Lil Dicky’s 2015 single “Save Dat Money” was an instant hit, climbing the charts and becoming an anthem for people who are all about saving money. But did you ever stop to think about just how much Lil Dicky himself spent to make that song and its accompanying music video? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot less than you might expect.
The “Save Dat Money” music video famously features Lil Dicky and his crew crashing expensive mansions and yachts, all without spending a single penny. But the truth is that Lil Dicky did spend some money to create the video, albeit a fraction of what it might have cost if he’d gone the traditional route.
So just how much did Lil Dicky pay for “Save Dat Money”? The answer is shockingly low: just $6000. That’s right, for less than the cost of a used car, Lil Dicky created a viral hit that has been viewed hundreds of millions of times and launched him into the mainstream. How did he do it? Keep reading to find out.
Lil Dicky’s Career Path
Lil Dicky, born as David Andrew Burd in 1988, is an American rapper, comedian, and actor from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and began to work in account management at the advertising agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. However, Lil Dicky quit his job in 2013 to pursue a career in rapping and comedy, fueled by his love for music and his desire to make people laugh.
Highlights of Lil Dicky’s Career Path
- Lil Dicky gained popularity when he released his debut mixtape titled “So Hard” in 2013, which went viral and was widely praised for its clever and humorous lyrics.
- In April 2014, Lil Dicky released a music video for his song “Ex-Boyfriend,” which quickly reached over one million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release.
- The success of his first music video led to Lil Dicky creating a Kickstarter campaign to fund his first official music video, “Professional Rapper,” featuring Snoop Dogg in 2015. The campaign raised over $113,000.
- Lil Dicky continued to release successful projects, including his debut studio album, “Professional Rapper” in 2015, and his second album, “So Hard” in 2019.
- The music video for Lil Dicky’s hit single “Earth,” released in 2019, featured over 30 celebrity appearances and was made to raise awareness for climate change. It has since gained over 300 million views on YouTube.
Lil Dicky’s Investment in “Save Dat Money”
“Save Dat Money” is a single by Lil Dicky featuring Fetty Wap and Rich Homie Quan, released in 2015. The song is notable for its music video, which was made with a budget of $0. Lil Dicky, who is known for his humorous and creative music videos, wanted to prove that a great video can be made on no budget. He spent months planning and reaching out to people and businesses to offer collaboration without any money exchange. For example, the video features scenes filmed on a yacht, in a mansion, and in Beverly Hills, all without spending a dime. Lil Dicky estimates that the “Save Dat Money” video would have cost him over $300,000 if he had paid for everything out of pocket.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Location Fees | $0 |
| Wardrobe | $0 |
| Props | $0 |
| Food and Drinks for Cast and Crew | $0 |
| Lil Dicky’s Own Expenses | $700 |
Save Dat Money has over 120 million views on YouTube and was a commercial success for Lil Dicky. The song showcases his clever wordplay and unique writing style and demonstrates that he is a master at creating viral content. Lil Dicky’s ability to create exceptional work without breaking the bank has made him one of the most influential figures in the rap industry.
Controversies over Lil Dicky’s Music
As with many artists, Lil Dicky has not been immune from controversies surrounding his music. Here are just a few of the most notable:
- The use of racial slurs: In some of his early music, Lil Dicky used racial slurs and made insensitive jokes about different groups of people. This led to accusations of racism and prompted him to apologize and acknowledge the hurt his words may have caused.
- The message behind “Save Dat Money”: While many fans loved Lil Dicky’s hit song “Save Dat Money,” some criticized the message behind it. The song celebrates finding ways to save money and get things for free, but some felt that it perpetuated a culture of not valuing other people’s work and effort.
- The representation of women: Lil Dicky has been criticized for his portrayal of women in some of his music videos and lyrics. Some argue that he objectifies and degrades women, while others defend his style as satirical and not meant to be taken seriously.
Despite these controversies, Lil Dicky remains a popular and successful artist with a dedicated fan base. However, it is worth considering the impact and message of his music, and engaging in discussions about the role of artists in shaping culture and societal values.
How much did Lil Dicky pay for “Save Dat Money”?
“Save Dat Money” was a standout hit from Lil Dicky’s 2015 album “Professional Rapper.” What many fans may not know is that Lil Dicky went to great lengths to make the music video for the song, famously finding ways to shoot it for free.
