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Like a G6
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| "Like a G6" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Far East Movement featuring the Cataracs and Dev | ||||
| from the album Free Wired | ||||
| Released | April 13, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2009 | |||
| Genre | Electro-hop[1] | |||
| Length | 3:38 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | The Cataracs | |||
| Far East Movement singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| The Cataracs singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Dev singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Like a G6" on YouTube | ||||
"Like a G6" is a song by American music group Far East Movement featuring American production duo the Cataracs and American singer Dev, released on April 13, 2010 as the lead single from Far East Movement's third studio album Free Wired. The song was initially posted on November 4, 2009 on Far East Movement's YouTube page.[2] An electro-hop club song, Dev sing-raps the song's hook and the verses are performed by Far East Movement.[3]
"Like a G6" peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for three non-consecutive weeks, becoming the first single by Asian-American artists to do so and the first by any artists of East Asian origin since Kyu Sakamoto's 1963 single "Sukiyaki". Outside of the United States, "Like a G6" topped the chart in New Zealand, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in numerous countries, including Australia, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.
Background
[edit]
Dev's vocals in "Like a G6" are sampled from her previous song "Booty Bounce", another song written and produced by the Cataracs.[4] The "G6" in the song came about when the Cataracs were looking for a rhyme for the line "Sippin' sizzurp in my ride, like Three 6", a reference to the 2000 song "Sippin' on Some Syrup" by rap group Three 6 Mafia.[5] They settled on "G6", meant to be a reference to the private airplane model Gulfstream IV, referred to as a "G4". The G4 had been name-checked in songs such as Drake's 2009 "Forever". A G6, they decided, was "flyer than a G4", according to Far East Movement member Kev Nish.[6] The song has been incorrectly speculated to be about other things, including the Pontiac G6[7][8] and the Suunto G6 watch. When the song came out, the Gulfstream G650 model already existed, although the song's writers were not aware of this at the time.[5] Since then, the Gulfstream G600 has also been announced.
Reception
[edit]The song sold 4 million paid downloads in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan in 2011.[9]
Gulfstream Aerospace has stated that they were "thrilled" about the product reference.[7]
Music video
[edit]The music video, which was directed by Matt Alonzo premiered on YouTube and Vevo on June 3, 2010. The line "sippin' sizzurp" and the word "slizzered" are censored on some channels. It follows a woman in a red dress (Erica Ocampo) picking up a friend from a restaurant and going to a liquor store, presumably in preparation for a party. A later scene shows the woman and her friends at the party, Colette Carr also make a cameo, Dev, the Cataracs and the members of Far East Movement can also be seen in this party scene. The final scene shows the members of Far East Movement getting on a Gulfstream IV the next morning.
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit] |
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[66] | 3× Platinum | 210,000^ |
| Belgium (BRMA)[67] | Gold | 15,000* |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[68] | 2× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[69] | 4× Platinum | 320,000‡ |
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[70] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| Germany (BVMI)[71] | Platinum | 300,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[72] | 4× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
| Sweden (GLF)[73] | Gold | 20,000‡ |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[74] | Gold | 15,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[75] | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[76] | 4× Platinum | 4,000,000* |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Version | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | April 13, 2010 | Digital download | Original | [77] | |
| United Kingdom | November 14, 2010 | Remixes | [78] |
Covers and parodies
[edit]- Diddy – Dirty Money covered "Like a G6" as part of their set for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in the United Kingdom, alongside "Coming Home".[79] The song then appeared on the sixth compilation of the Live Lounge.[80]
- Connor Anderson made a parody of the song called "Roll a D6".[81][82][83]
- Russian rapper Big Baby Tape released a remix of the song in December 2022.[84]
- In 2024, Girl On Couch & Billen Ted's song "Man In Finance" ("G6 Trust Fund") uses the legendary sample from the Far East Movement's song "Like A G6", and David Guetta's version also uses this sample on the remix of Girl On Couch & Billen Ted "Man In Finance."
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Thompson, Erin (August 24, 2010). "Far East Movement, with Hyper Crush, The Cataracs, Dev, DJ Eye. Showbox". Seattle Weekly.
