The track began as a mashup created by , which quickly exploded on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, generating over 100,000 Reels and 15,000 TikTok creates. Post Malone, who has a history of performing Morrison’s 1996 hit "Return of the Mack" during live shows and charity events, officially embraced the remix as a single through Mercury and Republic Records. Musical Composition
: Many fans on YouTube praised Post Malone for giving official credit and a platform to the creator of the original mashup.
: Some listeners on Reddit felt the remix felt "rushed" or "forced" compared to the high-quality production of Malone's solo work, with some preferring the original version of "Cooped Up". Check out the official audio for this viral mashup here: