| "Bittersweet" | ||||
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| Single by Gunna | ||||
| Released | February 16, 2024 | |||
| Length | 3:11 | |||
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| Gunna singles chronology | ||||
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| "Bittersweet" on YouTube | ||||
"Bittersweet" is a song by American rapper Gunna. It was released as a single through YSL Records and 300 Entertainment on February 16, 2024. Gunna wrote the song with producers Dystinkt Beat and 1srael.
Background and composition
Gunna teased the song in the week of its release; many initially thought it to be a freestyle on social media. Over minimal production containing a guitar riff and percussion, Gunna reflects on his recent difficult experiences, which concern his mental state (including paranoia and stress), drug use, women, and most notably his conflict with his YSL Records associates in light of him taking a plea deal in the label's RICO case. Certain lyrics are believed to be addressing rappers Lil Baby and Young Thug ("Shit been rough, but I ain't too tough to say I love and I miss you / You my dog, I don't care if we fall out, nigga, I never could diss you"). In addition, Gunna warns people to beware of pitfalls that arrive with their goals, mentions the success of his album A Gift & a Curse, and expresses his hope to reunite with the YSL crew.
Critical reception
Zachary Horvath of HotNewHipHop regarded the instrumental to be a "nice backdrop for Gunna's heartfelt lyrics" and wrote, "This truly is one of his best songs and it sounds like it would fit right at home on this project he has brewing."
Music video
The music video was directed by Spike Jordan. It takes place in a snowy landscape and finds Gunna in a mansion secluded in the mountains, trudging through blizzard conditions and wearing designer winter outfits including ones by Rick Owens and Pucci. He is surrounded by his security guards, with some of them circling his property in snowmobiles. Gunna also changes into gym gear for boxing training.
Charts
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) | 38 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 82 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 32 |
References
- ^ Saponara, Michael (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Reflects on the Price of Fame in Frosty 'Bittersweet' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Horvath, Zachary (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Looks At The Pros & Cons Of Life On "Bittersweet"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Williams, Aaron (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Recaps His Tumultuous Comeback With 'Bittersweet,' Which Sums Up The Stress Of Success". Uproxx. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Runs Through New Pains and Gains on 'Bittersweet'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Bernstein, Elaina (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Returns and Reflects on "Bittersweet"". Hypebeast. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Price, Joe (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Gets Reflective on "Bittersweet" Track: 'Thinkin' 'Bout the Crew Again, Could We Reunite 'Em?'". Complex. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Trapp, Malcolm (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Ponders On The Past In New Single And Video "Bittersweet"". Rap-Up. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- Schube, Will (February 16, 2024). "Gunna Fans Think He's Addressing Lil Baby On New Single 'Bittersweet'". HipHopDX. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 26, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- "Gunna Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- "Gunna Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
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