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Backseat Freestyle
Backseat Freestyle
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"Backseat Freestyle"
Single by Kendrick Lamar
from the album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
ReleasedOctober 22, 2012 (2012-10-22)
Recorded2012
Length3:32
Label
Songwriters
ProducerHit-Boy
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology
"Fuckin' Problems"
(2012) 		"Backseat Freestyle"
(2012) 		"Poetic Justice"
(2013)
Music video
"Backseat Freestyle" on YouTube

"Backseat Freestyle" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It debuted on October 15, 2012 in the United Kingdom as the third single from Lamar's second studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). It was released in the United States with the album's release on October 22, 2012. "Backseat Freestyle" was written by Lamar and Chauncey Hollis and produced by Hollis under his stage name Hit-Boy.

The song was given critical acclaim, with many critics commending Lamar for his technical ability. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and at 79 on the UK Singles Chart. It also made appearances on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rap Songs charts, as well as the Belgian Ultratip chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the US and silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the UK. Since its release, it has been placed on multiple lists as one of Lamar's best songs.

Lamar, Jerome D, and Dave Free directed the video for "Backseat Freestyle", which shows a young Lamar lip sync to the lyrics while the video cuts between black and white scenes of Compton and Paris. The song has been on the set lists for several concert tours and has appeared in popular culture.

Background

[edit]

Hit-Boy met Kendrick Lamar a couple years before the creation of "Backseat Freestyle". After Lamar signed to Interscope Records, Hit-boy was encouraged by those he knew at Interscope to work with him.[1] The two did several studio sessions in Las Vegas for a few days, though none of the songs created would appear on the final mix of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.[2] According to Hit-Boy, with one of the records they created, Lamar "couldn't get the hook right in his mind, so that song got deaded".[1] Lamar subsequently requested more beats.[2] When he heard the new beat that would be eventually chosen, Lamar stated "That's the one! This is going on my album". While on tour, he recorded his vocals and altered parts of the beat towards more of his liking.[1] The track was originally produced for singer Ciara for an R&B song called "Hit Boy",[2] though "the situation fell apart".[3] When producing the song, Hit-Boy sampled The Chakachas' 1970 song "Yo Soy Cubano", as well as an episode from the Cartoon Network series The Powerpuff Girls.[4]

Speaking on his delivery of his vocals, Lamar remarked how rapper Eminem influenced his "aggression" on the song.[5]

Composition

[edit]

The song follows Lamar's album concept, which is a day in the life of a teenage Kendrick Lamar. The song is preceded by a short skit at the end of the previous track "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", in which Lamar's friend tells him "K-Dot, get in the car, nigga, we finna roll out. Nigga, I got a pack of blacks and a beat CD; get your freestyles ready."

Critical reception

[edit]

The song received critical acclaim from music critics, with many focusing on Lamar's technical ability. Consequence writer Michael Madden described how Lamar uses "his technical gifts" to approach "Minaj-ian levels of animation" on the song.[6] Jonah Bromwich of Pitchfork noted the song as a "technical showcase" with a "particularly clever" structure.[7] Kyle Ellison of The Quietus called the song's lyrics "preposterous and brilliant".[8] Writing for Slant Magazine, Mark Collett described it as a "scuzzy, sleazy delight" part of a "larger narrative".[9] Martyn Young for musicOMH viewed the song as a "breathlessly exciting hard-edged cut" and complimented Hit-Boy's production as having "juddering bone shaking power" that creates "an intensely thrilling four minutes".[10] Jaeki Cho of XXL praised how Lamar "channels multiple voices and executes crisp-clean double- and triple-time bonanza with ease."[11] Eric Diep of Complex complimented the song's "infectious vocal sample"[12] while Anupa Mistry of NOW Magazine appreciated the "grizzled lyricism".[13]

Though, not all reviews from critics were positive. Kia Makarechi, writing for The Huffington Post, called it "perhaps the least introspective song" on the album and lamented it getting a video before other songs.[14] While Jakob Dorof of Tiny Mix Tapes complimented the song's "demonically raw-throated" third verse, he opined that the song's beat gets "beyond [Lamar's] better judgment."[15]

