Going Bad

"Going Bad" is a hip hop song by American rapper Meek Mill, featuring Canadian rapper Drake, released on November 30, 2018, as the lead single from Mill's fifth studio album, Championships.^[1] Produced by Wheezy, the track marks the first collaboration between Mill and Drake since their bitter feud erupted in 2015 over accusations of ghostwriting and inauthentic fan engagement.^[2] The lyrics celebrate triumph over personal and professional obstacles, with Mill reflecting on his release from prison and Drake affirming their renewed alliance.^[3] Commercially, "Going Bad" debuted at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Meek Mill's first top-ten entry and Drake's 33rd top-ten single on the ranking.^[4] It later topped the Billboard Rhythmic chart, securing Mill's first number-one hit there and Drake's record-extending 24th.^[5] By May 2020, the song had been certified five-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales and streaming equivalents exceeding five million units in the United States.^[6] As of 2025, it has surpassed 10 million units, qualifying for diamond certification eligibility. The official music video, directed by Kid Art, premiered on February 7, 2019, and depicts the artists in luxurious settings amid Philadelphia's landmarks, symbolizing their reconciliation and success.^[7] Critically, the song received praise for its anthemic production and the duo's chemistry, with publications like Pitchfork highlighting its role in Mill's post-incarceration comeback narrative. Its cultural impact endures through remixes, live performances, and references in hip hop discourse on redemption and collaboration.^[8]

Background and recording

Development

The reconciliation between Meek Mill and Drake, following their high-profile feud that began in 2015 over accusations of ghostwriting, served as a primary motivator for their collaboration on "Going Bad."^[9] The pair publicly mended their relationship on September 8, 2018, when Drake invited Meek onstage during a concert in Boston, signaling an end to years of tension and opening the door for creative partnership. "Going Bad" emerged during the recording sessions for Meek Mill's album Championships, which took place throughout 2018 in the wake of his release from prison.^[10] Early conceptual ideas for the track drew from recurring themes of success amid street life struggles, reflecting Meek's experiences navigating fame, loyalty, and survival in Philadelphia's hip-hop scene.^[11] Meek Mill's release from prison on April 24, 2018, after serving time for a probation violation, profoundly shaped the song's triumphant tone, infusing it with a sense of victory and resilience born from adversity.^[11] This event marked a pivotal moment, allowing Meek to channel his post-incarceration perspective into the album's narrative of overcoming systemic challenges.^[10] The initial songwriting for "Going Bad" involved contributions from both Meek Mill and Drake, with verses centered on narratives of personal growth, boasting about financial independence and moving past conflicts to celebrate their achievements.^[12] Meek's lyrics emphasize rising above street origins to claim success, while Drake's reflect on loyalty and progression in the industry, underscoring their shared evolution since the feud.^[11]

Recording process

The recording sessions for "Going Bad" took place primarily during the production of Meek Mill's album Championships in 2018, beginning in the summer following his release from prison on April 24, 2018.^[13] Initial tracking occurred at various studios, including locations in Atlanta and Los Angeles, with Meek Mill laying down his verses amid a rigorous schedule that spanned from mid-May through the fall.^[13] The beat was created by producer Wheezy, who constructed the track's core using a detuned piano melody layered over booming 808 bass and crisp trap hi-hats.^[3] Wheezy delivered the instrumental to Meek's team earlier in the process, allowing for the rapper's initial recordings to establish the song's structure before additional contributions.^[13] Drake's involvement came later, with his verse recorded remotely after Meek had completed the bulk of his parts, reflecting their reconciled relationship post-feud.^[12] This collaboration was finalized swiftly, as Drake submitted his vocals just two days prior to the album's November 30 release, integrating seamlessly with Meek's established tracks during remote file exchanges typical of modern hip-hop production.^[13] Mixing sessions were led by engineer Jaycen Joshua at Larrabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles, where he balanced the vocal layers, emphasized the piano's eerie tone, and refined the low-end frequencies for clarity across playback systems. The overall timeline progressed from Meek's post-prison summer sessions to core finalization by October 2018, with last-minute adjustments ensuring the track's readiness for release.^[13]

