Pop Champagne
| Company type | Single |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 2008 |
| Founder | Ron Browz |
| Products | Hip hop single |
Pop Champagne is a track by American hip hop producer and artist Ron Browz, initially released independently in June 2008. It gained broader attention after a remix featuring rappers Jim Jones and Juelz Santana was officially issued as a single on September 4, 2008, through Columbia and Universal Motown Records. This remix acted as the lead single for Jones' fourth studio album, Pray IV Reign (2009). Although critical reception was mixed, "Pop Champagne" emerged as Jim Jones' second most successful single following his 2006 chart-topper "We Fly High."
Background, recording and composition
The initial version of the song was performed solely by producer Ron Browz; the widely recognized rendition featuring Jim Jones and Juelz Santana is a remix. The track is notable for its extensive use of Auto-Tune technology. After hearing 50 Cent’s "Rider Pt. 2," Browz acquired the Auto-Tune software and experimented with it for the first time on this project, initially facing challenges in aligning the vocal pitch. To address this, he simplified the instrumental arrangement by removing melodic elements and concentrating on percussion and vocals—a departure from his earlier style.
The lyrics celebrate the act of popping champagne bottles, inspired by Browz’s experiences growing up in Harlem where older acquaintances frequently celebrated with champagne brands such as Veuve Clicquot. The introduction includes Browz’s nickname "Ether Boy," a nod to his production work on Nas’ song "Ether." Although Browz initially regarded the track as somewhat of a joke, he completed the original recording in one day and released it independently through his Ether Boy label in June 2008, where it gained traction on regional radio stations.
The remix originated when Jim Jones heard the original early one morning and recognized its potential. After meeting Browz, Jones recorded his verse spontaneously during a studio session, impressing Browz with his quick work. Jones’ lyrics reference various types of alcoholic beverages. Subsequently, Jones invited Juelz Santana to add a verse, further enhancing the remix’s appeal.
Release and promotion
The remixed version of "Pop Champagne" was officially released on September 4, 2008 via Columbia, Universal Motown, and Koch Records, achieving notable commercial success. Despite the original being a Ron Browz solo effort, Jim Jones is credited as the lead artist on this version. The song significantly elevated Ron Browz’s visibility, who had previously remained "largely unknown outside of music industry circles."
The accompanying music video was co-directed by Dale Resteghini and Jim Jones and features appearances by Dame Dash, Busta Rhymes, Mike Epps, and Jessica Rich from Real Chance of Love. Jonah Weiner of Slate observed homoerotic undertones in a scene where Jim Jones and Juelz Santana spray champagne on each other.
Critical reception
Reviews for "Pop Champagne" were mixed. VIBE singled it out among Browz’s catchy yet "mindless melodies." MTV News ranked it number 27 on their list of the top 28 hip-hop songs of 2008. Ben Westhoff from the Houston Press complimented Jim Jones's "hypnotic, breathy delivery" on the track.
Several critics drew comparisons between this song and Jones’s 2006 hit "We Fly High." Chris Ryan of Spin described it as the sole track on Pray IV Reign that captured the hedonistic vibe of that earlier success, while AllMusic labeled it a "club anthem." On the other hand, PopMatters criticized it as an inferior imitation with an almost unlistenable hook due to heavy vocal processing and absence of Jones's typical ad libs. Slant Magazine called it "remarkably anemic," pointing to overuse of Auto-Tune and fragmented production. Kit Mackintosh connected the track to a larger trend toward artificiality in musical production.
T-Pain, renowned for his use of Auto-Tune, publicly criticized Browz’s application of the effect on this song. Browz responded that he had recorded "Pop Champagne" soon after acquiring the Auto-Tune plugin and stood by its success. The two artists later reconciled and collaborated on the 2013 single "All The Way," with Browz describing their past disagreement as "good for the game."
In a 2024 interview, Browz referred to the beat behind "Pop Champagne" as the finest he has ever produced.
Additional remixes
In October 2008, a new version of the track was issued, featuring contributions from Ludacris, Lil' Kim, and Swizz Beatz.
After the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Ron Browz produced a special remix of "Pop Champagne" that incorporated lyrics celebrating Barack Obama's win and his campaign theme of "change," while also showing respect toward his opponents John McCain and Sarah Palin. This remix further includes rapper Busta Rhymes, who reflects on his experience casting a vote for Obama.
Weekly rankings
Template:SinglechartTemplate:SinglechartTemplate:Singlechart| Chart (2008–2009) | Highest Position |
|---|
Year-end rankings
| Chart (2009) | Ranking |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 98 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 36 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard) | 39 |