Accolades

[edit]

"Backseat Freestyle" has been widely regarded as one of Lamar's best songs and has been ranked high by critics. In 2018, Bianca Alysse of Billboard ranked the song number six on their list of the 20 greatest Kendrick Lamar songs.[16] Stereogum placed the song as number eight on their 2020 list,[17] and in 2021, Rolling Stone ranked the song number three on their list of the 50 greatest Kendrick Lamar songs.[18] In 2022, Alex Petridis of The Guardian ranked it second in his list of Lamar's greatest songs.[19]

Release and commercial performance

[edit]

"Backseat Freestyle" was released as the third single from Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, debuting in the United Kingdom on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show on October 15, 2012.[20] The song was posted on Hit-Boy's Twitter the same day.[21] Following its single release, it entered and peaked at number 79 on the UK Singles Chart, dropping off the chart after one week.[22] In the United States, "Backseat Freestyle" peaked at number six on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart following the release of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City on October 22, 2012.[23] It also peaked at numbers 29 and 22 respectively on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rap Songs charts.[24][25] Beyond the Anglosphere, the single peaked at number 81 on the Belgian Ultratip chart.[26]

On June 8, 2018, "Backseat Freestyle" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) with a 1,000,000 certified units in the US.[27] On August 2, 2019, it was awarded a silver certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 200,000 certified units in the UK.[28]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for the song was released on January 2, 2013[14] and was directed by Kendrick Lamar, Jerome D, and Dave Free.[29] Lamar stated it took "probably two months" to film because of the large amount of travel and him having "too many ideas".[30] The black and white video shows Lamar rapping along to the lyrics while switching between footage of his hometown Compton, California and Paris, France, the latter a reference to the song's chorus.[31][32] Several characters referenced in the album appear. Lamar's father is featured in a skit smoking marijuana and asking his son for his domino set, as well an appearance of recurring character "Sherane", who is seen leaning against Lamar's car twerking.[14][33] Lamar explained how he just wanted "to have fun" with making the video by including skits and his father[34] and wanted to give the audience something they wouldn't expect.[30]

Live performances and pop culture

[edit]
Lamar performed "Backseat Freestyle" during The Damn Tour

Lamar has frequently performed the song for concert tours as well as musical festivals. It was part of the set list for the Good Kid, M.A.A.D City World Tour,[35][36] Kunta Groove Sessions Tour,[37] The Damn Tour,[38] The Big Steppers Tour[39] and for The Grand National Tour[40] It was also performed during The Championship Tour[41] and as part of Lamar's opener for The Yeezus Tour.[42]

The song has appeared in pop culture on occasion. In 2014, a video of Taylor Swift lip-syncing to "Backseat Freestyle" went viral and attracted considerable attention.[43][44] In 2019, the song was used in the film Waves during a bonfire scene with a group of teenagers. The use of the song, along with tracks from several other high-profile artists, received media attention because of the indie nature of the film.[45][46]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Recording

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the Good Kid, M.A.A.D City album liner notes.[47]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2012–13) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[26] 81
UK Singles (OCC)[22] 79
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[23] 6
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[24] 29
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[25] 22

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[48] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[28] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[27] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Backseat Freestyle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Backseat Freestyle" is a hip hop song by American rapper , serving as the third track on his second studio album and major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, released on October 22, 2012, by , , and . The track was written by Lamar and producer Chauncey Hollis, known professionally as , who also handled production, crafting a bombastic beat that blends aggressive drums with triumphant horns to underscore Lamar's rapid-fire delivery of boastful, stream-of-consciousness lyrics about ambition, power, and street life. Clocking in at 3:32, it exemplifies the album's narrative style, drawing from Lamar's experiences growing up in , while showcasing his technical prowess through intricate rhyme schemes and shifting flows. Released as the album's third single on January 7, 2013, "Backseat Freestyle" achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number six on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart—equivalent to number 106 on the Hot 100—and reaching number 79 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as number 17 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart. Critically acclaimed for its energy and Lamar's lyrical dexterity, the song has been praised as a standout moment on good kid, m.A.A.d city, with reviewers highlighting its clever structure and infectious hook that maintains momentum without traditional verse-chorus breaks. It has since been ranked among Lamar's greatest works, noted for capturing the youthful bravado of his and influencing perceptions of his versatility in hip hop. The accompanying music video, directed by Lamar alongside Jerome D and , premiered on January 2, 2013, and juxtaposes black-and-white footage of a young Lamar lip-syncing in Compton against vibrant color scenes of him performing in Paris, including in front of the , symbolizing his rise from local roots to global recognition. Lamar has cited influences like for the track's aggressive style, emphasizing its role in exploring themes of ego and aspiration within the album's coming-of-age storyline. Performed live numerous times, including during promotional events for the album, "Backseat Freestyle" remains a fan favorite and a key example of Lamar's early mainstream breakthrough.

Background and development

Conception and collaboration

The collaboration between and producer for "Backseat Freestyle" began during Lamar's early rise in the music industry, shortly after he signed with in 2012, where Hit-Boy already had established connections. originally crafted the beat at his home studio as an R&B track intended for singer , who even recorded vocals for a song tentatively titled "Hit Boy" during sessions in . When those sessions did not result in finalized material, shared the instrumental with Lamar, who was on tour at the time and immediately recognized its potential, texting Hit-Boy enthusiastically: "Yo, we got one." Lamar visited Hit-Boy's home with manager , looped a specific section of the beat to align with his creative vision, and recorded the track on the spot, transforming the R&B foundation into a hip-hop anthem. Within the narrative arc of Lamar's album good kid, m.A.A.d city, "Backseat Freestyle" serves as a pivotal transition, immediately following the skit at the end of "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe," where Lamar's friends urge him to join them for a night of reckless escapades in Compton. This placement positions the song as the energetic onset of a "movie-like" sequence depicting a day of youthful rebellion with his peers, setting the stage for subsequent tracks like "The Art of Peer Pressure" that explore the consequences of their actions. The track captures the protagonist's developing rapping skills during an improvisational session in the backseat of a car with his Compton homies, embodying the album's overarching story of navigating street life and personal growth. Lamar and specifically discussed infusing the song with freestyle elements to evoke Lamar's teenage bravado and carefree mindset, drawing from real-life experiences of hotboxing in cars and spitting rhymes with friends during high school days. described Lamar's delivery as feeling authentic to "spittin’ with the homies in the backseat," emphasizing an unpolished, improvisational energy that reflected the raw confidence of youth without concern for consequences. This creative decision reinforced the song's role in highlighting Lamar's artistic evolution from a young freestyler to a reflective storyteller.

Recording and production

"Backseat Freestyle" was produced by (Chauncey Hollis) during the recording sessions for Kendrick Lamar's 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city. Lamar recorded the track while on tour, visiting at his home studio where he immediately selected the beat from a selection of options and laid down his vocals. Hit-Boy crafted the instrumental with a high-energy vibe inspired by the bombastic feel of and Kanye West's "," aiming to evoke youthful bravado. The beat features a looped drop section that Lamar suggested altering during the session, enhancing its repetitive, driving momentum suitable for the track's freestyle . Lamar's performance captured the raw, improvisational spirit of high school car freestyles with friends, reflecting a carefree teenage amid life's pressures. The production prominently incorporates samples to build its infectious, playful energy. The main horn riff derives from a slowed and pitch-shifted version of The Chakachas' 1970 track "Yo Soy Cubano," providing the song's signature funky backbone. Additionally, the outro features dialogue sampled from a 1999 episode of the animated series The Powerpuff Girls, specifically voices of characters Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, adding a whimsical, cartoonish flair that underscores the beat's lively bounce.

