poster boy

The song “poster boy” by 2hollis is a declaration of intent to transform oneself and achieve widespread recognition. The protagonist expresses a desire to shed their old self and become an idealized figure, a “poster boy,” symbolizing success and popularity. The lyrics suggest that this change is not only a personal ambition but also something their partner desires. The phrase “Trash the ploy, turn myself into a poster boy” signifies a deliberate and strategic shift in persona. The line “Live by the sword, make myself turn two to four” can be interpreted as an intensification of their efforts and a willingness to take risks to achieve their goals. There is an undercurrent of tension in the song, particularly in the context of a romantic relationship. The lyrics touch upon the protagonist's busy life and the resulting friction with their partner, who drives them “crazy.” The song captures the internal conflict between ambition and personal connection, and the desire to succeed while navigating the complexities of a relationship.

The narrative unfolds around a central character determined to fundamentally change their identity and public image. They speak of abandoning a previous strategy or persona—to “trash the ploy”—in order to become a “poster boy.” This new identity is one of idealization and public recognition, a figure worthy of being put on a pedestal. The line “Live by the sword, make myself turn two to four” suggests a doubling down on their efforts, a risky but determined escalation of their ambition. There's an acknowledgment that this transformation is desired not just by them, but also by a significant other, with the line, “I know you want it, oh you fucking got it.” This implies a shared goal or, perhaps, a pressure to change for the sake of the relationship and to achieve a certain status.

Throughout the song, there's a recurring theme of escape, of “running away,” which could symbolize leaving behind a past life, a difficult situation, or the anonymity they once knew. The verses delve into the complexities of a relationship under the strain of this ambition. The protagonist describes being constantly busy and on the move, leading to friction with their partner who “drive[s] them crazy.” There's a sense of impatience and confusion in the relationship, with lines like, “Fuck, you think we going out? You so wrong, you so dumb. We take our time, we don't rush.” This contradiction highlights the turmoil—a desire to move forward in their career while also trying to navigate the uncertain pace of their personal connection. The central question, “What would it take, call you my baby?” underscores the yearning for commitment and stability amidst the chaos of their professional ascent. The song captures the internal and external conflicts of someone on the verge of fame, grappling with who they are, who they want to become, and what sacrifices they are willing to make for love and success.

“Poster boy” was released in 2023 as a track on 2hollis's album titled “2”. The song was self-released by the artist. 2hollis, whose real name is Hollis Frazier-Herndon, is a producer, singer, and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois, and is known for creating music across experimental, rap, electronic, and pop genres. He began making music in 2018 under the alias Drippysoup before rebranding as 2hollis. His father is John Herndon, the drummer for the band Tortoise, and his mother, Kathryn Frazier, managed the electronic artist Skrillex. This background likely provided a musically rich environment for his artistic development. The song gained further prominence when it was included on the soundtrack for the video game EA Sports FC 24.

The rhythmic structure of “poster boy” is built around a driving electronic beat with a tempo of approximately 111 BPM. The song is in a 4/4 time signature. The rhythm of the vocal delivery often syncs tightly with the electronic instrumentation, creating a cohesive and energetic feel. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal but utilizes a mix of perfect and near rhymes to maintain a sense of lyrical flow. For example, in the verse, “out” and “dumb” and “rush” create a loose rhyming pattern that feels conversational. The chorus has a more structured rhyme with “boy” and “four.” The interplay between the rhythmic vocals and the pulsating electronic beat is a key component of the song's energetic and somewhat chaotic atmosphere.

2hollis's music is characterized by its genre-blending nature, and “poster boy” is a prime example of this. The track fuses elements of electropop, hyperpop, cloud rap, and EDM. His production style often features glitchy synths, heavy bass, and unconventional samples. The vocal delivery in “poster boy” is melodic yet carries a sense of urgency and emotional rawness. The use of autotune and other vocal effects is a common feature in his music, inspired by artists like Drain Gang. Lyrically, the song employs a direct and confessional tone, with a narrative that is both personal and relatable in its themes of ambition and relationship struggles. The structure often contrasts more energetic, chorus-like sections with more introspective verses, creating a dynamic listening experience.

“Poster boy” has contributed to 2hollis's rising popularity in the experimental pop and rap scenes. A significant marker of its cultural reach was its inclusion in the official soundtrack for the highly popular video game EA Sports FC 24, which exposed the song to a massive global audience. The song is a key track from his 2023 album “2” and is representative of the unique, genre-defying sound that has earned him a dedicated online following and critical attention. 2hollis has been noted for his innovative style, and his music, including “poster boy,” has been praised on platforms like TikTok. His association with the “rage rap” scene and his opening slot for Ken Carson's tour have further solidified his place as an emerging artist to watch.

The central metaphor of the song is the idea of becoming a “poster boy.” This term generally refers to someone who is an ideal representative of a particular quality or cause. In the context of the song, it symbolizes the protagonist's aspiration for fame, admiration, and becoming a recognizable icon. The phrase “trash the ploy” suggests a conscious decision to discard a previous, less successful identity or strategy. “Live by the sword” is a well-known idiom that implies a life of risk and potential danger, in this case, the perils of pursuing fame and a public life. The recurring motif of “running away” can be seen as a metaphor for escaping a past self, a mundane existence, or the pressures of a difficult situation to move towards this new, idealized identity.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus: “Trash the ploy, turn myself into a poster boy / Live by the sword, make myself turn two to four / I know you want it, oh you fucking got it / Running away.” This hook encapsulates the central themes of transformation, ambition, and escape. Its repetition drills the core message of the song into the listener's mind. The phrase “poster boy” itself is a powerful, recurring motif that defines the protagonist's ultimate goal. The idea of “running away” also reappears, emphasizing the desire to move on from a previous state of being. Another repeated line, “You drive me, drive me, drive me crazy,” highlights the persistent tension within the romantic relationship described in the song.