Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 17, 2026

Pretty Pimpin

"Pretty Pimpin" is a song written and performed by American indie rock musician Kurt Vile. The song was released as a single on July 21, 2015, and received a positive reception from music critics.

Last revised
Jul 17, 2026
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≈ 2 min
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Wikipedia ↗
"Pretty Pimpin"
Single by Kurt Vile
from the album B'lieve I'm Goin Down...
ReleasedJuly 21, 2015 (2015-07-21)
Length4:58
LabelMatador
SongwriterKurt Vile
Producers
Kurt Vile singles chronology
"He's Alright"
(2009) 		"Pretty Pimpin"
(2015) 		"I'm an Outlaw"
(2016)
Music video
"Pretty Pimpin" on YouTube

"Pretty Pimpin" is a song written and performed by American indie rock musician Kurt Vile. The song was released as a single on July 21, 2015, and received a positive reception from music critics.

"Pretty Pimpin" peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, becoming Vile's first chart-topper on a Billboard chart.1

Critical reception

"Pretty Pimpin" received favorable reviews from critics. Evan Minsker of Pitchfork awarded it Best New Track, and said that its overall aesthetic is entirely welcome.2 Kyle McGovern of Spin said that the song is the most engaging and jaunty-sounding single Vile has pushed to radio.3 Tom Hughes of The Guardian called it one of Vile's "loveliest songs yet, and a great summation of his ingenious-weirdo appeal".4 The song has also been highlighted as a standout track of its parent album by AllMusic and Consequence of Sound.56

Music video

The music video was released on July 21, 2015.7

Weekly charts

Chart (2015–16) Peak
position
US Adult Alternative Airplay (Billboard)8 1
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)9 33
US Rock & Alternative Airplay (Billboard)10 33

Certifications and sales

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)11 Gold 40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)12 Gold 15,000‡
United States (RIAA)13 Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Rutherford, Kevin (March 3, 2016). "Kurt Vile's 'Pretty Pimpin' Tops Adult Alternative Songs Chart". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  2. Minsker, Evan (July 21, 2015). "Kurt Vile: Pretty Pimpin". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  3. McGovern, Kyle (September 21, 2015). "Review: Kurt Vile Levitates on the Desert-Warmed 'b'lieve i'm goin down...'". Spin. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  4. Hughes, Tom (October 1, 2015). "Kurt Vile: b'lieve i'm goin down review – terrific slow-burner from US charmer". The Guardian. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  5. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "B'lieve I'm Goin Down... – Kurt Vile". AllMusic. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  6. Kivel, Adam (September 22, 2015). "Kurt Vile – b'lieve i'm goin down..." Consequence of Sound. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  7. Grow, Kory (July 21, 2015). "See Kurt Vile Snap Out of a Daze in Pretty Pimpin Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  8. "Kurt Vile Chart History (Adult Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  9. "Kurt Vile Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  10. "Kurt Vile Chart History (Rock & Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  11. "Canadian single certifications – Kurt Vile – Pretty Pimpin". Music Canada. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  12. "New Zealand single certifications – Kurt Vile – Pretty Pimpin'". Radioscope. Retrieved July 27, 2025. Type Pretty Pimpin' in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
  13. "American single certifications – Kurt Vile – Pretty Pimpin". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 14, 2023.