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure

"Backseat Freestyle" has a duration of 3:32 and follows a straightforward structure consisting of an intro, two verses, repeating choruses, and an outro. The intro sets a boastful tone with spoken-word elements, leading into the chorus that serves as a recurring hook emphasizing ambition and bravado. The verses provide the core rapping sections, with the beat maintaining consistency throughout to highlight Lamar's vocal performance rather than dramatic shifts. The track operates at a tempo of 78 beats per minute in the key of , with a of 4/4, creating a mid-tempo groove suitable for its high-energy delivery. Produced by , the instrumentation centers on an aggressive trap-influenced beat driven by prominent 808 bass and layered horn samples derived from The Chakachas' "Yo Soy Cubano," along with a sample from episode "The Only Way to Get Rid of Your Broccoli," which infuse the with a sense of chaotic urgency and streetwise intensity. These elements combine with crisp snares and claps to form a booming foundation that underscores the song's raw momentum. Lamar's vocal approach features rapid-fire flows and , simulating the unscripted aggression of a backseat freestyle rap battle, often accelerating to double-time patterns over the steady . The overall sound reflects influences from West Coast hip-hop aesthetics, incorporating 90s rap's rhythmic drive and subtle synth textures blended with modern trap minimalism for a contemporary edge rooted in Compton's sonic heritage.

Thematic content

"Backseat Freestyle" centers on a of youthful ambition and bravado, capturing the mindset of a 16-year-old freestyling in the backseat of a car with friends in Compton. The depict a raw portrayal of aspiring for wealth and dominance, as seen in the hook: "All my life I want money and power / Respect my mind or die from lead shower," which underscores a relentless drive born from street realities. This storytelling reflects Lamar's rise from Compton's hardships, boasting about newfound success like having "a million-dollar check in my motherfuckin' pocket right now," while alluding to past vulnerabilities through vivid imagery of survival and indulgence in vices such as pills and fast cars. Autobiographical elements infuse the track with authenticity, drawing directly from Lamar's experiences cruising Compton streets and rapping to escape daily pressures, embodying a coming-of-age tale of transitioning from adolescent recklessness to reflective confidence. The song's braggadocio—evident in lines equating Lamar's ego to icons like Martin Luther King or physical boasts such as a "dick as big as the "—contrasts the vulnerability hinted at in surrounding personal struggles, highlighting the tension between youthful naïveté and emerging self-assurance. This narrative arc ties into the album's broader exploration of growth, but focuses here on the euphoric high of peer-driven escapism. Lamar's delivery employs a freestyle-like flow, characterized by rapid internal rhymes and clever that amplify themes of regional and unyielding . Spelling out "C-O-M-P-T-O-N" asserts a gritty loyalty to his origins, weaving boasts with rhythmic dexterity over an energetic beat that supports the track's propulsive . This style not only mimics car sessions but also elevates the ' conceptual depth, prioritizing bold self-expression over polished restraint.

Release and promotion

Single release

"Backseat Freestyle" premiered in the on October 15, 2012, via Zane Lowe's program, ahead of its inclusion as the third track on Kendrick Lamar's major label debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city, released worldwide on October 22, 2012, through , , and . It became available for digital download and streaming immediately following the premiere. The song was later released as the album's third single on January 7, 2013. The single's rollout was integrated with the album's conceptual narrative, positioning it as a key excerpt from the project's storytelling arc.

