“Dance (Ass)” is a song by American rapper Big Sean, released as the third single from his debut studio album, Finally Famous (2011). Featuring a remix with Nicki Minaj, the track was officially released on September 20, 2011, and quickly became a notable hit in the hip-hop community. The song samples MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”, which itself samples Rick James’s “Super Freak”, creating an upbeat and nostalgic sound with modern rap influences.
Critical Reception
The song received a range of reviews from critics:
- The Boston Globe criticized the song, labeling it as a “stale stripper anthem” and noted that while the production was heavy on vocal hooks, it was Big Sean’s “wit and insistent flow” that stood out.
- The New York Times praised the use of MC Hammer’s iconic track, calling it a sound filled with confidence and humor.
- The A.V. Club highlighted the song’s “freewheeling” vibe, calling it “full of swagger.”
- The Village Voice mentioned Big Sean’s performance, describing him as wielding his microphone “like a gleeful toddler” and giving new meaning to the phrase “Hammer Time.”
Music Video
The music video for the “Dance (Ass)” remix, featuring Nicki Minaj, premiered on November 1, 2011, on Vevo. The video is known for its vibrant, high-energy visuals, aligning with the song’s playful and upbeat nature. The video, much like the song itself, exudes a fun, party-ready vibe with flashy imagery and strong visual references to the song’s themes.
Chart Performance
“Dance (Ass)” performed well on the charts, marking significant success for Big Sean:
- US Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #10
- US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Peaked at #3
- US Hot Rap Songs: Peaked at #2
- US Rhythmic Airplay: Peaked at #4
The song also charted internationally, with a peak position of #69 on the Canadian Hot 100. By 2012, “Dance (Ass)” was included in several year-end charts and achieved commercial success in the United States, earning a 5× Platinum certification from the RIAA for over 5 million units sold, including streams.
Certifications
The track received several certifications for its impressive sales and streaming performance:
- United States: 5× Platinum (RIAA)
- New Zealand: Gold (RMNZ) for 15,000 units sold
Release History
The official release timeline of “Dance (Ass)” is as follows:
- September 20, 2011: Urban contemporary radio (album version)
- October 18, 2011: Remix version featuring Nicki Minaj
- October 24, 2011: Digital download release
- October 25, 2011: Rhythmic radio release (album version)
- January 10, 2012: Top 40/Mainstream radio release
