.[8]Recording and production
The recording of "Superthug" took place in 1998 across multiple studios, including Sound on Sound Studios in New York City where N.O.R.E. first met producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, as well as Future Records in Virginia Beach.[6][9] Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo crafted the track's production using synthesizers, drum machines, and layered beats to achieve a bouncy, futuristic hip-hop sound, drawing on their signature sparse yet dynamic style.[9] Key elements included a heavy bassline derived from a sampled and chopped Hohner Clavinet D6—reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition"—along with sped-up samples for the hook, inspired by Blondie's "Heart of Glass," and drum breaks from classic records like the "Funky Drummer" beat.[9] They incorporated ad-lib effects, such as helicopter propeller sounds in the intro referencing Manuel Noriega's capture, to infuse the track with playful energy.[9] N.O.R.E. delivered his vocals in a raw, energetic rapping style, featuring call-and-response elements that echoed the track's hook, with background vocals by Tammy Lucas enhancing the chorus for broader appeal.[9] The final mixing and mastering occurred as part of sessions for N.O.R.E.'s debut album N.O.R.E., released on July 7, 1998, via Penalty Recordings in association with Tommy Boy Records.[10]Composition
Musical structure and style
"Superthug" has a total duration of 5:00. The song follows a classic hip-hop structure, beginning with an intro skit featuring spoken dialogue, followed by two verses, a recurring chorus, a bridge section, and an outro that fades with repeated hooks. This arrangement builds energy through layered repetitions while maintaining a concise flow typical of late-1990s rap singles. Composed in the key of D major at a tempo of 96 beats per minute, the track employs a mid-tempo groove that merges the gritty, street-oriented East Coast hip-hop aesthetic with Southern funk elements drawn from The Neptunes' Virginia-based production approach. The instrumentation centers on a prominent synth bass line for rhythmic drive, sharp hi-hats and snares sourced from the Ensoniq ASR-10 drum machine, and infectious keyboard riffs derived from the clavinet preset on the Korg 01/W workstation, resulting in a minimalist beat that emphasizes space and bounce. The Neptunes' signature production fuses core hip-hop rhythms with pop and R&B sensibilities, incorporating futuristic synth textures that evoke the high-energy vibe of 1990s party anthems. A pivotal feature is the sample of the drum break from Blondie's 1978 new wave track "Heart of Glass," with the hook featuring a synth line that interpolates its melody to infuse the beat with a catchy, nostalgic hook while transforming it into a hip-hop staple.[2]Lyrics and themes
"Superthug" features two verses delivered by N.O.R.E., each showcasing playful wordplay and exaggerated boasts that blend street toughness with humorous flair, structured around a repetitive, energetic chorus hook emphasizing the "what, what" chant for high-energy delivery.[1] The song opens with a comedic skit intro, where a character waits for a bus before receiving a phone call referencing "Manuel Noriega" in the Philippines, a playful nod to N.O.R.E.'s own name and persona, setting a lighthearted tone amid the thug narrative.[1] The lyrics revolve around themes of bravado and street credibility, portraying the life of a "superthug" on the run, evading law enforcement while indulging in luxury and excess, as seen in lines like "Fly ass mansions and a million cars" and "This is the life, yo, of a superstar."[1] References to past hustles, such as "I used to boost razors, roll dice with no aces," contrast with current triumphs, highlighting survival and upward mobility in a thug lifestyle marked by danger and partying energy.[1] Humorous exaggerations, including being called an "animal thug when I'm in cages" and global escapades to places like Vegas and the Philippines, underscore the song's entertaining take on violence and opulence without delving into explicit political or social depth.[1] In its cultural context, the track reflects the late-1990s Queensbridge rap style, embodying raw East Coast authenticity through gritty storytelling of urban struggles, loyalty to family and crew, and regional pride, all delivered with N.O.R.E.'s distinctive raspy flow.[11] Key lines like the chorus's insistent "What, what, what" and post-chorus declarations reinforce the superthug persona, prioritizing entertainment and communal vibe over serious commentary.[1]Release and promotion
Single release and formats
"Superthug" was released on September 21, 1998, as the second single from N.O.R.E.'s debut solo album N.O.R.E..[12][13] The single was issued in several formats, including CD singles, 12-inch vinyl records, and cassette singles, primarily through Penalty Recordings with distribution by Tommy Boy.[14] Common track listings featured the radio edit, album version, instrumental, and acapella of "Superthug," alongside occasional remixes or additional tracks such as "Thugged Out (Original Mix)."[15][16] International versions appeared in Europe and the UK, with promotional releases in those regions as well.[17][15]| Format | Country | Label(s) | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD, Single | US | Penalty Recordings | 1998 | Radio and album versions |
| 12", Promo | US | Penalty Recordings, Violator, Thugged Out Entertainment | 1998 | Includes instrumental and acapella |
| Cassette, Single | US | Penalty Recordings | 1998 | Radio and album versions |
| CD, Single | UK | Penalty Recordings | 1998 | Includes "Thugged Out" |
| 12" | UK | Penalty Recordings, Tommy Boy | 1998 | Standard single |
| CD, Single | Europe | Penalty Recordings | 1998 | Regional variant |