Composition and lyrics

Musical composition

"Going Bad" is classified in the hip hop and trap genres, incorporating R&B influences through Drake's melodic delivery and vocal styling.^[14][15][16] The song operates at a tempo of 86 beats per minute in the key of E minor, creating a laid-back yet energetic trap beat suitable for its half-time feel.^[17][18] Its runtime totals 3 minutes and 1 second, structured with an intro featuring Drake's opening lines, followed by two verses—one led by Drake and the other by Meek Mill—a repeating chorus delivered by Meek Mill, a bridge transitioning into the final chorus, and a brief outro.^[3] The instrumentation centers on heavy 808 bass lines that provide a booming low-end foundation, rapid hi-hat patterns driving the trap rhythm, and looping piano melodies derived from a tack piano preset for a distinctive, slightly detuned texture.^[19][20][21] These elements, produced primarily by Wheezy and Westen Weiss, contribute to the track's atmospheric and club-ready sound.^[19][22] Vocally, the song employs auto-tune processing on both Meek Mill's and Drake's performances to achieve a polished, modern hip hop sheen, while layered ad-libs—particularly Drake's whispered echoes—enhance depth and call-and-response dynamics throughout the verses and chorus.^[23][24] This combination of production choices underscores the track's blend of gritty trap energy and smoother R&B sensibilities.^[25]

Lyrical content

The lyrics of "Going Bad" explore themes of resilience and success following adversity, with Meek Mill and Drake employing braggadocio to assert dominance over personal and professional challenges.^[26] The track's narrative centers on transforming negative experiences—such as legal battles and past rivalries—into symbols of triumph, using the phrase "going bad" as a metaphor for aggressively pursuing wins despite opposition or heartbreak.^[3] This reflects Meek Mill's real-life comeback after his 2018 prison release, where he positions himself as unbreakable amid ongoing scrutiny.^[26] Meek Mill's verse delves into street life, legal troubles, and personal resurgence, blending vivid imagery of Philadelphia's grit with boasts of newfound wealth and territorial control. Lines like "Ain't a neighborhood in Philly that I can't go" underscore his territorial pride and unyielding presence in his hometown, symbolizing a return to power after incarceration.^[3] He references his probation violations and industry pressures through phrases such as "I've been had my way out here, yeah, know that's facts," emphasizing authenticity against detractors, while "Me and Drizzy back-to-back, it's gettin' scary" nods to their reconciled alliance as a formidable front.^[26] Subtle jabs at past rivals appear in confrontational queries like "Who want smoke with me?," evoking ongoing feuds without naming specifics.^[3] Drake's contributions reinforce themes of dominance and loyalty, with his chorus and verse focusing on financial prowess and unwavering commitment to allies. He raps about lavish spending—"put a Richard on the card"—to illustrate elite status, while "Still goin' bad on 'em anyway" highlights persistence against betrayal or envy, tying into the song's core motif of turning setbacks into leverage.^[3] This loyalty extends to his partnership with Meek, as seen in the post-chorus's playful dismissal of past tensions: "Girl, I left your love at Magic, now it's all shade."^[26] Overall, the braggadocio style employs metaphors of weaponry and excess, such as Meek's "Every time I'm in my trap, I move like Rambo," to convey survival and supremacy in a hostile environment.^[3]

Release and promotion

Single release

"Going Bad" was released to urban contemporary radio stations as the lead single from Meek Mill's fourth studio album Championships on January 22, 2019, through Atlantic Records.^[27] The track, featuring a guest verse from Drake, marked their first collaboration following the resolution of a long-standing feud that had dominated headlines in 2015.^[28] The song was initially unveiled as part of Championships, which dropped on November 30, 2018, via the same label. Meek Mill revealed the album's tracklist—including "Going Bad" as track nine—via social media on November 29, 2018, building anticipation around the surprise pairing with Drake amid broader promotion for the project. This announcement amplified hype for the album, positioning the collaboration as a symbol of reconciliation and triumph after Meek Mill's legal battles and prison release earlier that year.^[29] Available in digital download and streaming formats on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music since the album's launch, "Going Bad" also appeared on vinyl editions of Championships, which were pressed in limited colored variants for promotional purposes. No confirmed pre-release teasers or leaks of the track surfaced during the lead-up to the album's rollout, preserving the element of surprise for fans.^[30][31]

