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

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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

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"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

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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

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  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.