"Middle Child" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American rappers PnB Rock and XXXTentacion, released from the former's second studio album TrapStar Turnt PopStar on May 3, 2019. It was produced by DatKidChris.
| "Middle Child" | |
|---|---|
| Song by PnB Rock and XXXTentacion | |
| from the album TrapStar Turnt PopStar | |
| Released | May 3, 2019 |
| Genre | Trap |
| Length | 2:31 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) |
|
| Producer(s) | DatKidChris |
| Music video | |
| "Middle Child" on YouTube | |
Background
editPnB Rock told Apple Music about his collaboration with XXXTentacion: "He really surprised me with 'MIDDLE CHILD,' because I wasn't even expecting to do that type of song with him. I was thinking I was gonna go one route, talking about how I came up, talking about how I got kicked out my mama's house. But he came on it and just started swagging on it. I'm like, nah, I gotta match that energy. I can't be so serious when he just having fun with this."[1]
Composition
editThe song finds PnB Rock and XXXTentacion trading "melodious bars" over a "distinctly trap soundscape".[2] In the chorus, Rock reflects on his difficult childhood life, being the middle child of his family, and his legal trouble as a teenager. XXX boasts about having lots of money.[3]
Music video
editThe official music video was released on August 8, 2019. Directed by Derek Pike, it depicts child versions of PnB Rock and XXXTentacion. They hang out on a porch while watching action on the street, and connect a smoothie with chips, cream and a toy car, which they call "trap juice".[4][5] They sell it for $5 a cup in their front yard.[4][6] The drink becomes a financial success and soon the rappers have bought new chains with their profits.[4] At the end of the video, PnB Rock cross his arms in an "X" symbol, as a tribute to the late XXXTentacion.[4][6]
According to PnB Rock, he wanted the visual to be "fun and light-hearted" and remind him of the times he spent with XXXTentacion. He also received approval from X's mother Cleopatra Bernard to release the video.[5]
Charts
edit| Chart (2019) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[7] | 18 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[8] | 91 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[9] | 37 |
References
edit- ^ "TrapStar Turnt PopStar - Apple Music". Apple Music. May 3, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (May 3, 2019). "PnB Rock "Middle Child" Featuring XXXTentacion: Listen to New Song". XXL. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ Mench, Chris (May 3, 2019). "PnB Rock's XXXTentacion Collab "Middle Child" Is A Reflection On The Philly Artist's Rough Childhood". Genius. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Zidel, Alex (August 8, 2019). "Young Versions Of XXXTentacion & PnB Rock Star In "Middle Child"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ a b Espinoza, Joshua (August 8, 2019). "Premiere: Watch PnB Rock's New Video for "Middle Child" f/ XXXTentacion". Complex. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ a b Saponara, Michael (August 8, 2019). "PnB Rock Shows His Bond With XXXTentacion in 'Middle Child' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. May 13, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ "PnB Rock Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
- ^ "PnB Rock Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2022.