Panda (song)

Desiigner, born Sidney Royel Selby III, wrote and recorded "Panda" in 2015 while living in Brooklyn, New York. The song was first released on SoundCloud in December 2015, where it quickly gained traction, leading to a commercial release by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings in February 2016. The track was produced by Menace, who crafted the minimal, trap-influenced beat that features a haunting piano melody and heavy 808 bass.

The song's lyrics are notable for their cryptic and often misinterpreted content. Desiigner has explained that the title refers to a car, specifically the BMW X6, which he nicknamed "Panda" because of its black-and-white color scheme¹. The chorus, "My ho, she choose a Phantom, it's a Panda," contrasts the Rolls-Royce Phantom with the BMW, and the verses are delivered in a rapid, mumble-rap style that drew comparisons to Kanye West's flow on "Black Skinhead".

"Panda" debuted at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number two, held off the top spot by Rihanna's "Work". It spent 29 weeks on the chart and was certified five-times platinum by the RIAA in 2017². Internationally, it reached the top ten in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

The official music video, directed by Paul Geusebroek, was released in May 2016 and features Desiigner in a warehouse surrounded by luxury cars and women, intercut with shots of him performing choreographed dance moves³. Desiigner performed the song at the 2016 BET Awards and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where his energetic delivery and ad-libs became a talking point.

Critics praised the song's infectious hook and minimalist production, though some noted the lyrical simplicity. It was named one of the best songs of 2016 by Rolling Stone and Pitchfork⁴. The song's success led to a record deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music and a feature on West's album The Life of Pablo in the track "Pt. 2".

Despite its mainstream success, "Panda" has several lesser-known facets. The song's beat was originally created by Menace for a different artist, but Desiigner recorded over it after hearing it in the studio. The lyrics contain a reference to "broad day" that some interpret as a nod to the 2012 film Project X, though Desiigner has not confirmed this¹. Additionally, the song's popularity spawned numerous parodies and remixes, including a notable one by rapper Lil Yachty titled "Panda (Remix)" that was never officially released. The song also became a meme on platforms like Vine and TikTok, with users creating dance challenges and lip-sync videos⁵.

Trap

A subgenre of hip hop characterized by heavy 808 bass, hi-hat rolls, and dark, minimal production.

Mumble rap

A style of rap that emphasizes melody and rhythm over lyrical clarity, often with slurred or mumbled delivery.

Ad-lib

An improvised vocal interjection, often used in hip hop to add energy or emphasis.