Promotional activities

Following the release of Meek Mill's album Championships on November 30, 2018, "Going Bad" featuring Drake was promoted through targeted radio campaigns, beginning with its debut on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in early December. The track was officially serviced as a single to rhythmic and urban radio stations on January 22, 2019, leading to rapid additions to key playlists and a climb into the top 10 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart by mid-February, where it eventually reached No. 1 in March. This airplay push contributed to the song's sustained presence on urban and rhythmic formats, with it topping the Rap Airplay chart as well. The track also gained traction through streaming playlists on platforms like Spotify, aiding its chart ascent.^[32][33][5] A key live promotional event was Meek Mill's debut performance of "Going Bad" on Saturday Night Live on January 26, 2019, where he delivered a medley alongside "Uptown Vibes" in his first appearance on the show. This high-profile television spot helped amplify the song's visibility. Later, on February 28, 2019, Meek Mill brought out Drake for their first joint performance of "Going Bad" during Meek's concert in Los Angeles, emphasizing their reconciliation and generating widespread media coverage.^[34][35] Social media played a central role in the song's promotion, particularly with the release of its official music video on February 7, 2019, via YouTube, which amassed millions of views quickly due to cameos from artists like T.I., Nipsey Hussle, and Swizz Beatz. Drake reinforced this through his own social media activity, including posts celebrating the collaboration and their onstage reunion, which fueled fan engagement and discussions around their ended feud. Additionally, fan-driven challenges and shares on platforms like Instagram and Twitter amplified the track's viral spread in the months following its release.^[36][35] The promotion also intersected with Meek Mill's broader initiatives, including his Dream Chasers imprint under Roc Nation, launched in July 2019, which leveraged the song's success to highlight emerging talent and reform advocacy efforts for greater visibility.^[37]

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release as the lead single from Meek Mill's album Championships on November 30, 2018, "Going Bad" featuring Drake received widespread praise from critics for symbolizing the end of the artists' long-standing feud and for its infectious energy. Pitchfork's album review highlighted the track as a moment where "Drake returns to bury the hatchet over a tipsy Wheezy beat," noting its contribution to the project's jovial spirit and successful collaborations.^[38] Rolling Stone commended the song's "undeniable" chemistry between Meek Mill and Drake, describing the Drake-assisted "Going Bad" as boasting "one of the album’s best choruses" amid its blend of personal reflection and celebratory bangers.^[39] The Guardian offered a mixed perspective in its album critique, acclaiming the trap-heavy production of "Going Bad" where Meek quashes his feud with Drake as a highlight, though it critiqued some of the album's lyrical filler elsewhere without directly targeting the single's content.^[40] XXL celebrated "Going Bad" as a "break-up-to-make-up event record with Drake," positioning it as one of the album's high points that underscores Meek's triumphant return.^[41] Critic aggregators reflected this positivity, with Championships earning a Metacritic score of 77/100 based on 10 reviews, where "Going Bad" was frequently cited as a standout track establishing the album's scale and impact.^[42]

