KEKE
6ix9ine , Fetty Wap , A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
Song Information
Song Meaning
"KEKE" is a song that glorifies a dangerous and illegal lifestyle, with the lyrics focusing on themes of violence, drug dealing, and sexual conquests. The artists, 6ix9ine, Fetty Wap, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, boast about their daily activities on the block, which include confrontations with the police and rival gangs. The recurring phrase "on the regular" emphasizes the routine nature of these illicit actions. The song's overall message is one of defiance against authority and a celebration of a lawless existence. It paints a picture of a harsh street reality where power and respect are earned through aggression and criminal enterprise.
Lyrics Analysis
The song's narrative is a raw and unfiltered depiction of a defiant and dangerous street lifestyle, delivered with an aggressive and confrontational energy. The central theme revolves around the artists' regular activities on their block, which are consistently portrayed as being in opposition to the law and societal norms. The lyrics open with a bold declaration of their presence and actions, repeatedly emphasizing that their illicit activities are a part of their daily routine, or "on the regular." This includes violent confrontations, specifically mentioning brandishing firearms and being ready for conflict. The artists boast about their sexual conquests in explicit terms, further contributing to the song's provocative and unapologetic tone.
A significant portion of the lyrical content is dedicated to bragging about wealth, criminal exploits, and a complete disregard for authority. There is a strong emphasis on materialism, with references to expensive cars and a constant flow of money. The act of "water whipping straight drop" alludes to the process of cooking crack cocaine, explicitly detailing their involvement in the drug trade. This is presented not as a necessity, but as a part of their dominant and successful street persona. The lyrics also convey a sense of paranoia and the need for constant vigilance, as they are always armed and prepared for potential threats or attacks. This readiness for violence is a recurring motif, with graphic descriptions of inflicting harm on their rivals.
The featured artists, Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, each contribute verses that build upon this established theme of a lawless and aggressive lifestyle. Their contributions echo the sentiments of the main artist, reinforcing the collective identity of a crew that is deeply entrenched in street culture. They rap about their own experiences with violence, their material possessions, and their risky behaviors, creating a unified and consistent narrative throughout the song. The overall message is a glorification of a dangerous and illegal lifestyle, where power, wealth, and respect are gained through intimidation and illicit activities. The song paints a picture of a world where survival and success are dictated by a completely different set of rules, far removed from mainstream society.
History of Creation
"KEKE" was officially released on January 14, 2018, as the third single from 6ix9ine's mixtape Day69. The song is a collaboration with fellow American rappers Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. It was produced by WalteezyAFN. Interestingly, a solo version of the track titled "On The Regular" was uploaded to the ELEVATOR music channel in March 2017 but didn't gain significant traction initially. The remixed version with Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie was previewed by 6ix9ine on his Instagram in late 2017 before it was officially released. The music video, directed by Figure Eight Films, was premiered by WorldStarHipHop and features the three artists in the streets of New York, stylistically similar to 6ix9ine's previous music videos for "Gummo" and "Kooda".
Emotional Background
The predominant emotional tone of "KEKE" is one of aggression, defiance, and braggadocio. The song's loud, abrasive production and shouted vocal delivery create a confrontational and intimidating atmosphere. Lyrically, the artists express a complete disregard for authority and societal norms, instead reveling in a dangerous and illicit lifestyle. There is a strong sense of pride in their street credibility and a defiant attitude towards anyone who might challenge them. The emotional landscape is one of unchecked machismo and a glorification of a lawless existence, with no room for vulnerability or introspection.
Cultural Influence
"KEKE" was a significant song in the rise of 6ix9ine's controversial career. It followed his breakout singles "Gummo" and "Kooda," further solidifying his aggressive, in-your-face style that garnered him both massive attention and notoriety. The song performed well commercially, peaking at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success helped to cement 6ix9ine's place as a prominent figure in the SoundCloud rap scene of the late 2010s. The music video, which amassed a large number of views, continued to build upon his viral fame with its raw and energetic depiction of New York street life. While not as widely impactful as some of his other hits, "KEKE" was an important step in his rapid ascent to fame and a key track on his successful mixtape, Day69.
Rhyme and Rhythm
The rhyme scheme in "KEKE" is straightforward and direct, primarily utilizing simple end rhymes that contribute to the song's aggressive and chant-like quality. The rhythm is driven by a hard-hitting trap beat with a prominent bass line and skittering hi-hats, typical of the genre. The rappers' flows are energetic and often off-kilter, adding to the chaotic and confrontational feel of the track. The repetition of the phrase "on the regular" at the end of several lines in the chorus creates a hypnotic and memorable hook, reinforcing the song's central theme of a normalized, dangerous lifestyle. The interplay between the driving rhythm of the beat and the aggressive, often shouted, vocal delivery creates a sense of urgency and intensity.
Stylistic Techniques
The song employs a number of stylistic techniques to achieve its aggressive and confrontational tone. 6ix9ine's vocal delivery is characterized by its loud, almost screaming style, which has become one of his signatures. This, combined with the dark, minor-key synth production and hard-hitting drum programming, creates an intense and menacing atmosphere. The lyrics are explicit and direct, with a focus on vivid, and often violent, imagery. Repetition is a key literary device used throughout the song, most notably with the phrase "on the regular," which serves to normalize the extreme lifestyle being depicted. The song also features ad-libs and shout-outs, such as "Scum Gang!", which help to build a sense of group identity and loyalty.
Emotions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the song 'KEKE' by 6ix9ine about?
"KEKE" is a song that details a lifestyle of crime and defiance. The lyrics, delivered by 6ix9ine, Fetty Wap, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, describe their regular activities on the streets, including drug dealing, confrontations with law enforcement, and violence. The recurring phrase 'on the regular' emphasizes the routine nature of this dangerous lifestyle.
When was 'KEKE' by 6ix9ine released?
"KEKE" was commercially released for streaming and digital download on January 14, 2018. It was the third single from 6ix9ine's mixtape <i>Day69</i>.
Who are the featured artists on 6ix9ine's song 'KEKE'?
The song "KEKE" by 6ix9ine features two other American rappers: Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. They each contribute a verse to the track.
What does 'water whipping straight drop' mean in the lyrics of 'KEKE'?
In the context of the song's lyrics, the phrase 'water whipping straight drop' is slang for the process of cooking crack cocaine. This line is indicative of the song's overall theme of glorifying a criminal lifestyle.
What is the significance of the phrase 'on the regular' in 'KEKE'?
The recurring phrase 'on the regular' is the central lyrical motif of the song. It is used to underscore the idea that the dangerous and illegal activities being described are a normal and consistent part of the artists' everyday lives, thus normalizing a violent and criminal existence.
Was there an earlier version of the song 'KEKE'?
Yes, a solo version of the track by 6ix9ine, titled "On The Regular," was released in March 2017. However, it was the later version featuring Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie that gained mainstream attention and commercial success.