- ^ ""LIKE a G6" (OFFICIAL) FAR EAST MOVEMENT (FM) feat the Cataracs & Dev". November 4, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Resurrector: "Like a G6"". The Believer. March 27, 2025.
- ^ Billy Johnson Jr. (November 10, 2010). "Pop Rap Newcomer Dev 'Feels So Fly Like A G6′". The New Now. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
- ^ a b Jue, Teresa (September 18, 2010). "Bruin Bash lineup looks to fulfill diverse musical tastes". The Daily Bruin. Archived from the original on September 14, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
- ^ "Far East Movement: Insider Interview". Yahoo. Modern Beats. August 15, 2010. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011.
- ^ a b Alex Konrad (October 8, 2010). "Fly like a G6?". Fortune.
- ^ Michael Menachem (September 3, 2010). "Far East Movement Featuring the Cataracs & Dev, "Like a G6"". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- ^ Grein, Paul (January 12, 2011). "Week Ending Jan. 9, 2011: Songs: Another Taboo Falls". Yahoo! Music Blog. Yahoo! Inc. Archived from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 12, 2010.
- ^ "Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 86. Fevereiro de 2011.
- ^ "Brasil Hot Pop & Popular Songs". Billboard Brasil (Brasil: bpp) (2): 86. Fevereiro de 2011.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Charts – TopHit – Highway to Airplay". TopHit. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI – CZ Radio – Top 100 – 1. týden 2011" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6". Tracklisten. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "Hits of the World: European Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Vol. 122, no. 49. December 11, 2010. p. 91.
- ^ "Suomen Virallinen Lista". Musiikkituottajat.
- ^ "Classement des ventes de titres téléchargés en France du 15 novembre au 21 novembre 2010" (in French). Chartsinfrance.net. Archived from the original on December 4, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Like a G6". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "Dance Chart :: Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video" (in Polish). ZPAV. January 1, 2011. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart". TopHit. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 27/12/2010 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201047 into search.
- ^ "Digital Chart – Week 45 of 2010". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6". Singles Top 100. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "Far * East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev – Like a G6". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 5/12/2010 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart on 27/11/2010 – Top 40". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Dev Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2010". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2010". Ultratop. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ "Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2010". Crowley Broadcast Analysis. April 3, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ "Charts Year End: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved May 2, 2010.[dead link]
- ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2010". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ "dutchcharts.nl - Dutch charts portal". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Hung Medien / hitparade.ch. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
- ^ "Top Selling Singles of 2010". Recorded Music New Zealand Limited. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ "International Digital Chart – 2010". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Årslista Singlar – År 2010" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 - 2010". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
- ^ "Best of 2010: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Pop Songs – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
- ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2011". Ultratop. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
- ^ "Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2011". Crowley Broadcast Analysis. April 3, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
- ^ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2011". Billboard. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
- ^ "Top de l'année Top Singles 2011" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart 2011" (in Russian). TopHit. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ "International Digital Chart – 2011". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Årslista Singlar – År 2011" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
- ^ "End of Year Chart 2011" (PDF). ChartsPlus. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ^ "Best of 2011: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011. Retrieved December 9, 2011.
- ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2011". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2011 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
- ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2011". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Far East Movement – Like a G6" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Far East Movement – Like a G6". Music Canada. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
- ^ "Danish single certifications". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Far East Movement feat. Cataracs & Dev; 'Like a G6')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Far East Movement feat. The Cataracs and Dev – Like a G6". Radioscope. Type Like a G6 in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2010" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011.
- ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Like a G6')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
- ^ "British single certifications – Far East Movement/Cataracs/Dev – Like a G6". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
- ^ "American single certifications – Far East Movement – Like a G6". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Like a G6 (feat. The Cataracs & Dev) - Single by Far East Movement". itunes.apple.com. April 13, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
- ^ "Like a G6 (UK Remixes Version)". Discogs. November 14, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
- ^ "Diddy Dirty Money in the Live Lounge". BBC. January 20, 2011.