In an interview with Forbes, Lil Dicky revealed that he paid a total of $35,000 out of pocket for “Save Dat Money.” While this may seem like a lot, it is much less than the hundreds of thousands or even millions that some artists spend on music videos.
The video for “Save Dat Money” features Lil Dicky and his crew trying to create an elaborate music video without spending any money. They sneak onto a yacht, crash a mansion party, and even bribe people on the street for their cooperation. The result is a hilarious and entertaining video that perfectly captures Lil Dicky’s style and wit.
| Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Equipment rental | $0 |
| Location fees | $0 |
| Props and costumes | $0 |
| Crew and actors | $0 |
| Post-production | $35,000 |
In fact, Lil Dicky was so committed to the concept of the video that he actually refunded the $600 that he paid to rent a car for the shoot, since he ended up getting it for free. His dedication and creativity paid off, as “Save Dat Money” became one of his most popular and well-known songs.
Top Songs of Lil Dicky
David Andrew Burd, popularly known as Lil Dicky, is an American rapper, comedian, and actor. He is famous for using humor as a way to express his thoughts, often with a satirical approach. He first gained attention from his debut music video “Ex-Boyfriend” in 2013. To date, Lil Dicky has released two albums and numerous singles. Here are some of his most iconic songs.
- Freaky Friday: This song, which features singer Chris Brown, is Lil Dicky’s most successful single to date. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and its music video has garnered over 1.8 billion views on YouTube. The song is about Lil Dicky switching bodies with Chris Brown for a day and getting a taste of his luxurious life.
- $ave Dat Money: This song, which features Fetty Wap and Rich Homie Quan, showcases Lil Dicky’s frugality. The music video is especially impressive as it was made with zero budget; instead, Lil Dicky used his charm and wit to get various mansions, yachts, and expensive cars for free. The song aims to inspire people to save their money instead of wasting it on unnecessary things.
- Pillow Talking: This ten-minute-long song featuring Brain is Lil Dicky’s attempt at making a movie within a song. The song tackles the topic of one-night stands and explores the different perspectives of a man and a woman after a one-night stand. The song’s visuals are equally impressive, with the music video featuring various sets, animations, and special effects.
Lil Dicky’s Journey to “Save Dat Money”
“$ave Dat Money” was inspired by Lil Dicky’s desire to make a music video with big-budget production value but without spending a dime. He proposed the idea to his manager Mike Hertz, who initially thought it was impossible. However, Lil Dicky’s resourcefulness and cleverness made the impossible happen.
The music video was shot over two days on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a yacht, a mansion, and a car dealership, among other locations. Lil Dicky convinced the owners of these places to let him shoot the music video for free by using his comedic skills and promising them exposure.
| Location | Original Budget | Actual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | $5,000 | $0 |
| Yacht Rental | $40,000 | $0 |
| Mansion Rental | $10,000 | $0 |
| Car Dealership | $8,000 | $0 |
The music video premiered on YouTube in June 2015 and has garnered over 145 million views to date. The success of the music video helped to boost Lil Dicky’s career and cement his reputation as a rapper with a unique approach to his music.
Lil Dicky’s Net Worth
Lil Dicky, also known as Dave Burd, is a rapper, comedian, and actor who earned his fame through his unique brand of comedic rap. He is known for his clever punchlines and humorous storytelling in his music, which has earned him a loyal fan following.
As of 2021, Lil Dicky’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. Most of his wealth comes from his successful career in music, but he has also earned money through his appearances in TV shows, movies, and commercials.
Breakdown of Lil Dicky’s Net Worth
- Music Career – Lil Dicky’s music career has been his biggest source of income. He has released two studio albums and several hit singles, including “Freaky Friday” featuring Chris Brown, which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also earned money through touring and merchandise sales.
- TV Shows and Movies – Lil Dicky has appeared in several TV shows and movies. He had a recurring role in the FX comedy-drama series “Dave,” which is loosely based on his life. He has also made appearances in shows like “The League,” “Bojack Horseman,” and “American Vandal.” Additionally, he has acted in movies like “Ferdinand” and “Hollow Point.”
- Commercials – Lil Dicky has also earned money through his appearances in commercials. He has starred in ads for companies like Trojan, Carl’s Jr., and Madden NFL 19.