Retrospective analysis

In the 2020s, retrospective analyses have positioned "Going Bad" as a cornerstone of Meek Mill's career resurgence after his 2018 prison release, emphasizing its role in fostering reconciliation amid hip-hop's evolving beef dynamics. A 2024 overview of resolved rap feuds highlighted the track as emblematic of positive outcomes, contrasting earlier rivalries like those between Bad Boy and Death Row Records by showcasing how Meek Mill and Drake transitioned from public antagonism to collaboration, influencing a trend toward de-escalation in artist conflicts.^[43] Meek Mill reflected in early 2025 that the underlying beef was amplified by record labels for publicity, yet the song solidified their ongoing partnership, as evidenced by his continued praise for Drake in interviews.^[44] This reevaluation underscores the track's contribution to Meek's narrative of personal and professional redemption post-incarceration. The song's lasting popularity has been affirmed in mid-2020s coverage, with streaming milestones illustrating its sustained cultural resonance. By March 2023, "Going Bad" exceeded 1 billion streams on Spotify, a feat celebrated in music industry reports as Meek Mill's first such achievement, and it has since amassed over 1.3 billion streams as of July 2025, reaching approximately 1.32 billion by November 2025.^[45][46] Articles from 2023, including analyses of Championships as Meek's top-selling album, credited the single's five-times-platinum status and robust digital performance for driving long-term revenue, reportedly generating over $20 million collectively by 2022 despite unclear artist splits. These metrics highlight the track's appeal beyond its release era, maintaining relevance through playlist rotations and viral resurgence. Comparisons to contemporaneous collaboration hits like Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode," also featuring Drake, often praise "Going Bad" for comparable chart endurance, with the former logging 32 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100's top 10 after its 2018 peak at No. 1. In contrast, "Going Bad" charted for 37 total weeks, reaching No. 6 and demonstrating similar longevity through radio airplay and sales, as noted in Billboard's 2024 ranking of Drake's Hot 100 entries. Both exemplify high-impact hip-hop features that blend boastful lyricism with production prowess, but "Going Bad" stands out for its personal reconciliation subtext, enhancing its retrospective value in discussions of collaborative success.

Music video

Production

The music video for "Going Bad" was directed by Kid Art, with production handled by Zachary Wright as video producer and executive production led by Cartier Brown, Andrew Goor, Gary Bryman, and Sarah Park.^[47] Filming occurred in Los Angeles during January 2019, aligning closely with the song's November 2018 release to capitalize on its momentum.^[48] The shoot emphasized a cinematic style, incorporating dynamic sequences with luxury cars, including choreographed crashes that underscored the track's themes of opulence and conflict.^[49] Behind-the-scenes clips captured the on-set energy, showing Meek Mill and Drake interacting amid a bustling crew and supporting cast.^[50] Cameo appearances enriched the production, featuring artists such as T.I., Swizz Beatz, Nipsey Hussle, Mustard, and PnB Rock, who integrated seamlessly into the high-profile ensemble scenes.^[51][7] These elements contributed to the video's polished, collaborative vibe, completed in time for its February 7, 2019 premiere.^[47]

Synopsis and themes

The music video for "Going Bad," directed by Kid Art, opens with Meek Mill and Drake portrayed as mob bosses in a opulent hotel lobby, surrounded by a cadre of hip-hop luminaries including T.I., Nipsey Hussle, Swizz Beatz, Mustard, J. Prince, PnB Rock, and Shy Glizzy. The narrative unfolds through high-stakes scenarios, such as the duo gambling on horse races with stacks of cash and cigars in hand, before escalating to intense street action where they race Rolls-Royce Phantoms through Los Angeles at night and culminate in a head-on car crash that symbolizes the destructive potential of their past rivalry. These sequences underscore a storyline of reconciliation and dominance, with the artists leading their posse like a unified syndicate, flaunting power and loyalty after years of tension.^[7][52] Visual motifs blend gritty urban intensity with symbols of affluence, contrasting the chaotic car crashes and street pursuits with sleek, tailored suits, lavish interiors, and high-end vehicles that represent hard-earned success and mobility. The fast cars, in particular, evoke speed and escape from adversity, while the mob-like gatherings highlight camaraderie amid wealth, avoiding overt jewelry displays in favor of subtle opulence to emphasize strategic triumph over flashiness. These elements draw from mafia film aesthetics, reinforcing the video's cinematic tone without delving into procedural details.^[49][52] Thematically, the video ties directly to the song's lyrics by visualizing "going bad" as a metaphorical shift from conflict to victory, where the explosive crash represents the near-fatal fallout of Meek and Drake's 2015 feud, resolved publicly in 2018, transforming into collaborative strength and business alliances. This narrative arc mirrors the track's boasts of resilience and opulent comebacks, portraying the rappers' journey from adversaries to allies as a triumphant evolution in hip-hop's competitive landscape. The video premiered on February 7, 2019, via Meek Mill's official YouTube channel, rapidly accumulating millions of views in its initial days and exceeding 193 million to date.^[7][52][47]

