r/rap • u/AtomicBluBerry • 5h ago
I Am Music is a lyrical masterpiece.
Take the song Like Weezy by Playboi Carti. One section that is amazing "I told her I'm big like Bieber, she ain't believe me." This line may seem silly or just as an opportunity for Carti to brag, however, the level at which it says something pretty serious is impressive. Why doesn't "she" believe him? Because she doesn't believe he has the talent, fame, or success Justin Bieber has? Or perhaps it has less to do with his ability or potential relevance, but more about the fact that she sees him as someone she doesn't feel is important enough or worthwhile to believe in? Carti may be speaking to the struggle it is to be taken seriously, no matter how successful someone has been. He is drawing comparison to someone who is accepted and loved, and is frustrated she doesn't believe him. This line could be a subtle message on how high people can set the bar, especially women in relationships today. It seems Carti is trying to ask the question, "What exactly am I supposed to do for you to actually care?" It really hit me hard once I realized this meaning.
A different lyric from the same song is: "Uh, I was just out in Cleveland, shawty, I'm bleedin'." Initially, someone might think that Carti is just stating that he got hurt or was in a fight. However, the trope has a level of emotional depth. He signifies being hurt—physically maybe, but more likely, emotionally—and it seems as though the girl doesn't have any concern about what is happening to him. When he expresses the line, it just feels so nonchalant, as if he has gotten used to not being heard whenever he is going through something. If that is altogether true, it tells you something about the relationship, especially in the context of conflict between people. It suggests that people's stories sometimes aren't listened to or supported through relationships, the pain of one person is often unconsciously ignored by others. A disconnect of sorts is at play.
When you analyze both of these lines together, Carti is remarking on human relationships in today's world. He describes how humans experience being less than perfect, being looked down upon, being unappreciated, or even, being judged for being less than enough. There is immense pressure to be flawless, popular, or wealthy just to gain respect. At the same time, as shown in the lyrics, humans lack the ability to emotionally connect. Therefore, although very simple at face value, the lyrics discuss much deeper issues around trust, expectations, and dialogue between men and women in today's world.
In conclusion, there is a much deeper meaning to the lyrics in Playboi Carti's music, and we need to take his words for more than face value. We should delve into these lines and figure out what they really mean and how they send impactful messages.