Lil Dicky’s Investment in Music Video Production
One factor that sets Lil Dicky apart from other rappers is his investment in the production of his music videos. He is known for creating visually stunning videos with high production value. For his song “Save Dat Money,” he famously made the entire video with a budget of only $0, using his charm and wit to convince people to let him use their houses, boats, and cars for free.
Despite the low budget, the video proved to be a huge success and went viral, earning over 120 million views on YouTube. Furthermore, his other music videos are equally as impressive, with elaborate sets, special effects, and celebrity cameos that make them stand out from the rest.
| MUSIC VIDEO | BUDGET | VIEW COUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Save Dat Money | $0 | 120 million |
| Freaky Friday | $700,000 | 817 million |
| Pillow Talking | $850,000 | 70 million |
Lil Dicky’s investment in his music videos has paid off, both in terms of views and critical acclaim. His unique approach to music video production has helped him stand out in a crowded industry, and it’s likely that we’ll see more innovative videos from him in the future.
Sampling in Music Industry
Sampling in the music industry is the process of taking a portion of a sound recording and reusing it in a different song. It has become a common practice in the music industry since the 1980s. Sampling can add a unique sound to a song, but it can also lead to legal issues such as copyright infringement and licensing fees.
The Cost of Sampling
- The cost of sampling varies depending on the song and the artist. Lil Dicky’s “Save Dat Money” is a great example of the cost of sampling in the music industry.
- “Save Dat Money” samples four different songs, including “Spendin’ Money” by Rappin’ 4-Tay, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich, “All the Way Turnt Up” by Roscoe Dash and Soulja Boy, and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” by Good Charlotte.
- In order to use these samples legally, Lil Dicky had to pay licensing fees to each of the original artists. According to reports, he spent about $22,000 on licensing fees for “Save Dat Money”.
The Legal Side of Sampling
Sampling can be a complex legal issue in the music industry. The copyright law states that a person cannot use a portion of a sound recording without obtaining permission from the original copyright holder. If a person uses a sample without permission, it can lead to legal issues and copyright infringement. The cost of licensing fees can also vary depending on the song, artist, and length of the sample.
Notable Sampling Lawsuits
There have been many notable lawsuits related to sampling in the music industry. One of the most famous cases is the lawsuit between the Beastie Boys and the band, “The Verve”. The Verve sampled a portion of an orchestral version of “The Last Time” by the Rolling Stones for their hit, “Bitter Sweet Symphony”. The Beastie Boys had obtained permission to sample the same orchestral version, but The Verve did not. As a result, the band had to pay all royalties to the Rolling Stones and the orchestral arranger, Andrew Loog Oldham.
| Artist | Song Sampled | Original Artist | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice | Under Pressure | Queen and David Bowie | Had to pay royalties and credit the original artist |
| Kanye West | Stronger | Daft Punk | Obtained permission to use the sample |
| The Notorious B.I.G. | I Got A Story To Tell | OH Honey | Had to pay royalties and credit the original artist |
These lawsuits illustrate the importance of obtaining permission and paying licensing fees for the use of samples in the music industry. It is vital for artists to be aware of the legal implications of sampling and to ensure they are following proper procedures.
Music Videos as a Form of Art
Music videos have come a long way since the days of MTV’s launch in 1981. What was initially a medium for promoting new songs has evolved into an art form in its own right. The video production now adds a visual layer to the music, making it more interesting and engaging for the audience.
Today’s music videos are designed to appeal to the viewer’s senses, with well-coordinated and aesthetically pleasing visuals that complement and enhance the music. Critics may point out that music videos detract from the “purity” of the music, but artists argue that videos are an essential part of the creative process. They are a way to tell a story, communicate a message or connect with fans at a different level.
- A form of self-expression: For Lil Dicky, making a music video was a way to visually represent his unique, humorous style of rap. His videos are full of satire, social commentary, and quirky, relatable scenarios. By adding a visual element, Lil Dicky was able to elevate his music and create a distinctive identity for himself as an artist.
- To showcase creativity: Music videos are also a platform for creative expression. Directors, choreographers, and visual artists work together to create a unique concept that reflects the mood and tone of the song. Lil Dicky’s video for “Save Dat Money” is a good example. He and his team came up with a clever idea of shooting the video without spending any money. The result is a hilarious and entertaining video that is just as creative as the song.
- To promote the music: Music videos are also powerful marketing tools. They help introduce new music to audiences and build anticipation for upcoming releases. Lil Dicky’s videos have helped him gain a large following on YouTube, with millions of views on each video. This traffic has helped him grow his fan base and generate more streams and downloads for his songs.
Given the impact that music videos can have on an artist’s career, it’s not surprising that artists are willing to spend a lot of money on video production. Lil Dicky, for one, did not spare any expense when creating his video for “Save Dat Money.”
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Helicopter Rental | $10,000 |
| Mansion Rental | $10,000 |
| Police Permit | $3,000 |
| Strip Club Rental | $2,500 |
| Professional Dancers and Actors | $3,000 |
| Other Expenses (Props, wardrobe, etc.) | $10,000 |
These costs may seem high, but for an artist like Lil Dicky, they are a necessary expenditure to create a product that stands out in a crowded field. Ultimately, the success of a music video depends on its creativity, execution, and ability to connect with the audience.
Working with Other Musicians as a Collaboration
Collaborations are a common occurrence in the music industry, and Lil Dicky’s “Save Dat Money” was no exception. To create this hit, Lil Dicky worked with a range of other musicians, including producer Money Alwayz, and rappers Fetty Wap and Rich Homie Quan.
- Money Alwayz: According to Lil Dicky in an interview with HotNewHipHop, he met producer Money Alwayz through mutual acquaintances, they clicked immediately, and decided to collaborate on the project.
- Fetty Wap: Lil Dicky’s friendship with Fetty Wap dates back to college, where they met at a party. In the same interview with HotNewHipHop, Lil Dicky reveals that he called Fetty Wap, telling him he had a song that needed a hook, which ultimately led to Fetty Wap’s involvement in “Save Dat Money.”
- Rich Homie Quan: Lil Dicky met Rich Homie Quan through his connections at Atlantic Records, who set up the collaboration.
Collaborating with other musicians can bring a fresh perspective to a musical project, as well as help to expand an artist’s audience. Working with musicians of different genres and styles can also result in unique and exciting fusions of sound.
However, collaborations also require a balancing act of creative egos and personalities. It is important for collaborators to have a mutual respect for each other’s talents and input, as well as open communication throughout the creative process.
Below is a table summarizing the collaborations involved in the creation of Lil Dicky’s “Save Dat Money.”
| Collaborator | Role in “Save Dat Money” |
|---|---|
| Money Alwayz | Producer |
| Fetty Wap | Vocalist, providing the hook |
| Rich Homie Quan | Rapper, providing a verse |
Overall, collaborations can be a valuable and exciting aspect of creating music, bringing together unique talents, and expanding creative horizons.
FAQs: How much did Lil Dicky pay for Save Dat Money?
1. How much did Lil Dicky pay for the Save Dat Money music video?
The exact amount Lil Dicky paid for the music video is unknown, but he has stated that it was significantly less than the average music video budget.
2. Was Save Dat Money a low-budget music video?
Yes, Lil Dicky intentionally created a low-budget music video for Save Dat Money to showcase that you can make impactful art without spending a lot of money.
3. Why didn’t Lil Dicky spend a lot of money on the Save Dat Money music video?
Lil Dicky wanted to prove a point that you don’t need a big budget to create a memorable music video.
4. How did Lil Dicky manage to make a high-quality music video on a low budget?
Lil Dicky used his connections and creativity to get access to expensive locations and props for free or at a lower cost.
5. Did Lil Dicky use any product placement in the Save Dat Money music video?
Yes, Lil Dicky featured various companies and products in the music video, but he did not receive any money for doing so. Instead, he traded exposure in the video for the products and services he needed.
6. What was the impact of Lil Dicky’s Save Dat Money music video?
The Save Dat Money music video went viral and accumulated over 150 million views on YouTube. Lil Dicky’s innovative approach to creating a music video on a low budget inspired many other artists to think outside the box and be creative with their resources.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
We hope you enjoyed learning about how much Lil Dicky paid for the Save Dat Money music video. Lil Dicky’s unique approach to creating a high-quality video on a low budget was a game-changer in the music industry. We appreciate you taking the time to read this article and we hope to see you again soon!