Marketing and rollout

The promotional rollout for "Backseat Freestyle" centered on building anticipation for its parent album good kid, m.A.A.d city, which was marketed as a conceptual "short film by Kendrick Lamar" chronicling a day in the life of a young Compton resident. The track was positioned as a pivotal high-energy moment within this narrative, capturing youthful bravado and peer-driven escapades in the backseat of a car, serving as a bridge to subsequent songs like "The Art of Peer Pressure." To generate early buzz, Lamar incorporated previews of unreleased album material, including energetic cuts akin to "Backseat Freestyle," into his live sets during 2012 supporting tours. As an on the Under the Influence of Music Tour alongside and from May to August 2012, he performed selections from the forthcoming project to audiences across , leveraging the high-profile slots to introduce his evolving sound. Additionally, the album's first public listening event in on September 19, 2012, showcased nine new tracks to a packed crowd, emphasizing the project's cohesive storytelling and replay value without recordings allowed, further heightening exclusivity. Lamar actively discussed "Backseat Freestyle" in media outlets during the album's buildup. In a late 2012 Complex interview coinciding with the release, he described the song's origins in real-life moments with friends, noting how it evokes the carefree distraction of rapping amid daily chaos and flows directly into the album's peer-pressure themes. Similarly, XXL's 2012 feature on the album spotlighted the track's thumping production and multi-voiced freestyling as emblematic of pre-fame youthful antics, reinforcing its role in the project's raw, narrative-driven appeal.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Backseat Freestyle" experienced moderate commercial performance on key music charts following its release as a single from Kendrick Lamar's album good kid, m.A.A.d city. In the United States, the song peaked at number 6 on the chart, reflecting its proximity to the main Hot 100 without entering it. It also reached number 29 on the chart, where it spent a total of 12 weeks. Internationally, the track charted modestly in the , peaking at number 79 on the UK Singles Chart () during its single week in January 2013. On the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart, it achieved a higher peak of number 17 over 6 weeks. The song's chart trajectory demonstrated a long-tail effect, sustained by the parent album's ongoing success and later streaming growth, including resurgences on digital platforms after certifications awarded in subsequent years.
Chart (2012–2013)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ()6—
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ()2912
UK Singles (OCC)791
UK Hip Hop and R&B (OCC)176

Certifications and sales

"Backseat Freestyle" achieved notable certifications across multiple territories, reflecting its enduring commercial appeal. In the United States, the (RIAA) certified the song Platinum on June 8, 2018, for reaching 1,000,000 equivalent units, encompassing sales and on-demand audio and video streams. The track also earned Silver certification from the (BPI), signifying 200,000 units sold in the . In , the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awarded it 2× Platinum status, equivalent to 140,000 units consumed through sales and streaming. These figures underscore the song's sustained performance, with post-2024 streaming increases tied to Kendrick Lamar's 2025 world tours potentially paving the way for further certifications. Bolstered by its frequent placement in editorial playlists on platforms like —where it has amassed over 494 million streams as of November 2025—and .
RegionCertifying BodyCertificationDateUnits
United StatesRIAAPlatinumJune 8, 20181,000,000
United KingdomBPISilver—200,000
AustraliaARIA2× Platinum—140,000

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release as part of Kendrick Lamar's 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city, "Backseat Freestyle" received widespread praise from critics for its energetic production and Lamar's dynamic vocal delivery. Pitchfork described it as a "monster of a radio-ready single," highlighting Lamar's use of three distinct voices in double- and triple-time flows over an "insane Hit-Boy beat," which framed the track's boastful lyrics as a pivotal moment in the album's narrative of youthful bravado. Similarly, Billboard noted in its track-by-track analysis how Lamar laid "boastful rhymes over a bed of Hit-Boy-produced menacing sounds," emphasizing the song's high-energy execution as a standout for its replayable intensity. Some reviews offered mixed assessments, critiquing the track's reliance on conventional rap tropes amid Lamar's otherwise introspective style. The Huffington Post called it a "playful " with an "easy-going, hard-hitting beat," praising Lamar's ability to elevate mainstream braggadocio about money, guns, and women, yet noted its "hackneyed boasting" as a departure from the deeper self-reflection found in surrounding tracks like "." Aggregated critic scores reflected this enthusiasm, with The Singles Jukebox assigning an average of 6.67 out of 10 based on staff reviews that lauded its " " and "viscerally thrilling" unhinged flow while acknowledging some as less engaging than Lamar's more sincere material. Overall, contemporary responses positioned "Backseat Freestyle" as a technical showcase of Lamar's flow and the album's most accessible highlight.

Accolades and rankings

"Backseat Freestyle" has earned notable placements in retrospective rankings of 's catalog. ranked the song number three on its 2021 list of the 50 greatest songs, highlighting its energetic delivery and lyrical bravado as a standout from good kid, m.A.A.d city. In its 2025 updated list of the 60 greatest songs, ranked it number 11. positioned it at number two in its 2022 ranking of Lamar's 20 greatest songs, commending the track's rhymes as bearing the influence of while capturing youthful swagger. included it at number 6 on its 2018 list of the 20 best songs, recognizing its role in defining the rapper's early breakthrough era. The song did not secure major award wins, though its parent album good kid, m.A.A.d city earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at the in 2014, with the project contextualizing tracks like "Backseat Freestyle" in Lamar's narrative storytelling. It was also spotlighted in XXL Magazine's coverage of emerging talent, including dedicated video features that underscored its impact on Lamar's rise from the 2011 Freshman Class. In 2025, amid retrospectives tied to Lamar's Grand National Tour supporting GNX, "Backseat Freestyle" appeared in setlists and media analyses, reaffirming its enduring place in discussions of his foundational work.

