| length = 3:10<ref name=”Last.fm Release”/>
| length = 3:10<ref name=”Last.fm Release”/>
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
* Jet High Entertainment
* Jet High Entertainment<ref name=”UMG Credits”>{{cite web |url= |title=GD Anthem |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=Universal Music Group |access-date=November 2, 2024 |quote=℗ 2021 Jet High Entertainment Released on: 2021-07-04 Producer: Matt Vega Composer Lyricist: Denzel Charles Composer Lyricist: Matthew Vega}}</ref>
* [[Virgin Music]] (distributor)
* [[Virgin Music]] (distributor)<ref name=”YouTube Credits”>{{cite web |url= |title=Rooga – GD Anthem (Official Music Video) |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=JHE Rooga |access-date=November 2, 2024 |quote=Distributor : Virgin}}</ref>
}}
}}
| writer = {{flatlist|
| writer = {{flatlist|
* Denzel Charles
* Denzel Charles
* Matthew Vega<ref name=”UMG Credits”/>
* Matthew Vega
}}
}}
| producer = Matt Vega<ref name=”UMG Credits”/>
| producer = Matt Vega
}}
}}
“GD Anthem” originated as an impromptu freestyle during one of Rooga’s [[Instagram]] Live sessions while he was in a recording studio.<ref name=”ClarkSt Interview”>{{cite web |url= |title=Rooga and Lil Moe Talk “Scrappers,” FBG Duck, and Kanye |website=Clark St. |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref> A fan recorded the stream and posted it to [[Facebook]], where it quickly went viral, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views and generating significant demand from fans for an official version.<ref name=”ClarkSt Interview”/>
“GD Anthem” originated as an impromptu freestyle during one of Rooga’s [[Instagram]] Live sessions while he was in a recording studio.<ref name=”ClarkSt Interview”>{{cite web |url= |title=Rooga and Lil Moe Talk “Scrappers,” FBG Duck, and Kanye |website=Clark St. |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref> A fan recorded the stream and posted it to [[Facebook]], where it quickly went viral, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views and generating significant demand from fans for an official version.<ref name=”ClarkSt Interview”/>
In response to the online buzz, Rooga recorded the full track, which was officially released on July 3, 2021.<ref name=”Last.fm Release”/> The official music video, directed by Billy Kauck and an associate credited as “exclusive,” was released the following day and has since garnered over 14 million views on YouTube.<ref name=”YouTube Credits”/><ref name=”Viberate Stats”>{{cite web |url= |title=Rooga |website=Viberate |access-date=November 2, 2024 |quote=Rooga GD Anthem (Official Music Video) 14.1M views. Jul 03, 2021.}}</ref>
In response to the online buzz, Rooga recorded the full track, which was officially released on July 3, 2021.<ref name=”Last.fm Release”/> The official music video, directed by Billy Kauck and an associate credited as “exclusive,” was released the following day and has since garnered over 14 million views on YouTube.<ref name=”Viberate Stats”>{{cite web |url= |title=Rooga |website=Viberate |access-date=November 2, 2024 |quote=Rooga GD Anthem (Official Music Video) 14.1M views. Jul 03, 2021.}}</ref>
== Composition and lyrics ==
== Composition and lyrics ==
Produced by Matt Vega, “GD Anthem” is a [[Chicago drill]] song characterized by its aggressive and menacing production.<ref name=”UMG Credits”/><ref name=”FBG Duck Wiki”>{{cite web |url= |title=FBG Duck |website=[[Wikipedia]] |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref> The lyrics serve as a direct homage to the [[Gangster Disciples]] (GD), a Chicago-based street gang.<ref name=”SunTimes”>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Evan F. |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Chicago rap/hip-hop — fairly or unfairly — has a reputation, but its connection to violence is far from certain |url= |website=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>
Produced by Matt Vega, “GD Anthem” is a [[Chicago drill]] song characterized by its aggressive and menacing production.<ref name=”FBG Duck Wiki”>{{cite web |url= |title=FBG Duck |website=[[Wikipedia]] |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref> The lyrics serve as a direct homage to the [[Gangster Disciples]] (GD), a Chicago-based street gang.<ref name=”SunTimes”>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Evan F. |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Chicago rap/hip-hop — fairly or unfairly — has a reputation, but its connection to violence is far from certain |url= |website=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>
