#SteveLacyBadHabit
“Bad Habit,” the breakout single from Steve Lacy’s album Gemini Rights, became one of 2022’s biggest viral hits through TikTok.
The Song
Released June 24, 2022, “Bad Habit” is a bedroom pop/funk track where Lacy laments missing romantic signals (“I wish I knew you wanted me”). The song’s groovy bassline, falsetto vocals, and relatable lyrics made it perfect for TikTok soundtracking.
The track was recorded on Lacy’s iPhone using GarageBand—his signature lo-fi production style.
TikTok Explosion
“Bad Habit” initially had modest streaming numbers, but TikTok trends in summer/fall 2022 propelled it to viral status. Users posted videos about missed romantic opportunities, awkward crushes, and “right person, wrong time” moments.
By October 2022, the song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100—Steve Lacy’s first chart-topper and a rare organic TikTok-to-mainstream success story.
Cultural Impact
Lacy, formerly of The Internet, became a solo superstar at 24. “Bad Habit” peaked at #1 for three weeks, outperforming Drake, Taylor Swift, and Bad Bunny.
The song’s success showcased TikTok’s power to break artists months after release. It also proved bedroom pop could compete with major-label productions.
Gemini Rights became a critical darling (86/100 Metacritic). Lacy’s Grammy nominations (Album of the Year, Record of the Year) followed.
Live Performances
Lacy’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert and SNL performances went viral. His laid-back, effortlessly cool persona resonated with Gen Z.
“Bad Habit” became a staple of 2022 summer playlists and year-end best-of lists, cementing Lacy as one of indie music’s brightest stars.