Versace In Music: Artists Who Sang About The Brand

The song Versace by Migos includes the line Versace, Versace, Medusa head on me like. The song Ohh Noo by Chris Webby includes the line Ohh Noo, my cologne says Versace, my dick says blow me. The song Jordan Belfort by Wes Walker includes the line And my cologne is Versace, Medusa got me stoned.

Artists who reference Versace in their songs

The luxury fashion brand Versace has been referenced in songs by numerous artists, often as a symbol of wealth and status. Here are some notable examples:

Migos

Migos, an American hip-hop group, released "Versace" in July 2013, which became a popular song and peaked at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song brought mainstream attention to the triplet flow within hip-hop and is considered responsible for popularising this particular style of rapping, later coined the 'Versace' flow. The song's official music video features the group wearing Versace clothes and accessories, and celebrities like Donatella Versace make cameo appearances. The song's popularity led to multiple remixes and helped establish Migos in the music industry.

2Pac (Tupac Amaru Shakur)

In his 1996 song "Hit Em Up", 2Pac references Versace: "Now it's all about Versace/You copied my style." This line was directed at his former friend and rival, The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher "Biggie Smalls" Wallace). 2Pac had a close relationship with Gianni Versace and his sister, Donatella, and he walked the runway for Versace's Fall/Winter 1996 show in Milan.

The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. also referenced Versace in several of his songs and frequently wore Versace accessories and outfits. In his 1995 song "One More Chance / Stay With Me Remix", he raps: "I'm clockin' ya, Versace shades watchin' ya." This verse helped catapult the single, the rapper, and the brand into hip-hop consciousness. In his 1997 song "Hypnotize", he mentions Versace again: "Miami, D.C., prefer Versace."

Kanye West

Kanye West, a well-known fashion enthusiast, has also referenced Versace in his songs. In "All Falls Down" (2004), he intentionally mispronounces the brand name to make a satirical point: "I can't even pronounce nothing, pass that ver-say-see!" In the spoken-word opening track of his "Can't Tell Me Nothing" mixtape (2007), he mentions Versace by name: "The polo is Versace, by the way..."

Other Artists

Many other artists have referenced Versace in their songs, including but not limited to:

• Vince Staples ("Versace Rap", 2011)
• Soulja Boy & Riff Raff ("Versace Bentley", 2012)
• A$AP Rocky ("Goldie", 2012)
• Nicki Minaj ("Come on a Cone", 2012)
• Trinidad James ("All Gold Everything", 2012)
• Rick Ross ("Pirates", 2013)
• 2 Chainz ("Smell Like Money", "I'm Different", 2012, and "I'm Different", 2013)
• Young Thug ("My Baby", 2016)
• Gucci Mane ("Can't Trust Her", "Super Cocky")
• Wiz Khalifa ("Never Been Part II", "What You Smoking On")
• Lil Kim
• Trina
• Teyana Taylor
• Meek Mill
• A$AP Ferg
• Pusha T
• Teyana Taylor
• Yo Gotti
• Silkk The Shocker
• Big Pun
• C-Murder
• De La Soul
• Lil Wayne
• Birdman
• Gudda Gudda
• Ludacris
• Teyana Taylor
• Jeezy
• Chief Keef
• N.A.S.A.
• Waka Flocka Flame
• Maybach Music Group
• Jeremih
• John Blu
• Young Jeezy
• ASAP Ferg
• RichLife Dynasty
• Jay-Z
• Bryson Tiller
• Cash Out
• Game
• Lloyd Banks
• Soulja Boy
• Fyutch
• The Game
• Shy Glizzy
• Jose Chameleone
• Nebuilah
• Yung Chris
• Gucci Mane
• Kevin McCall
• Alessia Cara
• Wiz Khalifa
• Bruno Mars
• Usher
• Liza Minnelli
• Chris Webby
• Wes Walker
• Lloyd Banks
• Chief Keef
• N.A.S.A.
• Waka Flocka Flame
• Maybach Music Group
• Jeremih
• John Blu
• Young Jeezy
• ASAP Ferg
• RichLife Dynasty
• Jay-Z
• Bryson Tiller
• Cash Out
• Game
• Lloyd Banks
• Soulja Boy
• Fyutch
• The Game
• Shy Glizzy
• Jose Chameleone
• Nebuilah
• Yung Chris
• Gucci Mane
• Kevin McCall
• And many more.