The song’s chorus, “They done let the GD’s in the door,” is a declaration of the gang’s presence and influence in the music industry, a space where they were previously considered to be “blackballed” by rival factions.<ref name=”YouTube Credits”/><ref name=”Reddit Context”>{{cite web |date=2021 |title=What’s the meaning of playing GD Anthem in Chicago? |url= |website=[[Reddit]] |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>
The song’s chorus, “They done let the GD’s in the door,” is a declaration of the gang’s presence and influence in the music industry, a space where they were previously considered to be “blackballed” by rival factions.{{|date= }}
One of the most discussed lines is, “Trump should’ve freed Larry, fuck is wrong with dude?” referring to [[Larry Hoover]], co-founder of the Gangster Disciples.<ref name=”YouTube Credits”/><ref name=”Reddit Lyrics”>{{cite web |date=August 28, 2021 |title=Rooga – GD Anthem |url= |website=[[Reddit]] |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref> Rooga also addresses inter-gang politics with the lines:
One of the most discussed lines is, “Trump should’ve freed Larry, fuck is wrong with dude?” referring to [[Larry Hoover]], co-founder of the Gangster Disciples. Rooga also addresses inter-gang politics with the lines:
*”Oh, you say you GDK? Fuck is wrong with you?
*”Oh, you say you GDK? Fuck is wrong with you?
He say, ‘Cause you GDN I can’t do no song with you’
He say, ‘Cause you GDN I can’t do no song with you’
And if the BD’s find out, they gon’ put me on the news”*
And if the BD’s find out, they gon’ put me on the news”*
This references tensions between GDs and BDs (Black Disciples).
This references tensions between GDs and BDs (Black Disciples).<ref name=”YouTube Credits”/><ref name=”VladTV Hitmaka”>{{cite web |date=October 1, 2021 |title=Rooga on “GD Anthem” Line Being About Hitmaka Getting Backlash for Posting Him (Part 13) |url= |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=DJ Vlad |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>
Despite its confrontational tone, Rooga has stated that he views the song as promoting “growth and development” rather than violence.<ref name=”VladTV Son”>{{cite web |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Rooga on Making the Biggest GD Song of All Time, What He Would Do if His Son Claimed GD (Part 10) |url= |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=DJ Vlad |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>
Despite its confrontational tone, Rooga has stated that he views the song as promoting “growth and development” rather than violence.
== Reception and impact ==
== Reception and impact ==
== Personnel ==
== Personnel ==
Credits adapted from YouTube and Universal Music Group.<ref name=”YouTube Credits”/><ref name=”UMG Credits”/>
* ”’Denzel “Rooga” Charles”’ – lead vocals, songwriter
* ”’Denzel “Rooga” Charles”’ – lead vocals, songwriter
* ”’Matt Vega”’ – producer, composer
* ”’Matt Vega”’ – producer, composer
2021 single by Rooga
GD Anthem is a song by American rapper Rooga. It was released independently on July 3, 2021.[1] A Chicago drill track, the song is a homage to the Gangster Disciples street gang.[2][3]
The song gained viral popularity online and became one of Rooga’s most recognizable works, particularly after it was featured prominently during Kanye West’s third listening event for his album Donda in August 2021, where Rooga performed it live at Soldier Field in Chicago.[3][4]
Background and release
“GD Anthem” originated as an impromptu freestyle during one of Rooga’s Instagram Live sessions while he was in a recording studio.[5] A fan recorded the stream and posted it to Facebook, where it quickly went viral, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views and generating significant demand from fans for an official version.[5]
In response to the online buzz, Rooga recorded the full track, which was officially released on July 3, 2021.[1] The official music video, directed by Billy Kauck and an associate credited as “exclusive,” was released the following day and has since garnered over 14 million views on YouTube.[6]
Composition and lyrics
Produced by Matt Vega, “GD Anthem” is a Chicago drill song characterized by its aggressive and menacing production.[7] The lyrics serve as a direct homage to the Gangster Disciples (GD), a Chicago-based street gang.[8]
The song’s chorus, “They done let the GD’s in the door,” is a declaration of the gang’s presence and influence in the music industry, a space where they were previously considered to be “blackballed” by rival factions.[citation needed]
One of the most discussed lines is, “Trump should’ve freed Larry, fuck is wrong with dude?” referring to Larry Hoover, co-founder of the Gangster Disciples. Rooga also addresses inter-gang politics with the lines:
- “Oh, you say you GDK? Fuck is wrong with you?
