Rudebox - Soul Mekanik Extended Dub

Produced by the British duo Soul Mekanik, "Rudebox" marked a controversial new direction for Robbie Williams. The song finds Williams abandoning his traditional pop sound in favor of a full rap flow, with the former Take That member making a multitude of cultural references to The Matrix, Adidas, Michael Jackson, and more. "Rudebox" also shouts out a number of hip-hop songs, including The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Big Poppa" and Beastie Boys' "Paul Revere."

"Rudebox" samples the melody from Jamaican production legends Sly & Robbie's 1987 hit single "Boops (Here to Go)." Sly Dunbar approved the use of the sample, telling M Magazine in 2012: "When Robbie Williams used 'Boops' I thought, 'Wow, that's good!' I think we even got a certificate!"

Directed by the French fashion photographer Seb Janiak, the music video sees Williams further tapping into the hip-hop influence that defines the Rudebox era. It features Williams and a group of breakdancers performing in a parking lot setting, with the singer coming dressed in New York-inspired streetwear.