Music video and visuals

Production and direction

The music video for "Backseat Freestyle" was co-directed by Kendrick Lamar, Jerome D. (also known as Jerome Hurd), and Dave Free. It premiered on January 2, 2013. The collaboration among the three directors aimed to capture Lamar's personal narrative through intimate, location-based visuals. Principal filming took place in Lamar's hometown of , interspersed with scenes shot in , . The Paris footage, including shots near the , aligns with his rising global profile following the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city. This dual-location approach highlighted contrasts between Lamar's roots and his expanding worldview, with production emphasizing on-the-ground authenticity over elaborate sets. The video adopts a black-and-white aesthetic, featuring Lamar lip-syncing the track amid candid street scenes and personal vignettes. Some footage from the shoot was reportedly considered for integration into a larger visual project tied to the album.

Content and themes

The music video for "Backseat Freestyle," directed by alongside Jerome D and , employs black-and-white cinematography to depict Lamar lip-syncing the lyrics while seated in the backseat of a car cruising through the streets of his hometown . This footage is intercut with scenes of Lamar in , , including rapping in front of the , creating a visual contrast between his humble origins in Compton and his rising global success. The narrative traces a journey from Lamar's childhood roots to international fame, incorporating authentic clips that feature his and high school sweetheart Sherane, symbolizing personal history and the foundational influences of his early life. Symbolic motifs throughout emphasize the duality of fame, blending gritty Compton backyard scenes with aspirational imagery of Parisian landmarks, while crowd scenes from real tour moments in highlight the adulation accompanying success. It relies on genuine footage to maintain an unpolished authenticity. This raw, DIY aesthetic—characterized by the stark monochrome visuals and incorporation of personal archives—enhances the song's freestyle ethos, evoking an improvisational, unfiltered energy that resonated with critics for its intimate portrayal of ambition and transformation.

Performances and legacy

Live performances

"Backseat Freestyle" debuted live in late 2012 during promotional performances for Kendrick Lamar's album good kid, m.A.A.d city, with early renditions including a show at Rough Trade East in on , where it was performed alongside tracks like "" and "Swimming Pools (Drank)." The song quickly became a concert staple, appearing in 13 shows that year according to setlist data. During The Damn Tour from 2017 to 2018, "Backseat Freestyle" was a regular fixture in Lamar's setlist, often positioned after "Swimming Pools (Drank)" and before "LOYALTY." in the performance sequence, contributing to the tour's high-energy medleys drawn from DAMN. and earlier works. It was played 67 times during the tour, showcasing Lamar's evolving stage presence with dynamic transitions into adjacent tracks like "m.A.A.d city." The track maintained its prominence on the in 2022-2023, integrated into the average setlist following "Worldwide Steppers" and preceding "Rich Spirit," with 76 performances in 2022 alone. Live footage from venues like highlighted its role in the tour's narrative arc, blending introspection with crowd engagement. A notable rendition occurred on May 24, 2025, at in , during the Grand National Tour co-headlined with , where Lamar delivered an extended version featuring freestyle ad-libs over the core track. This performance, part of a three-night stand, incorporated elements from "HUMBLE." and "," amplifying the song's bombastic energy before a sold-out crowd. Live versions of "Backseat Freestyle" frequently feature a full live band, pyrotechnics for dramatic emphasis during peak moments, and occasional guest appearances, such as Schoolboy Q joining Lamar at SXSW's Fader Fort in 2013 for a collaborative take. These elements, seen across tours like The Damn Tour, enhance the song's raw, youthful bravado, with pyrotechnics syncing to the beat drops in larger arena settings.

