A pulsating anthem that catapulted rapper Saweetie into mainstream consciousness, “My Type” emerged as the breakout single from her 2019 EP *Icy*, officially released on June 11, 2019, through Warner Records and Artistry Worldwide. The track, produced by London on da Track, cleverly samples Petey Pablo’s 2004 hit “Freek-a-Leek,” which was originally produced by Lil Jon and reached number 2 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Songs Chart that year.
At just 2 minutes and 6 seconds, the crunk-influenced track wastes no time making an impact, marking Saweetie’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 where it debuted at number 81 before climbing to a peak position of number 21. The song’s commercial success helped cement Saweetie’s position in the hip-hop landscape, eventually earning Gold certification from the RIAA.
Despite its brevity, “My Type” made a major chart impact, climbing from #81 to #21 and securing Saweetie’s Gold-certified breakout moment.
The official music video, released in July 2019 with a runtime of 2:44, amplified the song’s reach by showcasing Saweetie’s confident persona against vibrant visuals celebrating dance culture. This visual component, paired with the track’s infectious beat, sparked a viral social media challenge that greatly boosted the song’s popularity across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The team behind the track leveraged strategic targeting through social media advertising to maximize its reach among key demographics. The video featured memorable scenes including Saweetie twerking on basketballs and appearances by fellow artists Kehlani and Kamaiyah.
Lyrically, “My Type” delivers themes of female empowerment and self-worth, with Saweetie boldly expressing her standards for potential partners. The repetitive, catchy hook proved instrumental in making the track a memorable dancefloor staple at clubs nationwide.
The sampling of “Freek-a-Leek” connects “My Type” to early 2000s crunk music, adding a layer of nostalgic appeal while simultaneously modernizing the sound for contemporary audiences. This strategic production choice contributed to the song’s widespread appeal across different age demographics. Similar to drummers who focus on muscle memory development, Saweetie’s delivery showcases her technical skill that comes from dedicated practice and repetition. The song later received multiple remixes, including a notable version featuring Jhené Aiko and Yung Miami that was released in August 2019.
Beyond chart success, “My Type” served as a career cornerstone for Saweetie, opening doors to high-profile collaborations with artists like Jhené Aiko and Doja Cat while establishing her as a bold, empowering voice in female rap. The single ultimately transformed from a straightforward track into a cultural phenomenon that defined Saweetie’s artistic brand.
