Ball If I Want To

"Ball If I Want To"
An image of a basketball going through a hoop, with the song title inscribed on the ball.
Single by DaBaby
ReleasedJune 18, 2021
Length1:52
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)D.A. Got That Dope
DaBaby singles chronology
"Skat"
(2021) 		"Ball If I Want To"
(2021) 		"Red Light Green Light"
(2021)
Music video
"Ball If I Want To" on YouTube

"Ball If I Want To" is a song by American rapper DaBaby, released on June 18, 2021, with an accompanying music video. It was produced by D.A. Got That Dope.[1]

Background

The song was first previewed in a promotional video of DaBaby's performances at the Hard Rock Stadium on May 28 and 29, 2021.[2] On June 17, he announced a "big surprise" at midnight in an Instagram video, before releasing the song.[3]

Composition

On the track, DaBaby talks about doing what he wants; in the chorus, he raps: "Bitch, it ain't even my birthday but I can ball if I want to (Ball) / Pull up, foreign cars if I want to (Skrr) / Hop out that bitch with that iron in my jumpsuit (Go)/ Just do what I say and I love you (Okay?)"[2][4] He raps about the poverty he has escaped and the current riches of his life, including private jets and sex.[5] The instrumental of the song features an echoing choral sample.[6]

Critical reception

Tom Breihan of Stereogum called the song a "raunchy two-minute rap attack".[5] Glenn Rowley of Consequence writes that in the "braggadocios" track, DaBaby "unapologetically flexes".[6]

Music video

The music video, directed by DaBaby himself, finds him leading a high school student body through a wild library study hall, a food fight in the cafeteria, a game of Twister and to the outdoor basketball courts.[6][7][8] A cheerleading squad is seen twerking in the classroom, and at the basketball courts, a giant diapered baby mascot dances.[8][9][10]

Live performances

DaBaby performed the song at the BET Awards 2021.[11]

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Ball If I Want To"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[19] Gold 20,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ Cowen, Trace William (June 18, 2021). "DaBaby Drops New Song and Video 'Ball If I Want To'". Complex. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  2. ^ a b Cho, Regina (2021-06-18). "DaBaby does as he desires in "Ball If I Want To" single". Revolt. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  3. ^ Marie, Erika (June 18, 2021). "DaBaby Is The Big Man On Campus In "Ball If I Want To" Visual". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  4. ^ Lavin, Will (2021-06-18). "Listen to DaBaby's neck-snapping new single 'Ball If I Want To'". NME. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  5. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (2021-06-18). "DaBaby – 'Ball If I Want To'". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  6. ^ a b c Rowley, Glenn (2021-06-18). "DaBaby drops new single "Ball if I Want To": Stream". Consequence. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  7. ^ Kiefer, Halle (2021-06-18). "School's Out, but DaBaby Takes You Back to Class for 'Ball If I Want To' Video". Vulture. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  8. ^ a b Peters, Mitchell (June 18, 2021). "DaBaby Goes Back to High School in Rowdy 'Ball If I Want To' Video: Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  9. ^ Bloom, Madison (June 18, 2021). "DaBaby Shares Video for New Song 'Ball If I Want To'". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  10. ^ Zemler, Emily (2021-06-18). "Watch DaBaby's High School-Themed Video for New Single 'Ball If I Want To'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  11. ^ Palmer, Tamara (June 28, 2021). "BET Awards 2021: DaBaby Turns 'Ball If I Want To' Into A Thrilling Courtside Show". BET.com. Archived from the original on 2021-07-03. Retrieved 2021-06-30.
  12. ^ "DaBaby Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  13. ^ "DaBaby Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  14. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  15. ^ "DaBaby Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  16. ^ "DaBaby Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  17. ^ "Top 100 Songs".
  18. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  19. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – DaBaby – Ball If I Want To" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 20, 2024.