Whats Poppin

Creation and composition[edit]

Pooh Beatz and JetsonMade's collaboration was their second, after working on DaBaby's hit song "Suge", with them both stating how they were already interested in each other's work prior to the creation of "Whats Poppin".^[4] The two toyed with different sounds until they were certain they had produced a perfect beat for the song, which ended up becoming one of 2020's biggest hits.^[4] PoohBeatz claimed that the songs title came after a conversation with Harlow about how he wants him to rap for the song, as he had been "popping shit", causing Harlow to think about the title "What's Poppin". The beat for the song was one of the first that the producers came up with, after tweaking with the original and chopping parts out, they found the final version which was a simplistic beat, following from the two's success with "Suge". They said that the simpler the beat, the better, as it allows for the artists creativity to flourish.^[4] The use of the 808 pattern was critical in ensuring that the song had enough 'bounce' to be a hit. After this, Harlow stated that he really enjoyed working with the 808 pattern and attempted to incorporate it into his later music. However, JetsonMade made a slight alteration to the 808 pattern, which he thought was crucial in making the song sound better aesthetically. Harlow later stated that when he heard the beat that "this one of the only beats I've ever just like heard, and was like I need this right now".^[4] PoohBeatz has also said that he has thoroughly enjoyed the aftermath of the drop of "Whats Poppin" where it has been featured in commercials, as well as the community making remixes. Additionally, Cole Bennett, a music video producer, sent Harlow a message suggesting some alterations to the song to make it more catchy, which Harlow ending up agreeing upon.^[5]