Hit Songs Deconstructed analyzes the compositional traits of Leray's first Hot 100 top 10.
Coi Leray landed her first Billboard Hot 100 top 10, as “Players” jumps to No. 9 on the April 1-dated chart.
What are some of the song's sonic and lyrical elements that have helped the it surge? What are some notable trends that “Players” furthers among recent hip-hop hits?
Overt Retro 1980s Influence
Over the past decade, hip-hop songs with an overt retro 1980s influence have been few and far between, with only three making it into the Hot 100’s top 10 from 2013 to 2021:
- Eminem’s “Berzerk” (No. 3 peak, 2013)
- Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles,” featuring Gucci Mane (No. 1 for seven weeks, 2016-17)
- Post Malone’s “Congratulations,” featuring Quavo (No. 8, 2017)
In contrast, over just the past year, three overt retro ’80s-driven songs have hit the Hot 100’s top 10:
- Latto’s “Big Energy” (No. 3, April 2022)
- Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl” (No. 1, one week, August 2022)
- Coi Leray’s “Players” (No. 9, to-date, April 2023)
This is an excerpt from an article published by Billboard on March 29, 2023.
To read the full article, click here.