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Going Bad" debuted at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated December 15, 2018, marking Meek Mill's first top 10 entry on the all-genre ranking. The track peaked at the same position and spent a total of 37 weeks on the chart.^[53] On the Hot Rap Songs chart, it reached number one.^[54] Internationally, the song achieved strong placements across multiple territories. It peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and remained on the ranking for 21 weeks.^[55] In Canada, "Going Bad" debuted and peaked at number three on the Canadian Hot 100, logging at least 26 weeks on the chart.^[56] The track entered the Australian ARIA Singles Chart at number 42 before climbing to a peak of number 32.^[57] Similarly, it debuted in New Zealand's top 40, reaching a high of number 30 on the Recorded Music NZ chart and charting for 14 weeks.^[58] The song's chart success was bolstered by robust streaming figures, including 36.1 million U.S. streams during its debut tracking week, which contributed substantially to its multi-metric points on the Billboard Hot 100.^[32] Following its initial surge, "Going Bad" experienced a gradual decline but demonstrated notable longevity, maintaining presence on major charts well into 2019 amid sustained radio play and digital consumption.

Certifications and sales

"Going Bad" earned multiple certifications across various countries, reflecting its strong commercial success. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song 5× Platinum on May 1, 2020, for combined sales and streaming equivalent to 5 million units. As of February 2025, it has surpassed 10 million units, qualifying for Diamond certification eligibility.^[6] Internationally, Music Canada certified the track 5× Platinum, equivalent to 400,000 units in sales and streaming equivalents.^[59] The song received Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom for 600,000 units and Gold certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in Australia for 35,000 units.^[59] The single achieved over 1 million pure digital downloads in the United States. As of 2025, it has surpassed 1.5 billion global streams, contributing significantly to its unit totals. Revenue estimates for the song from 2018 to 2025 exceed $20 million, driven primarily by streaming and download sales.^[46][60]

Cultural impact and legacy

Usage in media

The song "Going Bad" has appeared in several television and sports-related media contexts, highlighting its energetic and triumphant vibe suitable for high-stakes moments. In 2019, Meek Mill performed the track live on Saturday Night Live during the episode hosted by James McAvoy, marking a notable television debut for the collaboration with Drake.^[61] The song is also featured on ESPN's official "Hype Hits | Best of Hip Hop" playlist, curated to accompany sports highlights and montages, where it contributes to the network's promotional content from 2019 onward.^[62]

Influence and covers

"Going Bad" has been credited with influencing reconciliation collaborations in hip-hop, exemplifying how former rivals can reunite for commercial success and demonstrating Drake's strategic approach to featuring on tracks following public feuds. A 2022 analysis highlighted the song as a key example of post-beef partnerships that revitalized artists' careers, noting Drake's pattern of leveraging such features to mend relationships and boost chart performance. This dynamic shifted perceptions of rap rivalries, showing they could evolve into productive alliances rather than permanent divisions.^[63] The track inspired numerous covers across genres, including a violin rendition by DSharp in 2019 that garnered significant online attention for its instrumental reinterpretation, and an arcade-style cover by Arcade Player emphasizing the song's bouncy production. Additionally, fan-driven medleys and remixes proliferated on platforms like YouTube, with creators like KT and Ness offering acoustic and vocal tributes shortly after its release. These covers underscored the song's versatility and enduring appeal beyond its original hip-hop context.^[64][65] On TikTok, "Going Bad" fueled viral dance challenges in 2021, where users incorporated the track's energetic chorus into routines blending the Dougie and pen-tapping elements, amassing millions of views and contributing to its resurgence among younger audiences. These user-generated videos often highlighted the song's themes of moving past conflict, aligning with its lyrical focus on redemption. The song has been sampled and interpolated in subsequent hip-hop tracks, such as NAV and Meek Mill's 2019 collaboration "Tap," which incorporated elements of its piano loop and confident flow to echo themes of triumph. Other instances include Capitaine Canada's 2020 track "Royal," which drew from its melodic structure to build a similar trap-infused vibe. These usages reflect "Going Bad's" role in shaping production trends for boastful, post-struggle anthems. In legacy events, Meek Mill performed "Going Bad" at the 2025 Dreamville Festival, delivering an unannounced set that included the hit alongside other staples, thrilling fans and reinforcing the track's status as a live staple in hip-hop festivals. This appearance highlighted its ongoing cultural resonance in communal celebrations of rap's evolution.^[66]

