Babushka Boi

Album: released as a single (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A Babushka is a type of headscarf tied under the chin, which is traditionally worn by elderly women in rural Eastern Europe. In September 2018, Rocky was cut on the face and started using the headscarf to cover his scar. During his appearance two months later at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles, the Harlem-born MC wore a Gucci babushka. Rocky has continued to use the headscarf, but now primarily in the name of fashion. This song was inspired by the rapper's penchant for the babushka, which he namechecks in the third verse:

    Buck fifty, my babushka

    A "Buck fifty" is slang for $150, the price of Rocky's headscarf. The term can also be used to describe a scar on someone's face that is so large, it required at least 150 stitches.
  • Rocky debuted the song live during his early 2019 Injured Generation Tour.
  • The song's music video was directed by British artist and filmmaker Nadia Lee Cohen. Her previous videos include D.R.A.M.'s "Gilligan," (which features A$AP Rocky) and Kali Uchis' "After the Storm."

    The clip tells the satirical story of Rocky and his babushka-donning crew of bank robbers. We see Rocky's squad, which includes A$AP Ferg, A$AP Nast, and Schoolboy Q, escape from police detention and successfully rob a local bank. The visual pays homage to the 1990 film Dick Tracy, which is based on the classic detective comic strip of the same name.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.