Motley Crew

"Motley Crew" is a high-energy anthem that serves as a celebration of Post Malone's success, wealth, and the loyal, diverse group of friends and collaborators that surround him. The title itself is a double entendre; it directly references the term for an eclectic, assorted group of people, which is how he views his entourage. Simultaneously, it pays homage to the iconic '80s glam metal band Mötley Crüe, known for their wild, hedonistic lifestyle, which mirrors the themes of the song. The presence of the band's drummer, Tommy Lee, in the music video further solidifies this connection. The core message is a triumphant declaration of dominance in the music industry, underscored by themes of loyalty, opulence, and unapologetic flexing. Lyrically, Post Malone boasts about his riches, expensive jewelry, and the power his crew wields, suggesting they are a formidable force. According to Malone, the song was also inspired by the feeling of wanting to get back to partying and live shows after a period of lockdown, capturing a sense of pent-up energy and the desire for communal celebration.

The song opens with an immediate immersion into a disoriented, hedonistic state, suggesting a wild party where the artist has lost track of his surroundings. He quickly shifts to a command for everyone to get up and get active, setting a high-energy tone. The lyrics then transition into a confident declaration of his status and power, likening his associates to deadly assassins like John Wick, implying they are a formidable and loyal group not to be trifled with. He boasts about his ability to bypass queues and social norms, a privilege that comes with his fame and wealth.

The central chorus is a repetitive, chant-like affirmation of his success and the collective power of his crew. He describes the chaos and excitement of his lifestyle, with money overflowing and jewelry so heavy it’s difficult to lift. The phrase “motley crew” is the anchor, defining his diverse and rowdy circle of friends and collaborators. This isn't just a group; it's an army, a powerful collective that moves together with purpose and flash.

In the second verse, the artist continues to flaunt his extravagant life. He paints a picture of reckless fun, hanging out of car roofs while under the influence, and showing off his dazzling, mobile-like diamond jewelry. The lyrics delve into imagery of luxury vehicles, specifically mentioning a mysterious black car with a yellow interior, comparing himself to a star, referencing Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. This verse reinforces the themes of opulence, defiance, and living a life that is both serious in its success and playful in its execution. He explicitly states he came with his gang, a “myriad,” before repeating the core idea: he came with the “motley crew.” The repetition emphasizes the importance of his team and their collective identity in his success and public persona. The song is a relentless celebration of achievement, friendship, and the spoils of a rockstar life, all delivered with an infectious, bragging energy.

"Motley Crew" was released on July 9, 2021, marking Post Malone's first solo single in nearly two years, following his 2019 album Hollywood's Bleeding. The song was first teased by his manager, Dre London, on Instagram on July 4, 2021, which is also Post Malone's birthday. London announced the single's upcoming release and mentioned they had just finished shooting a "MOVIE" for it. The track was produced by two of Post Malone's frequent collaborators, Louis Bell and D.A. Got That Dope. D.A. Doman created the beat in his home studio without Malone specifically in mind, but felt it would be a good fit and sent it to his manager. Post Malone reportedly recorded the vocals in a remote location, far from any major city, and the isolation of the pandemic was thought to have added an extra edge to his performance, capturing a collective feeling of wanting to get back outside. The accompanying music video, directed by Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade, was a significant part of the song's release strategy. It was filmed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, and features a prominent racing theme. The video is notable for its numerous cameos, including Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, rappers like Big Sean, Tyga, and Ty Dolla $ign, and NASCAR drivers Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin, reinforcing the song's "motley crew" theme.

"Motley Crew" is characterized by a driving, straightforward rhythm and a rhyme scheme that prioritizes flow and impact over complex poetic structures. The song is set in a common time signature with a fast tempo, creating a high-energy feel perfect for its party anthem theme. The rhythmic foundation is a classic trap beat with booming 808s and rapid, skittering hi-hats that propel the track forward.

Post Malone's lyrical delivery often employs a loose, conversational flow that rides on top of the beat. The rhyme scheme is predominantly based on couplets and short, internal rhyme clusters, typical of the genre. For example, in the verse, he rhymes "crew" with "juice" and "roof," and then "jewels" with "move" and "queue." This approach makes the lyrics feel direct and punchy. The hook is built on repetition and simple, memorable rhymes ("crazy," "Mercedes," "pay me," "Katie"), making it easy to chant along to. The rhythm of the chorus is particularly emphatic and syncopated, designed to be a memorable and impactful centerpiece of the song.

