I'm a Thug

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"I'm a Thug"
Single by Trick Daddy
from the album Thugs Are Us
ReleasedMay 24, 2001
GenreHip hop
Length4:14
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Righteous Funk Boogie
Trick Daddy singles chronology
"Take It to da House"
(2001)
"I'm a Thug"
(2001)
"I Luv"
(2001)
Music video
"I'm a Thug" on YouTube

"I'm a Thug" is a song by American rapper Trick Daddy, and the second single from his fourth studio album Thugs Are Us (2001). Produced by Righteous Funk Boogie, it peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is Trick Daddy's second highest-charting song, behind "Let's Go".

Background and composition[edit]

The track serves as an ode to Trick Daddy's labelmate Buddy Roe, who at the time was serving a life term in federal prison for possession of cocaine. Lyrically, Trick raps about being perceived as a bad person due to his race and resemblance to a thug, in contrast to who he really is, and condemns the judicial system.[1][2] The track also features a choir of children singing about being a "thug" with enthusiasm.[1][3]

Critical reception[edit]

Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic cited the song as a highlight of Thugs Are Us.[4]

Music video[edit]

The official music video was directed by Nick Quested. In one moment in the video, Trick hands out treats from an ice cream truck to a bunch of kids running toward him.[1]

Charts[edit]

Chart (2001) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[5] 17
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] 8
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[7] 16
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[8] 10

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Ducreay, Safra (July 25, 2018). "How Trick Daddy's 'I'm A Thug' Gave a Voice to the Voiceless". The Boombox. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  2. ^ Baker, Soren (March 16, 2001). "Trick Daddy Raises Slip-N-Slide Profile With Thugs Are Us". MTV. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  3. ^ "Trick Daddy - Thugs Are Us". HipHopDX. May 29, 2001. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  4. ^ Birchmeier, Jason. "Thugs Are Us - Trick Daddy | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  5. ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  6. ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  7. ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  8. ^ "Trick Daddy Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2022.