Personnel and credits

Songwriters and producers

"Going Bad" was written by Robert Rihmeek Williams (professionally known as Meek Mill), Aubrey Drake Graham (professionally known as Drake), Wesley Tyler Watson (professionally known as Wheezy), and Westen Weiss.^[1] These credits are registered through performing rights organizations including ASCAP, where Williams and Weiss are specifically noted as writers.^[67] The production of the track was led by Wheezy, who crafted the primary beat characterized by its trap-influenced rhythm and heavy bass elements, with co-production by Westen Weiss handling additional arrangement details.^[22][68] Although Meek Mill contributed to the creative direction during recording, formal production credits are attributed to Wheezy and Weiss.^[22] Publishing for the song is managed through Warner Chappell Music, Inc., which administers portions of the composition alongside Universal Music Publishing Group, Electric Feel Publishing, and Forever Rich.^[67][69] No notable disputes over writing or production contributions emerged post-release.^[70]

Additional personnel

The mixing of "Going Bad" was performed by Jaycen Joshua at Larrabee Sound Studios in North Hollywood, California, with assistance from engineers Rashawn McLean, Mike Seaberg, and Jacob Richards.^[3][71] The track was mastered by Colin Leonard at SING Mastering in Atlanta, Georgia.^[68][3] Recording was engineered by Anthony Cruz.^[68][3] Background vocals and ad-libs were contributed by members of Meek Mill's recording team, alongside uncredited session vocalists.^[1] Drums and keyboards were programmed by the track's producers, Wheezy and Westen Weiss.^[68] The single's artwork and design incorporated graphic elements consistent with the visual style of the parent album Championships, handled by the project's creative team.^[72]

Release history

Original release

"Going Bad" was released as the lead single from Meek Mill's fourth studio album Championships on November 30, 2018, in digital format via Atlantic Records and Maybach Music Group (MMG).^[3] The track served as the first collaboration between Meek Mill and Drake since their 2015 feud, marking a significant reunion in hip-hop.^[29] The song was included on the Championships album, which launched simultaneously on November 30, 2018, across digital download, CD, and vinyl formats.^[31] The physical CD edition bears the catalog number 585883-2 and barcode 075678653445, distributed internationally by Warner Music Group under its Atlantic imprint.^[73] For tracking purposes, the original recording's ISRC code is USAT21812711.^[74]

Remix and variants

A clean version of "Going Bad" was produced for radio airplay and mainstream broadcasting, featuring edits that remove or replace explicit lyrics while preserving the song's core structure and length of approximately three minutes. This variant eliminates profanity such as curse words in lines like "fuck niggas wanna be me" to meet FCC guidelines and platform standards, making it suitable for pop and urban radio formats. The clean edit debuted alongside the original in late 2018 and remains available on major streaming services, contributing to the track's broader accessibility and sustained plays on stations like Hot 97.^[75] No official remixes were released by Meek Mill or his label, but several notable unofficial variants emerged, particularly in 2019 during the song's peak popularity. These include DJ-driven edits like the Fraze Remix, which infuses house and electronic elements for dance settings, and the FNKY Remix, emphasizing bass-heavy trap production for club environments. Such variants gained traction on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, often used in promotional mixes without label endorsement.^[76][77] Internationally, adapted versions appeared in non-U.S. markets, such as Korean rapper Kid Milli's 2019 teaser for the reality show Show Me the Money 8, which interpolates the beat and hook for a localized hip-hop context. This variant tailored the track's energetic flow to K-hip-hop aesthetics, aiding its promotion in Asian markets through show tie-ins. European promotion relied on the standard clean edit with localized marketing, including playlist placements on services like Deezer, but no unique mixes were commissioned. Unofficial fan edits proliferated post-2020, including sped-up or slowed-down versions for social media trends on TikTok, though none received official acknowledgment from Meek Mill by 2025. Live renditions from tours, such as the 2020 Dolby Atmos performance celebrating the Championships album, introduced improvisational elements like crowd interactions and extended outros, captured in official event recordings and later streamed on Tidal. These acoustic-enhanced variants highlighted the song's anthemic quality in immersive audio formats.^[78]