He say, ‘Cause you GDN I can’t do no song with you’
And if the BD’s find out, they gon’ put me on the news”*
This references tensions between GDs and BDs (Black Disciples).
Despite its confrontational tone, Rooga has stated that he views the song as promoting “growth and development” rather than violence.
Reception and impact
“GD Anthem” became a viral sensation, particularly within Chicago, and was described as one of the “biggest hits out of the Chi” despite its controversial nature.[9]
The track gained widespread attention after Kanye West featured it at his third Donda listening party at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 26, 2021.[3] Rooga was brought out as a surprise guest to perform the song, which was seen as a bold statement given the event’s proximity to neighborhoods affiliated with rival gangs.[4][10] The performance followed a spoken-word piece by Larry Hoover Jr., advocating for his father’s release.[10] This co-sign from West significantly boosted the song’s profile and led to Rooga’s feature on the Donda track “Ok Ok.”[9]
The song also sparked social media discussion about gang culture. In one instance, rapper Rubi Rose faced backlash for posting a TikTok video of herself making hand signs associated with the song, which fellow artist KaMillion criticized as disrespectful to the culture and those affected by gang violence.[11]
Remix
Following the exposure at the Donda event, Rooga announced plans for a remix.[12] He stated that West was set to appear and that Offset might also be featured.[12][5] As of November 2024, the official remix has not been released.
Personnel
- Denzel “Rooga” Charles – lead vocals, songwriter
- Matt Vega – producer, composer
References
- ^ a b c d “GD Anthem — Rooga”. Last.fm. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
Release Date 3 July 2021.
- ^ Blake, Cole (September 26, 2022). “Rooga Details How He Ended Up Collaborating With Kanye West On “Donda”“. HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c Uitti, Jacob (July 13, 2023). “Is Kanye West Working on a New Album?”. American Songwriter. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Starling, Lakin (August 27, 2021). “Inside Kanye West’s massive third ‘Donda’ listening party in Chicago”. Revolt. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b c “Rooga and Lil Moe Talk “Scrappers,” FBG Duck, and Kanye”. Clark St. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ “Rooga”. Viberate. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
Rooga GD Anthem (Official Music Video) 14.1M views. Jul 03, 2021.
- ^ “FBG Duck”. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Moore, Evan F. (October 26, 2021). “Chicago rap/hip-hop — fairly or unfairly — has a reputation, but its connection to violence is far from certain”. Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b A., Aron (September 26, 2022). “Rooga Gets Personal On “Feel It In The Air”“. HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
Reddit Contextwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Marie, Erika (September 26, 2022). “Rubi Rose Gets Checked By KaMillion For “GD Anthem” TikTok Trend”. HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Cole, Alexander (September 26, 2022). “Kanye West Will Reportedly Appear On Rooga’s “GD Anthem” Remix”. HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 2, 2024.