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Real as It Gets

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"Real as It Gets"
Single by Lil Baby featuring EST Gee
ReleasedMarch 4, 2021
Genre
Length3:12
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Lil Baby singles chronology
"Ugly"
(2021) 		"Real as It Gets"
(2021) 		"Ramen & OJ"
(2021)
EST Gee singles chronology
"Special Remix"
(2020) 		"Real as It Gets"
(2021) 		"Lick Back"
(2021)
Music video
"Real As It Gets" on YouTube

"Real as It Gets" is a song by American rapper Lil Baby, featuring vocals from fellow American rapper EST Gee.[1] The song was produced by ATL Jacob and DY Krazy, who wrote the song along with the two artists.

Background and composition

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"Real As It Gets" was initially teased on Instagram Live.[2] On February 23, 2021, Lil Baby announced that he would be releasing a collaboration with EST Gee soon.[3]

Lyrically, the song is about the streets and the "current rockstar lifestyles" of Lil Baby and EST Gee.[4] They rap about their influence on the new generation of hip hop[5] and how people around them are proud of them.[6] In the chorus, Lil Baby sing-raps: "I been savin' my guala, I ain't savin' no bitch / I had put down my Glock, but I picked up a stick / Don't get in hatin' shit, I'm on some greatest shit  / My people proud, I'm as real as it gets".[4]

Critical reception

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Tom Breihan of Stereogum called the song a "simple, hypnotic declaration of dominance." He also wrote that EST Gee's "punchier style contrasts nicely with Lil Baby's melodic float. Baby delivers his lyrics with fast fluidity, but he makes them sound like a chant or an incantation. The song itself doesn't exactly stand out in Baby's catalog, but it's an effective piece of work."[7] Jordan Darville of The Fader wrote that the melody of the song is "menacing in a way that recalls underground Detroit hip-hop, and Baby keeps up the vibe with breathless bars full of threats and flexes", and that the hook is "particularly killer, too."[8]

Music video

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The official music video was released along with the song March 4, 2021, and directed by Caleb Jermale. In it, Lil Baby "returns to the trenches and celebrates his wins with those that were there before the fame."[6] He and EST Gee hang out in a neighborhood, taking pictures with fans, and count up their money.[9][10] The rappers also show their jewelry and cruise in sports cars.[4][8] At one point, someone asks about shooting another scene, to which Baby replies, "We finna shoot it right here."[10]

Charts

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Chart performance for "Real as It Gets"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[11] 52
US Billboard Hot 100[12] 34
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13] 17

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[14] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ Shifferaw, Abel (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby Shares Video for New Track "Real As It Gets" f/ EST Gee". Complex. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  2. ^ Zidel, Alex (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby Is "Real As It Gets" In New Single With EST Gee". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  3. ^ Zidel, Alex (February 23, 2021). "Lil Baby Announces New Music". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Powell, Jon (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby connects with EST Gee for "Real As It Gets"". Revolt. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ^ "Lil Baby Returns with New Song 'Real As It Gets'". Rap-Up. March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Saponara, Michael (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby Unleashes 1st Single Of 2021 With Gritty 'Real As It Gets' Video Featuring Louisville Rapper EST Gee". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  7. ^ Breihan, Tom (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby – "Real As It Gets" (Feat. EST Gee)". Stereogum. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Darville, Jordan (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby shares new song/video "Real As It Gets"". The Fader. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  9. ^ Haylock, Zoe (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby and His Riches Return With "Real As it Gets" Featuring EST Gee". Vulture. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  10. ^ a b Mamo, Heran (March 4, 2021). "Lil Baby Is as 'Real as It Gets' in New Music Video, Featuring EST Gee". Billboard. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  11. ^ "Lil Baby Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  12. ^ "Lil Baby Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  13. ^ "Lil Baby Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  14. ^ "American single certifications – Lil Baby – Real as It Gets". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
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