The Meaning Behind The Song: Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You) by OutKast
OutKast, the iconic hip hop duo, released the song “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” in 2007. The song featuring UGK, the legendary southern hip hop duo, quickly became a classic and can still be heard in clubs and parties. The song has a catchy hook and a funky beat, but it is also known for its meaningful lyrics. The lyrics of the song tell a story of love, commitment, and loyalty through the lens of a couple from a different world. This article will explore the meaning behind the song “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by OutKast.
The Story Behind the Song
The story behind the song “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” begins with Andre 3000, one half of OutKast. In a 2006 interview with GQ, Andre 3000 revealed that he was planning to get married to his long time girlfriend. He said:
“I’m going to get married when I’m 30. I’ll consider it. It’s just sad to me that society puts people in a box. I feel like I don’t have to conform. I’m married to my art and my work.”
A year later, in 2007, OutKast released the song “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” as a tribute to Andre 3000’s upcoming marriage and commitment to his partner.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” tell a story of love, commitment, and loyalty. The song is an ode to a partner who is there through thick and thin. In the first verse, Andre3000 raps:
“So I typed a text to a girl I used to see
Saying that I chose this cutie pie with whom I wanna be
And I apologize if this message gets you down
Then I CC’d every girl that I’d see-see ’round town”
In this verse, Andre 3000 is apologizing to his ex-partner for choosing someone else. He also makes it clear that he has found someone he wants to commit to. The line “I CC’d every girl that I’d see-see ’round town” shows that he’s not looking back and has chosen to commit to his new partner.
The chorus of the song is an interpolation of the classic soul song “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch. The chorus goes:
“I choose you, baby
Oh, oh, oh
I choose you, baby
Oh, oh, oh
I choose you”
The chorus represents the commitment the rapper is making to his partner.
In the second verse, Bun B, one half of UGK, raps:
“See man, a pimp gon’ be a pimp
A player gon’ be a player
But a man that understand one woman
Is smarter than a playa”
In this line, Bun B is acknowledging the stereotypes associated with men in hip hop and is arguing that a man who understands and commits to one woman is smarter than a player who tries to seduce many women.
The final verse of the song is rapped by Pimp C, the other half of UGK. In the verse, he talks about the importance of commitment and loyalty to a partner:
“When that pimp’s in the crib, ma
Drop it like it’s hot
When that pigs try to get at you
Park it like it’s hot
And if a nigga get a attitude
Pop it like it’s hot”
In these lines, Pimp C is telling his partner to be loyal and committed to him. He also warns her to be cautious of other men who may try to seduce her.
The Impact of the Song
“Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” was included in OutKast’s sixth studio album, “Idlewild,” which was released in 2006. The song quickly became a classic and is still a popular party anthem. The song was also embraced by the hip hop community. In 2008, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group, but it lost to Kanye West’s “Southside.”
The song has also been sampled and interpolated by other artists. In 2020, Drake used the same chorus in “Pain 1993,” his collaboration with Playboi Carti. The song has also been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
FAQs
1. What does the song title “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” mean?
The song title is a play on the term “player” which refers to someone who is good at seducing and dating women. The song is an anthem for people who choose to commit to one partner instead of being a “player.”
2. Who is Willie Hutch?
Willie Hutch is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his soulful ballads, including “I Choose You,” which was sampled in “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You).”
3. Who are OutKast?
OutKast is an American hip hop duo consisting of Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000) and Antwan Patton (Big Boi). The duo is known for their trailblazing music which combined elements of southern hip hop, funk, soul, and jazz.
4. Who are UGK?
UGK, aka Underground Kingz, was an American hip hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas. The duo consisted of Chad Butler (Pimp C) and Bernard Freeman (Bun B).
5. What does the line “Drop it like it’s hot” mean?
“Drop it like it’s hot” is a slang term that means to dance provocatively. The line is a homage to Snoop Dogg’s 2004 hit song, “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”
6. Why is the song important for hip hop?
The song is important for hip hop because it challenges the stereotypes associated with men in hip hop. The song promotes commitment, loyalty, and respect for women, which are values that are not always present in hip hop culture.
7. What is the impact of the song on society?
The song’s impact on society lies in its message of commitment and loyalty to a partner. The song challenges the idea that men must be players and seduce many women. The song celebrates monogamy and promotes healthy relationships.
8. Who directed the music video for the song?
The music video for the song was directed by Bryan Barber, who has also directed music videos for artists such as Christina Aguilera and Ludacris.
9. What are some other songs that sample “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch?
Other songs that sample “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch include “Get Me Home” by Foxy Brown featuring Blackstreet and “Bound 2” by Kanye West.
10. What is the legacy of the song?
The song’s legacy lies in its promotion of commitment and loyalty to a partner. The song challenges the stereotypes associated with men in hip hop and celebrates monogamy. The song has become a classic that is still played at parties and clubs.
