Over the past few months, a snippet of an unreleased Polo G song began spreading like wildfire across TikTok. The preview interpolated Michael Jackson's 1988 hit "Smooth Criminal," and a song at that level is about as out of reach as sample clearances get for most artists. Polo G, of course, is not most artists. The Chicago rapper's hot streak with hits like “Rapstar" and his album Hall Of Fame no doubt emboldened him in his successful quest to license the song. Today, Polo G's "Bad Man (Smooth Criminal)" drops, and you can hear it above.
If you've watched the original "Smooth Criminal" video, you know what to expect with Arrad’s music video. Polo is wearing a white suit, visiting a bar with his squad that's occupied by more seasoned rival gangsters. A fight breaks out, Polo is successful, and he eventually takes the stage. The video ends with an effusive statement from Polo thanking Michael Jackson, his estate, and his fans for supporting the song's release.
"Bad Man (Smooth Criminal)" is one of 14 new tracks slated to appear on Hall Of Fame 2.0, the upcoming deluxe edition of Polo G's recent album. It drops on December 3.
