Post Malone’s collaboration with 21 Savage that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and became his first #1 single.
The Hit
Released September 2017 from Beerbongs & Bentleys, “Rockstar” married Post’s melodic flow with 21 Savage’s deadpan delivery over a minimal, hypnotic beat produced by Tank God and Louis Bell. The song’s hook—“I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies, man I feel just like a rockstar”—became unavoidable in late 2017.
The track spent 8 consecutive weeks at #1, sold over 10 million copies in the US alone, and was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2019 Grammys.
Cultural Moment
“Rockstar” cemented Post Malone’s formula: rock-adjacent beats, vulnerable lyrics disguised as flex tracks, and melodic hooks that transcended hip-hop. The song’s minimalist production influenced countless copycats.
The music video featured Post in a medieval setting (a recurring theme), sword fights, and 21 Savage’s iconic appearance. The track became the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2018 with over 1.5 billion plays.
Sources:
- Billboard Hot 100: https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2017-11-11
- Grammy Nominations: https://www.grammy.com/