If you were on social media in 2016, chances are you couldn’t escape the infectious beat and catchy lyrics of Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles.” The song became an instant hit, dominating radio airwaves and taking over the internet with countless viral videos of people attempting the #MannequinChallenge. But what made this song so special?
Let’s dive into the story behind one of hip-hop’s biggest hits in recent memory.
What is Black Beatles?
“Black Beatles” is a song by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released on September 13, 2016, by EarDrummers Entertainment and Interscope Records, as the lead single from their second studio album, SremmLife 2 (2016).
The song features guest vocals from English singer-songwriter Skylar Grey. It peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Rae Sremmurd’s first US number-one single and Grey’s second after her song with Eminem, “Love the Way You Lie”.
The song’s success was partially attributed to its use in various Vine and YouTube videos, which went viral in late 2016. The hashtag #MannequinChallenge, in which people remained frozen like mannequins while the song played, helped to increase its popularity.
How did Black Beatles take over the Internet?
In 2016, Rae Sremmurd’s Black Beatles became a surprise viral hit. The song was used in a number of popular Internet memes, including the “Mannequin Challenge” and the “Gumball Machine Challenge.” As a result of the song’s popularity, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number one, becoming the first rap song to do so in over a decade.
Who is Rae Sremmurd?
Rae Sremmurd is an American hip hop duo composed of brothers Khalif “Swae Lee” Brown (born June 7, 1995) and Aaquil “Slim Jxmmi” Brown (born December 29, 1993). The pair are from Tupelo, Mississippi and began making music together as teenagers. They signed with Interscope Records in 2013 and released their debut album, SremmLife, the following year. The album’s lead single, “No Flex Zone”, peaked at number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The duo’s second album, SremmLife 2, was released in 2016 and included the singles “Black Beatles” and “Look Alive”. “Black Beatles” became a viral sensation on social media due to its association with the Mannequin Challenge. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rae Sremmurd the first hip hop act to have two consecutive number-one singles on the chart.
What are some of the lyrics to Black Beatles?
Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles” has taken the internet by storm, and its catchy lyrics are a big part of why. Some of the most popular lyrics from the song include:
-“We at the top, no ceiling / Know what that mean? We gon’ be rich forever”- This line is a play on words, with “ceiling” also meaning “the sky’s the limit.” It’s a rallying cry for anyone who feels like they’re stuck in a rut, reminding them that anything is possible if they set their sights high.
-“Girl you’re making me feel like I’m not needed”- This line is both romantic and sad, as it speaks to the feeling of being second best or not good enough. It’s a relatable emotion that many people have felt at one point or another.
-“I’m just tryna get you out the friend zone”- Another line that resonates with many people, this one is about trying to take a relationship to the next level. It captures the frustration of being stuck in limbo, wanting more but not knowing how to make it happen.
The Impact of Black Beatles
When Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles” took over the internet, the impact was both immediate and far-reaching. The song became an overnight sensation, with people all over the world creating lip-sync and dance videos set to the catchy tune. But the impact of “Black Beatles” went beyond just being a viral hit – it also sparked a renewed interest in the work of The Beatles.
For many young people, “Black Beatles” was their first exposure to The Beatles, and the song led them to discover more about the legendary band. As a result, The Beatles’ music surged in popularity on streaming platforms like Spotify, and sales of their albums soared. In addition, “Black Beatles” inspired a new generation of musicians to create their own version of the song, furthering its reach and impact.
There’s no doubt that Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles” has had a profound effect on popular culture – and it all started with one simple tweet.
Conclusion
Rae Sremmurd’s Black Beatles is one of the biggest hit songs to take over the Internet in recent years. It has earned the duo tremendous success, with its catchy beat and captivating lyrics setting an example for aspiring musicians everywhere. The song has become a sensation, and it is clear that Rae Sremmurd are only beginning their successful music career. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
