Ordinary (PnB Rock song)

"Ordinary" is a song by American rapper PnB Rock featuring American rapper Pop Smoke.

"Ordinary"
Single by PnB Rock featuring Pop Smoke
ReleasedFebruary 12, 2020
GenreDrill
Length3:12
LabelAtlantic Records
Pop Smoke singles chronology
"Dior"
(2020)
"Ordinary"
(2020)
"Shake the Room"
(2020)
PnB Rock singles chronology
"Fendi"
(2019)
"Ordinary"
(2020)
"Rose Gold"
(2020)

Background and release edit

American rapper PnB Rock released his sophomore album TrapStar Turnt PopStar in 2019, with it hitting number four on the US Billboard 200.[1] In January 2020, PnB Rock became involved in a street race in Burbank, California, and crashed his car into other parked vehicles, injuring two people in the process.[1][2] He was arrested for driving under the influence and reckless driving.[2] American rapper Pop Smoke released his sophomore mixtape Meet the Woo 2 on February 7, 2020.[1] Less than a week later, he released a deluxe version of the mixtape featuring new songs and remixes, including "Like Me" featuring PnB Rock.[3][4][5] PnB Rock released "Ordinary" on February 12, 2020, featuring Pop Smoke.[6] It was PnB Rock's first release since "Fundi" with Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz in 2019.[1][2][4] Just days after the track was released, on February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was shot and killed at the age of 20 during a home invasion. [7][8][9]

Music and lyrics edit

"Ordinary" is a drill song.[2][10] The staff of BrooklynVegan mentioned "Ordinary" went in a "darker, harder direction", compared to PnB Rocks other music.[11] Patrick Johnson of Hypebeast stated the song featured Pop Smoke's "signature raspy delivery" over an "ominous and hard-hitting beat".[5] "Ordinary" begins with Pop Smoke saying "woo" numerous times and rapping in the first half of the song, with PnB Rock then rapping for the rest of the song.[5][10] Lyrically, PnB Rock and Pop Smoke rap about different luxury brands they own in the chorus and during their respective verses.[2][10]

Performances and critical reception edit

PnB Rock performed "Ordinary" live in Philadelphia on February 16, 2020.[12] The staff of WQHT said the track is "fire",[4] with Trace William Cowen for Complex saying the song "pairs nicely" with "Like Me".[3] Alex Zidel of HotNewHipHop called it "boisterous", mentioning that both rappers were "proving to be quite the formidable duo".[10] Writing for Revolt, Jon Powell described "Ordinary" as a "hard-hitting release" and "infectious", saying PnB Rock and Pop Smoke had "obvious chemistry" and that they needed to collaborate on more music.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Miller, Allie (February 13, 2020). "Philly rapper PnB Rock releases new song 'Ordinary' with Pop Smoke". PhillyVoice. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Powell, Jon (February 12, 2020). "PnB Rock & Pop Smoke join forces on 'Ordinary'". Revolt. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Cowen, Trace William (February 12, 2020). "Pop Smoke Drops Deluxe Edition of 'Meet the Woo Vol. 2' f/ Gunna, Nav, and PnB Rock". Complex. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "New Heat! PnB Rock And Pop Smoke Collab On New Song 'Ordinary'". WQHT. February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Johnson, Patrick (February 12, 2020). "PnB Rock Enlists Pop Smoke for Wildly Energetic Single 'Ordinary'". Hypebeast. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  6. ^ Johnson, Cherise (February 13, 2020). "Pnb Rock & Pop Smoke Connect For 'Ordinary' Track". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  7. ^ Blanchet, Brenton (April 30, 2024). "Watch the Video for PnB Rock's New Single 'Need Somebody'". Complex. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  8. ^ Sodomsky, Sam (February 19, 2020). "Pop Smoke Shot Dead at 20". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  9. ^ Fry, Hannah; Brown, August; Winton, Richard (February 19, 2020). "Rapper Pop Smoke gunned down in Hollywood Hills home". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d Zidel, Alex (February 13, 2020). "PnB Rock & Pop Smoke Are Far From 'Ordinary' On Their New Team-Up". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  11. ^ "17 New Songs Out Today". BrooklynVegan. February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  12. ^ "PnB Rock Performs His New Song 'Ordinary' Featuring Pop Smoke At The First 215 Day Concert". WRNB. February 16, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2024.