"Motley Crew" employs a range of stylistic techniques to create its aggressive, high-energy, and braggadocious atmosphere.

• Vocal Delivery: Post Malone utilizes a distinct vocal style that blurs the line between rapping and singing, a hallmark of his music. In this track, his delivery is notably energetic and somewhat nasal, particularly in the repetitive hook, which helps it cut through the heavy bass of the instrumental. The use of autotune and pitch-shifting is prominent, creating a modern, stylized sound that aligns with the trap genre.
• Repetitive Hook: The chorus is built around heavy repetition of phrases like "Crew go crazy" and the title itself. This makes the song incredibly catchy and chant-like, suitable for live performances and creating an anthemic feel.
• Ad-libs and Interjections: Throughout the track, Post Malone uses ad-libs (e.g., "Ooh," "Wow, uh") to add energy, punctuate his lines, and fill sonic space, a common technique in trap music to maintain momentum.
• Instrumentation: The beat, crafted by D.A. Got That Dope and Louis Bell, is characteristic of the trap genre, featuring a deep, resonant 808 bassline, crisp hi-hats, and a relatively sparse, haunting melodic element. This minimalist but powerful instrumental provides a strong foundation for Malone's vocal performance without overcrowding it.
• Lyrical Bragging (Flexing): The lyrical content is a prime example of flexing, a common trope in hip-hop where the artist boasts about wealth, status, women, and power. Lines about heavy chains, overflowing money, and exclusive access are central to the song's narrative.

"Motley Crew" marked Post Malone's return to the music scene as a solo artist after nearly two years, generating significant anticipation and media coverage. Upon release, the song achieved notable chart success, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Canadian Hot 100. Its biggest cultural impact arguably came from its star-studded music video directed by Cole Bennett. The video's high production value and numerous cameos from figures across music and sports—including Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, rappers like Big Sean and French Montana, and NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace—created a significant pop culture moment. This cross-pollination of celebrities reinforced the song's theme and broadened its appeal. The song solidified Post Malone's well-documented appreciation for rock and metal, creating a bridge between his hip-hop sound and his rock influences, particularly through the explicit homage to Mötley Crüe and Tommy Lee. While some critics found the song repetitive or uninspired, it was largely seen as a successful return to his rap roots after the more pop-leaning direction of his previous album.

The song uses several key symbols and metaphors to enhance its themes of wealth, power, and a rockstar lifestyle.

• The "Motley Crew": The central metaphor of the song. It refers to Post Malone's diverse group of friends and collaborators, presenting them as a powerful, unified force. It also directly invokes the image of the band Mötley Crüe, symbolizing a hedonistic, rebellious, and larger-than-life existence.
• Racing and Cars: The music video is set at a racetrack, with Post Malone and his crew celebrating a victory. This symbolizes his rapid ascent to the top of the music industry, the fast-paced nature of his life, and the idea that he is "winning" at the game of fame. The mention of cars from "Fast & Furious" in the lyrics further connects to this theme of speed, danger, and a cinematic lifestyle.
• John Wick: Referencing "John Wick hitters" is a metaphor for having a crew that is ruthlessly efficient, loyal, and dangerous, elevating his group from mere friends to a formidable security detail.
• Jewelry and Wealth: The recurring imagery of heavy chains and overflowing cash ("No rubber band is big enough") serves as a direct and unapologetic symbol of his immense success and financial status. The line about diamonds that "move" suggests not just quality but a dynamic, attention-grabbing opulence.
• Sirius: The lyric "Bitch, I'm a star, I'm Sirius" is a clever pun. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, metaphorically stating he is at the pinnacle of stardom. It also plays on the word "serious," implying that his success and presence are not to be taken lightly.

The most significant recurring element in "Motley Crew" is the phrase "motley crew" itself, which appears in the chorus and at the end of the second verse. This repetition drills the central theme of the song into the listener's mind: the power and identity of his diverse and loyal entourage. Its recurrence acts as the song's primary hook and thematic anchor.

Another key recurring phrase is "Crew go crazy," which emphasizes the wild, untamable energy of his group and their lifestyle. This line reinforces the celebratory and chaotic atmosphere of the track.

The motif of immense wealth is also constantly reinforced through recurring imagery and phrases related to money and jewelry. The lines "Count up the bands, stickin' up / No rubber band is big enough / Chain is so heavy, can't pick it up" are repeated in the hook, serving as a constant reminder of the extravagant success that is a core part of the song's identity and message.