"Street Runner" is a song by American rapper Rod Wave, released on March 10, 2021 as the lead single from his third studio album SoulFly (2021). It was produced by Karltin Bankz, LondnBlue and TnTXD, and samples "Mixed Signals" by Ruth B.[1] The song peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Street Runner"
Single by Rod Wave
from the album SoulFly
ReleasedMarch 10, 2021
Length4:12
LabelAlamo
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Karltin Bankz
  • LondnBlue
  • TnTXD
Rod Wave singles chronology
"All Week"
(2021)
"Street Runner"
(2021)
"Tombstone"
(2021)
Music video
"Street Runner" on YouTube

"Street Runner" inspired the design of a video game of the same name, which Rod Wave launched in a collaboration with Krool Toys to promote the song on March 17, 2021. According to Wave, "Street Runner" is a personal song about the sacrifices I made to pursue this career that I have now. All while never forgetting about the family and loved ones I'm doing it for. This video game brings my story to life beyond the music."[2][3]

Composition

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In the song, Rod Wave reflects on a relationship that he did not have time for,[1] and the "success and chaos" his career has brought him.[4] He sings about having achieved his dreams but still missing someone.[5] The song ends with a voicemail message from a woman “Mallary B.” who tells Wave that she loves and misses him.[1][5]

Critical reception

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Erika Marie of HotNewHipHop called the song "an introspective single that shows the rapper is more focused on building his brands than having a good time".[6]

Music video

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The music video was released alongside the single, and was directed and shot by Rod Wave, Yawn Rico and Eye 4 Production. It starts with the announcement of the release date of his then-upcoming album SoulFly before showing Wave's life of touring, taking flights, performing concerts, and filming music videos, while missing the woman he likes.[1][4][7]

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[13] Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Powell, Jon (2021-03-10). "Rod Wave returns with new video for "Street Runner"". REVOLT. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  2. ^ Cohen, Trace William (March 17, 2021). "Rod Wave Launches Video Game, Contest in Support of New Single "Street Runner"". Complex. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  3. ^ Robinson, Joshua (March 17, 2021). "Rod Wave & Krool Toys Turn "Street Runner" Single Into A Video Game". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  4. ^ a b Mahadevan, Tara C. (March 10, 2021). "Rod Wave Shares New Song and Video 'Street Runner'". Complex. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  5. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (2021-03-10). "Rod Wave – "Street Runner"". Stereogum. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  6. ^ Marie, Erika (March 10, 2021). "Rod Wave Is All About His Business On "Street Runner" Single". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  7. ^ Williams, Aaron (2021-03-10). "Rod Wave Hits The Road In His Reflective 'Street Runner' Video". UPROXX. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
  8. ^ "Rod Wave Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  9. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  10. ^ "Rod Wave Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  11. ^ "Rod Wave Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  12. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  13. ^ "American single certifications – Rod Wave – Street Runner". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 10, 2021.