Clout (Offset song)
"Clout" is a song by American rapper Offset featuring his wife Cardi B, released as the second single from his debut solo album Father of 4 on March 15, 2019.[1][2] Although the song initially charted following the album's release, it reached the top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100 after the release of its music video in April 2019. It received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 62nd Grammy Awards,[3] marking Offset's first nomination as a soloist outside of Migos.[4]
"Clout"
Background[edit]
The song is a criticism of those who use others for fame, including social climbers or "clout chasers", with the lyrics calling out those who have "the Instagram disease".[1] "Clout" marks Offset and Cardi B's fifth collaboration, following "Um Yea", "Lick (Remix)", "MotorSport" and "Drip".[5]
Critical reception[edit]
Writing for AllMusic, Fred Thomas opined that the song "is made by Cardi B's high-energy, high-confrontation cameo."[6] Charles Holmes of Rolling Stone found Cardi's performance "brutal, swift and nimble" and considered it among the best on the album; he noted the song features her "dismantling a variety of unnamed detractors: rappers, blogs, trolls."[7] In NME, Sam Moore opined that Cardi B demonstrates "her show-stopping prowess" in her verse.[8] HotNewHipHop stated that "hip-hop's power couple" delivers "the hardest-hitting banger on the project, blasting the opps while they're at it."[9] In Exclaim!, Kyle Mullin described it as a "swaggering, ominous keys peppered" song, where Cardi B sounds "like the biggest rapper in the world as she nimbly mocks gossipy, nosy haters trolling her in vain."[10] Similarly, Highsnobiety's Thomas Hobbs said that her verse delivers "a necessary dose of energy."[11]
In Consequence of Sound, Wren Graves found "explosive potential" in the song, and noticed that in an album lyrically centered on his personal life, Offset "has retreated to platitudes" and "turn their attention to bloggers" instead of giving details about their relationship, further commenting, "perhaps the marriage wasn't in a place where the couple felt comfortable discussing it."[12] Brian Josephs of Entertainment Weekly deemed the song "a gem", "anchored by a Cardi B verse" to "express her indignation," and noted the hook "features a relatable amount of deadpanned disgust;" however, Josephs felt "unfortunate" that "a song about clout chasers is a highlight from an album introducing a family man."[13] Trent Clarck of HipHopDX felt the performers "can absolutely do better."[14]
Live performances[edit]
Cardi and Offset both performed "Clout" at the 2019 BET Awards, along with a performance of "Press".[21] They also performed "Clout" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on July 17, 2019.[22]
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Father of 4.[26]
Personnel
Recording and management