"Real as It Gets" is a song by American rapper

Lil Baby Dominique Armani Jones (born December 3, 1994), known professionally as Lil Baby, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to mainstream fame in 2017 following the release of his mixtape ''Perfect Timing''. *Alt URL* * His deb ...

, featuring vocals from fellow American rapper

EST Gee George Albert Stone III (born May 11, 1994), known professionally as EST Gee, is an American rapper. He is signed to Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group (CMG), Interscope Records and Warlike. His fifth mixtape, ''Bigger Than Life or Death'', re ...

. The song was produced by ATL Jacob and DY Krazy, who wrote the song along with the two artists.

Background and composition

"Real As It Gets" was initially teased on

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. On February 23, 2021, Lil Baby announced that he would be releasing a collaboration with EST Gee soon. Lyrically, the song is about the streets and the "current rockstar lifestyles" of Lil Baby and EST Gee. They rap about their influence on the new generation of hip hop and how people around them are proud of them. In the chorus, Lil Baby sing-raps: "I been savin' my guala, I ain't savin' no bitch / I had put down my

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, but I picked up a stick / Don't get in hatin' shit, I'm on some greatest shit  / My people proud, I'm as real as it gets".

Critical reception

Tom Breihan of '' Stereogum'' called the song a "simple, hypnotic declaration of dominance." He also wrote that EST Gee's "punchier style contrasts nicely with Lil Baby's melodic float. Baby delivers his lyrics with fast fluidity, but he makes them sound like a chant or an incantation. The song itself doesn't exactly stand out in Baby's catalog, but it's an effective piece of work." Jordan Darville of ''

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'' wrote that the melody of the song is "menacing in a way that recalls underground

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hip-hop, and Baby keeps up the vibe with breathless bars full of threats and flexes", and that the hook is "particularly killer, too."

Music video

The official music video was released along with the song March 4, 2021, and directed by Caleb Jermale. In it, Lil Baby "returns to the trenches and celebrates his wins with those that were there before the fame." He and EST Gee hang out in a neighborhood, taking pictures with fans, and count up their money. The rappers also show their jewelry and cruise in sports cars. At one point, someone asks about shooting another scene, to which Baby replies, "We finna shoot it right here."

Charts

Certifications

References

{{Lil Baby 2021 singles 2021 songs Lil Baby songs EST Gee songs Songs written by Lil Baby Songs written by EST Gee Motown singles