Artists who reference other luxury brands in their songs

Many artists reference luxury brands in their songs, and this has been happening for years. From the iconic "Mercedes Benz" by Janis Joplin to the more recent "Gucci Gang" by Lil Pump, luxury brands have been a common part of chart-topping tracks. Here are some examples of artists who have referenced luxury brands in their songs:

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" is a classic rock melody released in 1970. The song includes the lyrics: "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? / My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends / Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends / So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?". This was the last song recorded by Joplin as she passed away just three days after its release.

Lil Pump

Lil Pump's "Gucci Gang" is a popular song with over 1 billion views on YouTube. Released in August 2017, the song features catchy and fun lyrics that reference the luxury brand Gucci.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z's song "Tom Ford" released in 2013, includes the lyrics: "I don't pop molly, I rock Tom Ford". The song is about the iconic luxury fashion designer by the same name. Tom Ford himself responded positively to the song, stating that it is a "validation of one's work" and a way to "penetrate and make an impact on popular culture."

Kanye West

Kanye West, known for his boldness, referenced luxury brands in his song "The Glory" from the album GRADUATION (2007). The lyrics go: "My hat, my shoes, my coat Louis Vuitton stitch with Donatella Versace, that's Louis Vuitton's bitch". In his debut album College Dropout (2004), he also referred to himself as the "Louis Vuitton Don" in the track "Last Call."

Migos

Migos' debut song "Versace" released in 2013, and its remix by Canadian rapper Drake, became extremely popular. The song includes the lyrics: "Them Migos is drinking at the Versace store / Versace, Versace, Medusa head on me like I'm 'Luminati".

A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky, a big enthusiast of high-end fashion, released the song "Fashion Killa" in 2013. The song showcases his interest in luxury brands with lyrics like: "Rocking, rolling, swaggin to the max / My bitch a fashion killa, she is busy poppin tags / She got a lotta Prada, that Dolce & Gabbana / I can't forget Escada, and that Balenciaga".

Wilson Pickett

Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" released in 1966 is one of the oldest songs exhibiting the craze for luxury brands. The song is about a girl living it up in her brand new Mustang car, with lyrics like: "Mustang Sally, think you better slow your mustang down / Mustang Sally, think you better slow your mustang down / You been running all over the town now / Oh! I guess I'll have to put your flat feet on the ground".

These examples demonstrate how artists across different genres and eras have incorporated luxury brand references into their songs, whether as a form of expression, a way to connect with their audience, or even as a result of brand placement deals.

Artists who reference drugs in their songs

The use of drugs in music has been a topic of discussion and debate since at least the 1930s, with references to recreational drug use becoming common as the modern record industry developed. Many artists have attracted a public image associated with the depiction of drug use in their releases, with some creating works that condemn drug use and others that celebrate it.

Jazz and Swing

In the 1930s, jazz and swing music artists were frank about their cannabis usage, even touching on the matter in song lyrics. The track "If You're a Viper", composed by Stuff Smith and first recorded by his group in 1936, is one of the few explicit references to drugs before the 1960s. Another jazz example is "Wacky Dust" by Ella Fitzgerald, which warns listeners that the drug will "give your feet a feeling so breezy" and "bring a dancing jag", but will ultimately let you down.

Pop and Rock

The new subgenre of pop and rock, psychedelic music, became mainstream in the 1960s. The Beatles' song "Tomorrow Never Knows" is an example of the eccentric sounds that became integral to commercial music. The Beatles also referenced drug use in songs such as "Day Tripper", "Got to Get You into My Life", and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds".

Hip-Hop

In the mid-2010s, MDMA (or "molly") was frequently referenced in popular music, coinciding with the rising popularity of electronic dance music. Examples include "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus, "Diamonds" by Rihanna, and songs by hip-hop artists such as 2 Chainz, Trinidad James, Rick Ross, Kanye West, and Jay-Z.

