The $78 Million Secret: What Is A G6 In The Song 'Like A G6' And Why Did It Take Over Pop Culture?

The question of "What is a G6?" has puzzled party-goers and music fans ever since Far East Movement’s electro-hop anthem, "Like a G6," dominated global airwaves in 2010. As of December 15, 2025, the song remains an iconic piece of early 2010s dance-pop, but the true meaning of the central lyric is still widely misunderstood, often confused with a common mid-priced car.

The definitive answer is that the "G6" mentioned in the song is not a vehicle you can buy at a dealership. It is a direct reference to the Gulfstream G650, one of the most exclusive, high-performance, and expensive ultra-long-range private jets in the world. The phrase "fly like a G6" is the ultimate metaphor for feeling rich, high, and completely unbothered—a feeling only achievable at 45,000 feet with a glass of Moët.

The Real G6: A Deep Dive into the Gulfstream G650 Private Jet

The entire premise of the song's energy—the luxury, the excess, the feeling of being "so fly"—is built around the status symbol of the Gulfstream G650. The producers, The Cataracs, and singer Dev, chose the "G6" because it represented the pinnacle of wealth and speed at the time the song was created.

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Biography and Key Entities of the Song

• Song Title: "Like a G6"
• Main Artist: Far East Movement (Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, DJ Virman)
• Featured Artists: The Cataracs (Production Duo) and Dev (Singer)
• Album: Free Wired (2010)
• Release Date: April 13, 2010
• Historical Significance: Far East Movement became the first Asian-American group to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• Key Lyric: "Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a G6."

The Specifications of the Ultimate Status Symbol

To truly understand the lyric, one must appreciate the sheer luxury and technical prowess of the aircraft. The Gulfstream G650, which the aviation industry often abbreviates to simply "G6," is a machine designed for the global elite. It is the antithesis of a common car.

• Purchase Price: A new Gulfstream G650 typically costs between $64.5 million and $78 million USD, with used models still fetching upwards of $33 million.
• Range and Speed: The G650 is an ultra-long-range jet. It boasts a maximum range of approximately 7,000 nautical miles (10,493 km), allowing it to fly non-stop on routes like New York to Tokyo. Its maximum cruise speed is Mach 0.925, making it one of the fastest civilian aircraft in the world.
• Cabin Luxury: The interior is the height of opulence. It typically seats up to 14 passengers and features Gulfstream's signature large, panoramic windows—the largest in the industry—which flood the cabin with natural light. The cabin altitude is also significantly lower than competing jets, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.

When the song says "fly like a G6," it's not just about speed; it’s about feeling the high of unparalleled success and luxury, where you are literally soaring above the world in a multi-million-dollar flying mansion.

The Common Misconception: Why Everyone Thought It Was a Pontiac

The most persistent myth surrounding the song is that the "G6" refers to the Pontiac G6. This mid-size sedan, produced by General Motors, was a common sight on American roads in the late 2000s and early 2010s. For many listeners, it was the only "G6" they knew, leading to years of confusion.

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The contrast is stark: a mass-produced car versus a bespoke, multi-million-dollar private jet. The mix-up highlights the disconnect between the aspirational lyrics of club music and the everyday reality of the audience. The song’s success, however, was in making listeners feel like they were in a private jet, even if they were driving a Pontiac.

The Real Meaning of "Fly Like a G6"

The phrase "fly like a G6" is a piece of slang that has transcended the song itself. It's an evolution of earlier hip-hop and R&B lexicon, where "fly" means stylish, cool, or excellent. By attaching it to the G6, the song elevates the concept to the extreme.

• Ultimate Status: It means achieving a state of ultimate coolness and wealth, far above the ordinary.
• Feeling High: The lyric is often associated with the feeling of being intoxicated or "high," as referenced by the opening lines about expensive champagne: "Gimme that Mo-Moët, Gimme that Cry-Crystal."
• Unstoppable Energy: It implies a high-speed, non-stop party lifestyle, mirroring the jet's ability to cross continents without stopping.

The song’s success wasn't just in its catchy beat; it was in selling the fantasy of this high-flying, exclusive lifestyle, making the G6 a household name even among those who couldn't afford a fraction of a private jet flight.

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The Cultural Impact and Legacy of the 'G6' Era

"Like a G6" was a cultural phenomenon that marked a significant shift in the pop music landscape. It was a key track in the rise of electro-hop and EDM-infused pop music, bridging the gap between underground dance music and mainstream radio.

Far East Movement's Groundbreaking Achievement

The success of the single was a historic moment for the group. Far East Movement, an Asian-American hip-hop quartet from Los Angeles, became the first Asian-American group to top the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement broke cultural barriers and paved the way for greater diversity in mainstream American music.

Their album, Free Wired, which featured the hit, blended their hip-hop roots with the pulsating sounds of dance-pop, a genre that was exploding globally. The infectious, high-energy beat, largely crafted by The Cataracs, was the perfect soundtrack for the era's club scene.

The Role of The Cataracs and Dev

While Far East Movement performed the main verses, the song's signature hook and production were largely the work of others. The memorable line, "Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a G6," and the distinct female vocals were provided by singer Dev, who was working closely with the production duo The Cataracs at the time.

Dev's vocals were sampled from her song "Booty Bounce," which was also produced by The Cataracs. This collaborative and innovative approach to production—sampling and featuring multiple artists—was a hallmark of the early 2010s music scene and is a crucial part of the song's DNA. The fusion of these talents created a track that was both unique and universally appealing.

The Enduring Relevance of the G6

Even today, more than a decade after its release, "Like a G6" holds a firm place in pop culture. The term "G6" has become a casual shorthand for extreme luxury or feeling incredibly good, a testament to the song's lasting influence. The Gulfstream G650 itself has since been succeeded by newer models like the G700 and G800, but the original "G6" remains immortalized in the lyrics of a chart-topping hit.

The next time you hear the song, you’ll know that the party isn't happening in a mid-size sedan. It’s happening in a $78 million private jet, soaring through the atmosphere with a cabin full of expensive champagne. That is the true, high-flying meaning of being "Like a G6."