- ^ "BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge - Volume 6 - Tracklist". Amazon. October 31, 2011.
- ^ England, Dan (May 10, 2011). "Greeley filmmaker's Dungeons & Dragons shout-out sets the Internet on fire". Greeley Tribune. McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
- ^ Goodman, William (May 4, 2011). ""Roll a D6" is sweet music video for fantasy gamers". CBS. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
- ^ Ewalt, David M. (May 10, 2011). "D&D Parody Song "Roll A D6" Scores A Critical Hit". Forbes. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
- ^ "Big Baby Tape выпустил трек "Like A G6"". The-Flow.ru (in Russian). Retrieved February 4, 2023.
Like a G6
View on GrokipediaBackground and production
Development
"Like a G6" originated as the lead single for Far East Movement's third studio album, Free Wired, with its conception dating back to late 2009 during the group's transition to major-label production under Cherrytree Records and Interscope.[5] The track was developed amid the quartet's efforts to craft a high-energy party anthem that could bridge their underground roots with mainstream appeal, building on their previous mixtapes like Party Animal.[6] The song's title and central hook drew inspiration from the slang term "G6," shorthand for the then-upcoming Gulfstream G650, a high-end private jet emblematic of luxury, success, and elevated partying lifestyles in hip-hop culture. The phrase was coined by The Cataracs and Dev as an upgrade from the "G4" private jet mentioned by Drake in his 2009 verse on "Forever".[7][2] This motif captured the group's vision of aspirational escapism, positioning the track as a sonic embodiment of flying high above everyday constraints.[2] Key collaborations formed the backbone of the song's creation, with Far East Movement—consisting of Kev Nish (Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (James Roh), J-Splif (Jae Won Chung), and DJ Virman (Virman Coqula)—partnering with production duo The Cataracs, David Singer-Vine and Niles Hollowell-Dhar, who handled beats and co-writing.[6] Vocalist Dev (Devin Star Tailes) joined for the featured role, her involvement stemming from being discovered by The Cataracs on MySpace in 2009.[8][1] Songwriting credits were shared among The Cataracs, Far East Movement, and Dev, with early demos emphasizing pulsating electro-house beats designed to dominate club play and draw in dancefloor crowds.[8] The decision to position "Like a G6" as the lead single solidified in early 2010, driven by its standout catchy hook—largely derived from Dev's earlier demo "Booty Bounce"—which tested strongly for viral potential and crossover radio play. This choice aligned with Free Wired's overall theme of global connectivity and nightlife exuberance, setting the stage for the album's release later that year.[5]Recording and composition
The song "Like a G6" was primarily recorded at The Cataracs' pool house studio in Berkeley, California, with additional production sessions occurring in Los Angeles during 2009 and 2010.[9][1][10] Produced by The Cataracs duo of Niles Hollowell-Dhar and David Singer-Vine, the track employed electronic production techniques including synthesizers for melodic elements, heavy bass drops derived from an accidental drag-and-drop in software that formed the core bass progression, and auto-tuned vocals processed with compression, EQ, and reverb for a polished club sound.[10][11][12] The beat was constructed around a 128 BPM electro-house rhythm, integrating hip-hop verse patterns to blend dance and rap elements seamlessly.[13] Dev's vocals were recorded by layering multiple takes of the hook—adapted from her earlier demo "Booty Bounce"—to emphasize the chorus phrasing, with ad-libs incorporated during sessions to inject additional energy and texture.[1][12] Instrumentation centered on electronic synths producing a signature blooping riff evocative of jet engine hums, drum machines for percussive drive to sustain a high-energy, club-ready aesthetic with minimal clutter.[1] The final composition lasts 3:38 and is set in G minor, fusing crunk aggression, electropop sheen, and dirty south hip-hop grooves.[14][15]Music and lyrics
Musical structure