Cultural impact

"Backseat Freestyle" was featured on the soundtrack for the 2019 film Waves, directed by Trey Edward Shults, where it underscored key emotional and thematic moments in the narrative about family and loss. The song's inclusion helped extend its reach into cinematic contexts, amplifying its portrayal of youthful bravado and street life. The track gained significant mainstream exposure through a viral 2014 video of Taylor Swift lip-syncing to it from the front seat of a car, which highlighted its energetic flow and crossover appeal beyond hip-hop audiences. This moment, shared widely on social platforms, demonstrated the song's infectious rhythm and Lamar's commanding delivery, drawing praise for bridging pop and rap spheres. In rap freestyles, "Backseat Freestyle" has served as a benchmark for bold, improvisational lyricism, influencing artists who cite Lamar's early work as pivotal to their development. and Joey Bada$$ have both acknowledged Lamar's impact on modern MCing, with the song's unfiltered bravado echoing in their own versatile flows and storytelling approaches. Post-2020, the track has been sampled and remixed extensively in , fueling trends that reinterpret its beats for contemporary hip-hop challenges and viral edits. By 2025, amid the ongoing Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud—which extended into the year with references during Lamar's halftime show and Drake's "Fighting Irish" freestyle—the song's themes of dominance and authenticity continued to resonate in hip-hop rivalries, symbolizing Lamar's unyielding confidence.

Credits and personnel

Songwriting and production

"Backseat Freestyle" was written by , under his legal name K. Duckworth, and , credited as C. Hollis. The song's production was handled solely by , who crafted the beat incorporating samples including dialogue from episode "The Only Way to Get Rid of Your Broccoli" and "Yo Soy Cubano" by The Chakachas. Kendrick Lamar serves as the lead performer, delivering lead vocals and rapping duties on the track, with backing vocals by Michael Young, and no featured artists involved. The song's publishing rights are administered through Top Dawg Entertainment's TDE Music, alongside Warner Chappell and other affiliated entities under .

Additional contributors

The recording and mixing of "Backseat Freestyle" were primarily handled by "MixedByAli" Ali at studios in during 2012, with oversight from executive producer . Mastering duties were performed by Brian "Big Bass" Gardner at Mastering in Hollywood, , alongside . Additional engineering support came from producer (Chauncey Hollis Jr.), while vocal production and ad-libs were managed by , with recording assistance from .

