Post Malone’s Beerbongs & Bentleys broke streaming records and dominated 2018 with hits like “Rockstar” and “Better Now,” solidifying Post as the genre-blending superstar of the late 2010s.
The Album
Released April 27, 2018, Beerbongs & Bentleys featured 18 tracks blending hip-hop, pop, rock, and country. Collaborations included 21 Savage, Swae Lee, Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj, and YG. Singles “Rockstar” and “Psycho” both hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s title referenced Post’s dual persona: party excess (beerbongs) and luxury success (Bentleys).
Record-Breaking Streaming
Beerbongs & Bentleys debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 with 461,000 units—the second-biggest debut of 2018. It broke Spotify’s single-day streaming record (78.7 million streams globally). All 18 tracks charted on the Hot 100 simultaneously, setting a new record. The album spent multiple weeks atop the chart and went 4× Platinum.
Hit Singles
“Rockstar” (featuring 21 Savage) had already dominated charts for months before the album dropped, spending 8 weeks at #1 in late 2017-early 2018. “Psycho” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) became Post’s third #1 hit. “Better Now” peaked at #3 and became a heartbreak anthem. “Candy Paint” and “Stay” also charted.
Cultural Impact
The hashtag represented Post Malone’s crossover appeal: hip-hop heads, pop fans, rock lovers, and country listeners all embraced his music. His face tattoos, grills, and everyman persona made him relatable despite superstar status. The album’s themes—partying, heartbreak, success’s emptiness—resonated with millennials navigating fame and anxiety.
Critical Reception
Critics were mixed: some praised Post’s melodic sensibility and genre fluidity, others criticized the album’s length and perceived lack of depth. Fans didn’t care—commercial success spoke louder than reviews. The album earned Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album (both losses).
Legacy
Beerbongs & Bentleys cemented Post Malone as the streaming era’s biggest crossover artist. His ability to top rap, pop, and rock charts simultaneously was unprecedented. The album influenced countless artists to blend genres without concern for traditional categorization.
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