Tommy Richman, one of 2024’s breakout stars, is back with a new teaser that has fans divided. The Virginia singer, known for his viral hit “Million Dollar Baby,” posted a 30-second clip of what appears to be his next single, “Actin Up,” on Wednesday (Jan. 30), marking his return after months of silence.
The snippet, accompanied by a music video, leans into early 2000s nostalgia. Richman’s signature falsetto rides over a beat featuring steelpan drums reminiscent of Soulja Boy’s “Crank That,” along with haunting piano chords, heavy 808s, and Mannie Fresh-style cowbells. Lyrically, the track blends frustration (“I’m sick and tired, all these people sayin’ names”), romance (“I gotta stay alive for my soulmate”), and club-ready commands (“Bend it over, break it down, back it up”).
The teaser which was shared on his Instagram page has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans are already calling it a hit, with fellow artist Russ commenting, “this is it,” and another writing, “Plz drop it rn I don’t wanna wait months.” Even Hip-Hop journalist Elliott Wilson, who previously criticized Richman’s claim that he’s “not a Hip-Hop artist,” admitted: “I HATE how much I like this snippet. Oh, Tommy! Iz u iz or iz u ain’t the culture?”
That claim—made by Richman last October—continues to stir debate. While he later clarified that he meant he’s “not solely a Hip-Hop artist,” some listeners remain skeptical. “Same dude that said he wasn’t Hip-Hop… I’m confused,” one user commented.Richman’s last single, “Devil Is a Lie,” cracked the Billboard Hot 100 but didn’t match the success of “Million Dollar Baby.” His debut album COYOTE leaned into a more eclectic sound, steering away from the commercial appeal of his hits. With “Actin Up,” it seems Richman is refocusing on the charts. Whether it lands or not, one thing is clear: the conversation around Tommy Richman isn’t dying down anytime soon.
