Hello (feat. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie)

"Hello" is a posthumously released track that serves as a powerful statement of status, confidence, and New York pride for both Pop Smoke and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. The song's primary meaning revolves around celebrating a lifestyle of luxury, success, and dominance. Lyrically, both artists engage in braggadocio, boasting about their wealth, expensive jewelry, designer clothes, and appeal to women. Pop Smoke's chorus, where he declares himself the "king of New York, Melo," is a central theme, comparing his status to that of former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.

A Boogie wit da Hoodie's verse builds on this theme, but adds a layer of poignancy and respect. He co-signs Pop Smoke's claim to the throne and touchingly states, "I'm the King of New York, and on God / If Pop was alive, it would've been two of us." This line serves as a tribute, acknowledging Pop Smoke's immense talent and the legendary status he was on track to achieve before his death. It transforms the song from a simple boastful track into a moment of shared coronation and remembrance.

The song also explores themes of loyalty and authenticity in the face of fame. A Boogie touches on people being disloyal ('bitches be switchin' sides nowadays on the regular'), reinforcing a worldview where trust is scarce and financial security is paramount ('money over bitches'). Overall, "Hello" functions as an anthem of success, a celebration of New York hip-hop, and a poignant 'what if' scenario, solidifying Pop Smoke's legacy as a king of his craft.

The song opens with Pop Smoke's distinct, deep voice painting a picture of his ideal woman and his lavish lifestyle. He describes his preference for attractive, 'redbone' women and immediately establishes his high status, crowning himself the 'king of New York' with a reference to basketball player Carmelo Anthony ('Melo'). His verse is a whirlwind of luxury signifiers: expensive jewelry ('iced out'), international travel ('I'm a Europe boy, Ginóbili'), and high fashion. He confidently states that his reputation precedes him, and there's a sense of effortless cool in his delivery. The chorus is a catchy, repetitive affirmation of these preferences and his royal status in the New York rap scene.

A Boogie wit da Hoodie takes over for the second verse, maintaining the theme of opulence and romantic pursuits, but with his own melodic and slightly more introspective spin. He starts by echoing Pop Smoke's taste in women but quickly pivots to the fickle nature of loyalty, noting how people can switch sides. He asserts a 'money over bitches' philosophy, a common trope in the genre signifying a focus on financial success above all else. His lyrics are filled with specific luxury brand names (like VVS diamonds by Elliot) and declarations of not being tied down by relationships ('never ever give her no wedding ring'). He addresses rumors and hate, dismissing them as the product of jealousy from those who aren't on his level. A Boogie's verse culminates in a powerful and poignant tribute, stating he is the 'King of New York' and that if Pop Smoke were still alive, there would have been two of them sharing the throne. This line carries significant weight, acknowledging Pop Smoke's immense impact and untimely death.

The song's structure then returns to Pop Smoke's verse and chorus, reinforcing the central themes. His verse continues the narrative of a life filled with success, from selling out arenas to dressing in Dior. He uses clever wordplay, comparing his effect on women to the dynamic between Ike and Tina Turner and his drug-dealing talk to Demi Lovato's name. The track is a celebration of making it, a confident declaration of dominance in the rap game, and a showcase of the chemistry between two of New York's biggest stars. The recurring 'hello' in the chorus acts as a casual, almost dismissive greeting to the world from a position of power and wealth.

"Hello" was released on July 20, 2020, as the 30th track on the deluxe edition of Pop Smoke's posthumous debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. The album itself was executively produced by 50 Cent, who took on the project after Pop Smoke's murder in February 2020 to fulfill the young artist's vision. The collaboration with A Boogie wit da Hoodie was first teased by Pop Smoke's manager, Steven Victor, on July 8, 2020.

The song was written by Pop Smoke (Bashar Jackson), A Boogie wit da Hoodie (Julius Dubose), Steven Victor, Jason Avalos, Alex Petit, and Ricardo Lamarre. Production was handled by CashMoneyAP (Petit) and Rico Beats (Lamarre), with additional production from L3gion (Avalos). The track was recorded by Nate Alford and Alex Estevez, and mixed and mastered by Jess Jackson. Following its release on the deluxe album, "Hello" was officially serviced to US rhythmic contemporary radio as the album's sixth single on February 9, 2021, by Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Hello" are central to its catchy and confident vibe. The song is set to a tempo of approximately 131 BPM in a 4/4 time signature, creating a high-energy and danceable feel.

Pop Smoke's chorus employs a simple but effective AABB-style rhyme scheme:
"I like my bitches redbone, ass fat, Jell-O /
Lightskin, yellow, iced out, hello /
I'm the king of New York, Melo /
Black hair by the regis and pello."

He uses slant rhymes (Jell-O, hello, Melo, pello) to create a hook that is both memorable and rhythmically satisfying. His flow is direct and percussive, hitting the beat with a force that emphasizes his authority. His verses follow a similar rhythmic pattern, with end rhymes often landing squarely on the beat.

A Boogie wit da Hoodie's verse introduces a more complex, melodic flow. He stretches and contracts his phrases, often using internal rhymes and weaving in and out of the beat. For example: "But bitches be switchin' sides nowadays on the regular / I never respected it." His delivery is smoother and more syncopated, providing a dynamic contrast to Pop Smoke's straightforward approach. The interplay between Pop Smoke's deep, rhythmic cadence and A Boogie's fluid, auto-tuned melody creates the song's signature texture and appeal.