"Like a G6" employs a verse-chorus form typical of early 2010s electro-hop tracks, featuring two verses delivered by Far East Movement, a pre-chorus build-up that heightens tension, an explosive chorus sung by Dev, a bridge breakdown, and a final chorus that fades out.[16] The structure begins with the chorus after a brief introduction, adhering to a chorus-verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus pattern (or B-A-B-A-B-C-B where B represents the chorus and A the verse), which allows for dynamic shifts between rap sections and melodic hooks.[17][16] The arrangement opens with an iconic synth riff establishing the track's electronic foundation, followed by the first chorus, the first verse, a second chorus, the second verse, an instrumental drop in the bridge that emphasizes bass-heavy elements, and the closing chorus.[18] Written in G minor at 125 beats per minute, the song's tempo and key contribute to its energetic, club-ready pace.[15] Stylistically, "Like a G6" fuses hip-hop rap delivery in the verses with EDM drops during the choruses, drawing influence from 2010s party anthems like those by David Guetta, creating a seamless blend of urban and electronic dance music.[19] Production techniques include heavy use of Auto-Tune on the rap sections to achieve a futuristic, robotic vocal texture, complemented by rising synth melodies that evoke the "jet-like" soaring sensation central to the track's vibe. Vocals are multi-layered and processed with saturation, compression, and reverb for a metallic sheen, enhancing the overall high-energy arrangement.[12][20]Themes and interpretation
The song "Like a G6" centers on the celebration of an extravagant nightlife, embodying themes of wealth, escapism, and unbridled luxury within hip-hop and electro-pop culture. The titular "G6" serves as a metaphor for soaring to elite heights, inspired by the Gulfstream G650 private jet, which symbolizes opulence and detachment from everyday constraints; group member Kev Nish described it to MTV News as an upgrade from the "G4" referenced in prior rap tracks, emphasizing a "flyer" lifestyle.[2] This imagery extends to escapism through high-end partying, where the protagonists revel in a world of excess, detached like passengers on a private flight. Lyrically, the verses paint vivid club scenes of indulgence, with lines like "Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a blizzard" evoking champagne toasts amid VIP exclusivity and relentless nightlife energy, while the chorus reinforces aspirational motifs of feeling "so fly like a G6" amid "autotune spazzin'" and carefree abandon.[18] The hook's reference to "Sippin' sizzurp in my ride, like Three 6"—alluding to Three 6 Mafia's codeine-inspired "Sippin' on Some Syrup"—introduces subtle nods to substance use in hip-hop traditions, though Nish clarified to Complex Magazine that the "sizz" in his verse denotes the sizzle of poured champagne rather than endorsement of drugs, positioning the track as a party anthem over explicit advocacy.[2] This wordplay blends aviation luxury with slang for elevated states, popularizing "G6" as shorthand for elite, euphoric partying. Interpretations of the song often highlight its role in Asian-American representation, as Far East Movement became the first such group to top the Billboard Hot 100, channeling themes of success and cultural breakthrough through universal motifs of triumph and visibility in mainstream music.[21] While not overtly autobiographical, the track's escapist fantasy subtly reflects the group's navigation of hip-hop's party ethos, offering an inclusive lens on achievement without direct confrontation of identity politics.[22]Release and promotion
Commercial release
"Like a G6" was commercially released as the lead digital single on April 13, 2010, through Cherrytree Records and Interscope Records.[23][24] Following the group's signing to Cherrytree/Interscope in February 2010 after prior independent releases, the track marked their major label debut ahead of the album Free Wired.[2] The single launched primarily in digital format and was later incorporated into the Free Wired album, issued on October 12, 2010.[25][26] Additional formats included promotional CD singles distributed in select markets such as Japan.[27] Single packaging showcased artwork depicting neon club aesthetics, capturing a high-energy nightlife vibe, and the track was bundled with Free Wired album pre-orders to drive anticipation.[8] The distribution strategy prioritized a U.S. launch, with subsequent international expansion to Europe and Asia. It received U.S. rhythmic radio airplay starting in July 2010.[28]| Region | Date | Format | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | April 13, 2010 | Digital download | Cherrytree, Interscope | [23] |
| United States | July 2010 | Rhythmic radio | Cherrytree, Interscope | [28] |
| United Kingdom | November 14, 2010 | Digital download | Cherrytree, Interscope | [29] |
