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Other meanings of Culture

Music

Culture (album)

Culture is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Migos, released on January 27, 2017, by Quality Control Music, 300 Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Lil Uzi Vert, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, and DJ Khaled, with production handled primarily by Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, and Murda Beatz. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, becoming Migos' first chart-topping album, and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album's lead single, "Bad and Boujee," featuring Lil Uzi Vert, became the group's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.

1
Billboard 200 peak
US
2× Platinum
RIAA certification
US
1
Number-one single
Billboard Hot 100
13
Track listing length
Songs
1

Background and recording

Culture was recorded during a prolific period for Migos, following the release of their mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas) in 2013 and the hit single "Versace" in 2014. The group's third studio album, it was initially announced as No Label 3, but was retitled to reflect a broader cultural impact. Recording sessions took place in Atlanta and Los Angeles, with production from Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, Murda Beatz, and others. The album's sound is characterized by triplet-based flows, ad-libs, and trap production, which Migos helped popularize.

2

Commercial performance and singles

Culture debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 131,000 album-equivalent units, of which 44,000 were pure album sales. The lead single "Bad and Boujee" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, becoming Migos' first number-one single. The second single "T-Shirt" peaked at number 19, and "Slippery" featuring Gucci Mane reached number 29. The album spent 52 weeks on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum in 2020. Its success marked a turning point for trap music's mainstream dominance.

3

Critical reception and legacy

Culture received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising its cohesive production and Migos' chemistry. On Metacritic, it holds a score of 78 out of 100, based on 20 reviews. Rolling Stone named it one of the best albums of 2017, and it was included in several year-end lists. The album is credited with solidifying Migos' status as leading figures in trap music and influencing a wave of triplet-flow rappers. Its impact extends beyond music, shaping fashion and slang in popular culture.

4

Lesser-known aspects

Despite its success, Culture was initially slated for release in 2016 but was delayed due to sample clearance issues. The album's cover art, featuring a cartoonish portrait of the trio, was designed by artist Alex Haldi. "Bad and Boujee" was originally recorded as a solo track by Quavo, but was reworked to include Takeoff and Offset, with Lil Uzi Vert's verse added later. The album's track "What the Price" was originally intended for a collaboration with Kanye West, but the session never materialized. Additionally, the album's title was inspired by a quote from Quavo about creating a new culture.

Glossary

Trap music
A subgenre of hip hop characterized by heavy 808 bass, hi-hat rolls, and dark lyrical themes.
Triplet flow
A rhythmic delivery style using triplets, popularized by Migos and other trap artists.
Ad-lib
Spontaneous vocal interjections used in hip hop recordings, such as Migos' 'skrrt' or 'yeah'.

All data as of 2025.