"Hello" showcases several stylistic techniques that define Pop Smoke's and A Boogie wit da Hoodie's artistry.

• Vocal Delivery: The song is a study in contrasting vocal styles. Pop Smoke employs his signature deep, gravelly, and aggressive baritone, which gives his lines a sense of authority and menace. This contrasts sharply with A Boogie's melodic, auto-tuned, and more emotive delivery, which often sounds like he's 'crying a little bit' into the microphone, adding a layer of vulnerability to his boasts.
• Instrumentation: The production by CashMoneyAP and Rico Beats moves away from the aggressive drill beats Pop Smoke was famous for. Instead, it features a more melodic, trap-influenced sound built around piano, strings, and conventional drum patterns. This smoother instrumental backdrop allows both artists' vocal performances and lyrical themes to stand out.
• Ad-libs and Producer Tags: The track is punctuated by iconic producer tags like "Rico's going crazy again" and "CashMoneyAP," which are staples in modern hip-hop, grounding the song within its genre. Pop Smoke's own ad-libs, like his famous 'Woo,' are a key part of his sonic signature.
• Narrative Voice: Both artists adopt confident, first-person narrative personas. They speak directly from their own perspectives, detailing their preferences, accomplishments, and worldview, which creates a sense of authenticity and direct communication with the listener.
• Slang and Cultural References: The lyrics are dense with contemporary slang ('redbone,' 'iced out') and pop culture references (Manu Ginóbili, Carmelo Anthony, Ike & Tina, Demi Lovato), which roots the song firmly in its cultural moment and adds layers of meaning for those familiar with the terminology.

"Hello" made a significant cultural impact, further cementing Pop Smoke's legacy after his death. The song was a commercial success, initially peaking at number one on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 before entering the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 83. It performed even better on other charts, reaching number 32 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and eventually hitting number one on the Rhythmic radio chart in May 2021. The track was certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States, signifying over one million units sold.

The song became popular on social media, especially on TikTok, where it was used in numerous trends and videos. Its catchy hook and confident energy made it a go-to sound for creators. The public reception was strong, with Pandora naming it one of the most "liked" songs of late 2020. Fellow artist Bobby Shmurda notably celebrated his release from prison by listening to the song, and actor Damson Idris praised its infectious energy. The collaboration itself was seen as a major New York moment, with A Boogie wit da Hoodie's tribute to Pop Smoke being a widely discussed and respected line that highlighted the sense of unity and loss within the city's rap community.

The lyrics of "Hello" are rich with symbolism and cultural references that elevate its braggadocious themes.

• "King of New York, Melo": This is a primary metaphor used by Pop Smoke. By comparing himself to Carmelo Anthony, a basketball superstar for the New York Knicks, he's not just claiming a title; he's aligning himself with a figure of immense popularity and skill in the city, effectively claiming the throne of New York's rap scene.
• "I'm a Europe boy, Ginóbili": This line is a clever double entendre. It refers to his international appeal and travels, while also alluding to basketball player Manu Ginóbili, who was famous for his signature move, the "Euro step." This metaphor connects Pop Smoke's global reach with the finesse and skill of a renowned athlete.
• King of New York Film Reference: The "King of New York" claim may also be a nod to the 1990 film of the same name starring Christopher Walken. Pop Smoke referenced Walken in another song, "Christopher Walking," suggesting an affinity for the film's themes of power and criminal enterprise.
• "Iced out, hello": The word "hello" is used here as a symbolic, almost casual announcement of arrival. It's the verbal equivalent of a flashy piece of jewelry catching someone's eye—a confident and understated declaration of presence and wealth.
• A Boogie's Tribute: The line "If Pop was alive, it would've been two of us" is a powerful symbolic statement. It elevates their collaboration beyond a simple feature, creating a metaphorical dual monarchy over New York hip-hop and cementing Pop Smoke's legacy.

The most prominent recurring motif in "Hello" is the declaration of being the "King of New York." This phrase is central to the song's identity. Pop Smoke introduces it in the chorus, linking it to basketball star "Melo" (Carmelo Anthony). The repetition of this line serves as the song's main thesis, a confident assertion of dominance in the city's competitive rap scene. A Boogie wit da Hoodie directly references and expands on this motif in his verse, respectfully stating that had Pop Smoke lived, they would have shared the title. This transforms the recurring phrase from a simple boast into a shared legacy.

Another key recurring phrase is Pop Smoke's description of his preferred partner: "I like my bitches redbone, ass fat, Jell-O / Lightskin, yellow, iced out, hello." This line repeats multiple times, functioning as a hook that underscores the lifestyle of luxury and specific tastes that come with his success. The word "hello" itself is a recurring verbal tic that acts as a cool, understated greeting to his status.

The theme of money and luxury is a constant motif, referenced through phrases like "iced out," "Dior on my body," and A Boogie's mantra-like statement, "Money over bitches, I know that's everything." These recurring elements paint a consistent picture of a world defined by wealth, power, and the artists' place at the top.