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/master/484590-Kendrick-Lamar-Good-Kid-MAAD-City
  2. https://genius.com/Kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle-lyrics
  3. https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2013-01-26/
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle/
  5. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/14459-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle/
  6. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-50-greatest-kendrick-lamar-songs-33335/backseat-freestyle-2012-33384/
  7. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-drops-booty-shaking-backseat-freestyle-video-watch-1481619/
  8. https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/kendrick-lamar-says-backseat-freestyle-was-influenced-eminem-186031/
  9. https://www.setlist.fm/song/kendrick-lamar/backseat-freestyle-53db97b9.html
  10. https://www.complex.com/music/a/insanul-ahmed/the-making-of-kendrick-lamars-good-kid-maad-city
  11. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-06-10/51688/hit-boy-reveals-beat-for-kendrick-lamars-backseat-freestyle-was-originally-for-ciara
  12. https://genius.com/a/the-making-of-kendrick-lamar-s-backseat-freestyle-with-hit-boy
  13. https://genius.com/albums/Kendrick-lamar/Good-kid-m-a-a-d-city
  14. https://berkeleybside.com/this-side-of-sequencing/
  15. https://www.exclaim.ca/music/article/kendrick_lamar_sampled_the_powerpuff_girls_in_backseat_freestyle
  16. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/175820/Kendrick-Lamar-Backseat-Freestyle-The-Chakachas-Yo-Soy-Cubano/
  17. https://tunebat.com/Info/Backseat-Freestyle-Kendrick-Lamar/3aGibUHhQyBsyumYHylw0K
  18. https://genius.com/Kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle-sample/samples
  19. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/401973/Kendrick-Lamar-Backseat-Freestyle-The-Powerpuff-Girls-The-Only-Way-to-Get-Rid-of-Your-Broccoli-2/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHznLQ7FrdY
  21. https://blog.soundtrap.com/guide-to-west-coast-hip-hop-music/
  22. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9015-the-top-100-tracks-of-2012/
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2012/dec/10/best-albums-2012-kendrick-lamar
  24. https://www.complex.com/music/2012/10/the-making-of-kendrick-lamars-good-kid-maad-city/backseat-freestyle
  25. https://pitchfork.com/news/48212-new-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle/
  26. https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-diep/listen-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle-prod-by-hit-boy
  27. https://www.thefader.com/2012/10/15/stream-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle-prod-by-hit-boy
  28. https://pitchfork.com/news/46201-kendrick-lamar-and-schoolboy-q-to-tour-north-america-with-wiz-khalifa-and-mac-miller-this-summer/
  29. https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2012/09/heres-a-recap-of-the-first-ever-public-listening-session-for-kendrick-lamars-good-kid-m-a-a-d-city-food-for-thought/
  30. https://www.xxlmag.com/kendrick-lamar-good-kid-maad-city/
  31. https://www.billboard.com/artist/kendrick-lamar/chart-history/rbhiphop-songs/
  32. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/04/21/kendrick-lamar-joins-michael-jackson-pink-floyd-and-bob-marley-in-a-huge-feat/
  33. https://kworb.net/spotify/track/4j6eSWVi9o1zeol0DO4xxQ.html
  34. https://music.apple.com/us/song/backseat-freestyle/1471264096
  35. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17253-good-kid-maad-city/
  36. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-good-kid-maad-city-track-by-track-review-1066796/
  37. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/album-review-kendrick-lam_b_2006431
  38. https://thesinglesjukebox.com/kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle/
  39. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-kendrick-lamar-songs-1244629/not-like-us-2024-1235256505/
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/05/kendrick-lamar-20-greatest-songs-ranked
  41. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kendrick-lamar-songs-best-hits-list-8097320/
  42. https://www.xxlmag.com/kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle-video/
  43. https://www.billboard.com/lists/kendrick-lamar-sza-grand-national-tour-setlist-first-show/
  44. https://www.spin.com/2013/01/kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle-video/
  45. https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-frydenlund/video-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle
  46. http://thewitzard.blogspot.com/2013/01/martin-had-dream-kendrick-lamar.html
  47. https://pitchfork.com/news/49029-watch-the-black-and-white-video-for-kendrick-lamars-backseat-freestyle/
  48. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2013/01/02/video-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle
  49. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/kendrick-lamar/2012/rough-trade-east-london-england-33da243d.html
  50. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/kendrick-lamar-bd2f5d6.html?songid=53db97b9
  51. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/kendrick-lamar-bd2f5d6.html?tour=3d5f98f
  52. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/kendrick-lamar-bd2f5d6.html?tour=4bdec37e
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tqAIz56sNQ
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHivrEk6ch4
  55. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/04/20/kendrick-lamar-sza-setlist-grand-national-tour/83170377007/
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swH5UxKXEJk
  57. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/06/kendrick_lamars_massive_new_tour_was_incredible_bu.html
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8652728/soundtrack/
  59. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/11/8821310/waves-movie-soundtrack-every-song
  60. https://www.thefader.com/2014/11/05/taylor-swift-kendrick-lamar-backseat-freestyle
  61. https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/joey-badass-declares-himself-kendrick-lamar-j-cole-best-mcs
  62. https://www.soundcloud.com/hoodpoliticsrecordsedits/kendrick-lamar-backseat
  63. https://ew.com/kendrick-lamar-references-drake-beef-at-super-bowl-2025-halftime-show-8787526
  64. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/drake-freestyle-kendrick-lamar-feud-conductor-williams-fighting-irish-1235225183/
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/4923442-Kendrick-Lamar-Good-Kid-MAAD-City
  66. https://www.whosampled.com/Kendrick-Lamar/Backseat-Freestyle/
  67. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/kendrick-lamar/good-kid-m_a_a_d-city/
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