Female Artists

Female celebrities are held to especially high standards of behaviour, with drug use deemed "unladylike". However, some female artists have changed the public's perception of women and drugs through their music. These include Halsey, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, and Janis Joplin.

Artists who reference their wealth in their songs

Many artists reference their wealth in their songs. Here are some examples:

Jay-Z

Jay-Z is one of the most prominent examples of artists referencing their wealth in their songs. His track ""Picasso Baby"" is a testament to his love for art and includes references to several legendary artists, positioning him as a collector and connoisseur. With a net worth of US$2.5 billion, he is the first billionaire music artist according to Forbes.

Kanye West

Kanye West's collaboration with Jamie Foxx, "Gold Digger", tells the story of a woman chasing money. West himself is one of the wealthiest musicians, with a net worth of at least US$3.3 billion in 2020 according to Bloomberg L.P.

ASAP Rocky

ASAP Rocky, in his song "Phoenix", raps about painting vivid pictures and references artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Pablo Picasso. He also name-checks a slew of artists in his song "Street Knock", including Basquiat, Keith Haring, Picasso, and Rembrandt.

The Beatles

The Beatles' "Taxman" was written by George Harrison and John Lennon to protest the UK's progressive taxes. Despite their immense success in the 1960s, Harrison discovered that the band was at high risk of bankruptcy due to high taxes.

Madonna

Madonna's "Material Girl" became a massive hit upon its release in 1984 and is equally known for its music video, which recreated Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" performance.

Lil Wayne

In "Money on My Mind", Lil Wayne raps about the importance of wealth and women.

50 Cent

50 Cent's "I Get Money" is the third single from his third album, "Curtis", and made Rolling Stone's Best Songs of 2007 list.

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl", a collaboration with Eve, is a reggae-influenced track that peaked at No.7 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Young Jeezy

Young Jeezy's "Put On" includes the lyrics "I put on for my city, on on for my city".

John Blu

In his song "Cologne", John Blu raps about different designer brands, including "Gucci, Versace, that Issey Miyake".

Artists who reference their cities in their songs

The song with the lyrics "Versace, my cologne" is "Versace (Remix)" by Migos.

Now, here is an essay discussing artists who reference their cities in their songs:

Many artists reference their cities in their songs, whether it's to showcase their roots, pay homage to their hometown, or simply set the scene. This practice has been prevalent across various music genres and can be observed in songs dating back several decades.

Hip-Hop and Rap

Hip-hop and rap artists are known for their unapologetic expression of their realities, often including the cities they're from. For example, Young Jeezy's "Put On" and its remix both include the lyrics "I put on for my city, on on for my city." Similarly, in "Versace (Remix)," Migos raps about "runnin' my city." Yo Gotti's "My City" and Jay-Z's "Brooklyn (Go Hard)" are other examples of hip-hop songs that directly reference the artists' cities.

Rock and Pop

Rock and pop artists have also incorporated city references in their music. For instance, the rock band The King Cole Trio's song "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" mentions several cities along the historic U.S. Route 66, including "Amarillo, Texas" and "Oklahoma City, Oklahoma." On the other hand, pop star Taylor Swift's "London Boy" is a more contemporary example of a song that references a city, in this case, London.

Country

Country music, with its strong roots in storytelling, often includes references to cities and towns. For example, George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning" and Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman" both mention specific cities in their titles and lyrics. Additionally, Garth Brooks' "Callin' Baton Rouge" pays tribute to the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Other Genres

Artists across other genres have also woven city references into their lyrics. For instance, jazz legend Glenn Miller and his orchestra released "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which mentions various cities along a train route, including the titular Chattanooga. In the realm of reggae, Bob Marley and the Wailers' "No Woman, No Cry" mentions "government yards in Trench Town," a community in Kingston, Jamaica.

In conclusion, referencing cities in songs is a common practice across various music genres. Artists do this for a multitude of reasons, often to showcase their roots or set the scene for their story-like lyrics. These references not only provide a sense of place but also help listeners connect with the artists and their music on a deeper level.

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