MusicRx - DAYTONA: Pusha T’s Ruthless Blade of Authenticity

Introduction

Released May 25 2018 under G.O.O.D. Music and Def Jam Pusha T’s DAYTONA a 7 track 21 minute masterpiece fully produced by Kanye West peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. With 77000 first week sales and 1.8 billion streams by April 2025 it earned Platinum certification a hip hop triumph.

Messaging and Theme

DAYTONA’s cover a gritty image acquired by Kanye for $85000 immerses listeners in Pusha’s street narrative. If You Know You Know weaves insider knowledge Infrared delivers sharp street authority with ruthless precision.

Production and Sound

Kanye West crafts DAYTONA in Jackson Hole blending soul samples with hard hitting drums. The Games We Play samples Jimmy Douglass Come Back Baby reworks The Mighty Hannibal refined by Mike Dean’s meticulous touch.

Features

DAYTONA keeps features sparse Rick Ross adds grit to Hard Piano Kanye West energizes What Would Meek Do? with nods to Meek Mill. They enhance Pusha’s commanding presence without overshadowing it.

Streaming Growth

Track Highlights

For Newcomers

If You Know You Know and Infrared with sharp bars and booming beats draw listeners into Pusha’s intense street gospel.

For The Dive

Come Back Baby and Santeria with soulful samples and layered lyricism reveal Pusha’s depth for dedicated fans.

Hidden Gems

The Games We Play and Hard Piano with sleek swagger and gritty energy shine as understated tracks.

Latest Obsessions

Infrared performed live at Coachella 2025 per Spotify data reignites buzz for its sharp delivery.

Previous Works

Clipse’s Lord Willin’ 2002 and Hell Hath No Fury 2006 with Malice and The Neptunes followed by My Name Is My Name 2013 and Darkest Before Dawn 2015 set the stage. DAYTONA sharpens Pusha’s craft leading to It’s Almost Dry 2022.

Legacy & Reception

Metacritic’s 86/100 and Pitchfork’s 8.3/10 praise DAYTONA’s precision. By April 2025 with 1.8 billion streams and a viral Coachella 2025 Infrared performance it influences Griselda and Benny The Butcher’s work.

Awards Recognition

DAYTONA earned a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Its Platinum certification and 1.8 billion streams by 2025 affirm Pusha’s lasting impact.

9.0

Originality

If You Know You Know refines street rap with sharp intensity Pusha builds on Clipse roots with fresh precision.

10.0

Production

Hard Piano and Come Back Baby shine Kanye’s soulful beats create a flawless backdrop for Pusha’s delivery.

9.5

Lyrics

The Games We Play paints vivid imagery sharp bars cut deep though niche themes may limit broader appeal.

9.0

Enjoyment

Infrared builds slowly its intense energy grips though its brevity leaves listeners wanting more.

10.0

Consistency

Seven tracks maintain relentless focus Pusha’s flow never falters creating a seamless experience.

9.5

Overall

DAYTONA is Pusha T’s sharp masterpiece ruthless compact and commanding. Its 1.8 billion streams cement its 2025 hip hop legacy with a 9.5/10 score.

Chart Performance

Album	Highest Charting Song	Peak Position	Streams (as of 2025)	Certification	Units Sold
My Name Is My Name	Numbers on the Boards	94	1.2B	Gold	0.7M
DAYTONA	Infrared	62	1.8B	Platinum	1.1M

Album Certifications

Album	Certification	Units (Millions)
DAYTONA	Platinum	1.1

Sources

Data sourced from Billboard RIAA Spotify and Pitchfork verified as of April 27 2025.