Hex

"Hex" by 80purppp explores the intoxicating and overwhelming feelings of infatuation and desire. The title itself suggests being under a spell, completely captivated by someone to the point of obsession. The lyrics convey a mix of confidence and vulnerability as the narrator navigates his intense attraction. On one hand, he projects an image of success and power, and on the other, he reveals a deep longing and a sense of desperation to win the affection of the person he desires. The song captures the thrill of a new, all-consuming crush, blending themes of lust, romance, and the hope for a genuine connection. It speaks to a universally understood experience of being so enamored with someone that it feels like being under a magical influence, a 'hex'.

The song begins with a declaration of rising status and influence, comparing the feeling of power to a Tesla. The artist describes being overwhelmed by a hazy, intoxicating environment, which is intensified by the presence of an alluring woman who is putting him to the test. He feels a need to navigate this situation carefully, ensuring his words are precise and impactful. There's a sense of being captivated, almost to the point of feeling like he should "arrest" her for the effect she has on him.

The narrative then shifts to a direct address to this girl, whom he describes as the most beautiful person he's ever seen, so bright she's like a vision out of a dream. He expresses a desperate need to win her affection, feeling as though his life depends on it. He makes his intentions clear, wanting to approach her and become her partner, even if it means being forward or "crude" in his admiration of her beauty. His approach is smooth and confident, aiming to set the right mood and dismiss any other potential suitors, whom he considers insignificant. His focus is solely on her, emphasizing that she is the only one he is interested in, and if he succeeds, he imagines a romantic and intimate future.

He then explicitly offers her the world, promising to shower her with diamonds and pearls, and assuring her that his intentions are for a serious relationship, not just a fleeting romance. He wants to be her "knight," treating her with respect and honor. He frames their potential connection as being part of a larger, almost divine plan, expressing a desire for a genuine bond that goes beyond a one-night stand. The song concludes with the hopeful offer of a shared journey, asking her to take his hand and explore the world with him, signifying a commitment to a deep and lasting relationship.

Born in London and raised in Edmonton, Canada, 80purppp, whose real name is Nathan Oddoye, began his musical journey with classical piano lessons at a young age. Influenced by artists like XXXTentacion, Playboi Carti, and Frank Ocean, he started creating music in high school as a form of personal expression, almost like a journal. "Hex" was his third official song, released on March 11, 2018. In an interview, 80purppp revealed that he recorded the song with only the chorus in mind and freestyled the verses. Interestingly, he initially disliked the song and was concerned it would alienate the fanbase he had built with his previous, more emo-rap-oriented tracks. However, the song received a great response, which taught him not to limit himself creatively. He also mentioned that "Hex" was the first time he truly had fun making music, moving away from a meticulous focus on a specific persona. The song's organic growth on platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify played a significant role in his rise as an artist.

The rhyme scheme in "Hex" is relatively free-flowing, which is consistent with the freestyled nature of its verses. The song does not adhere to a strict, traditional rhyme pattern, giving it a more conversational and natural feel. The rhymes are often simple and direct, such as "Tesla" with "arrest her" and "test." The rhythm is driven by a steady, mid-tempo beat at 110 BPM. This relaxed tempo, combined with 80purppp's smooth vocal delivery, creates a laid-back and hypnotic groove. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is seamless, with the vocals gliding over the beat. This creates the song's characteristic "vibe" that listeners find so captivating.

"Hex" is characterized by its blend of musical and literary techniques that create its signature atmospheric and emotive feel. Musically, the song features a lo-fi aesthetic with smooth R&B melodies layered over a relaxed hip-hop beat. The production is often described as dreamy and immersive, with a tempo of 110 BPM and a key of F Major. 80purppp's vocal delivery is smooth and gentle, blurring the lines between rapping and singing, which distinguishes him in the DIY-rap scene. The song has a notable build-up in its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song employs a conversational and direct narrative voice. The use of modern-day references like "Tesla" keeps the lyrics contemporary. The verses were reportedly freestyled, which could contribute to their raw and spontaneous feel.

"Hex" became a breakthrough single for 80purppp, significantly boosting his popularity and establishing his signature sound. The song gained massive organic traction on streaming platforms like Spotify, amassing over 400 million streams. It has been certified Gold in the U.S. and Canada and is nearing Platinum status. Its popularity led to countless remixes and covers online, solidifying its place as an anthem for fans of lo-fi and alternative R&B. The track's success was largely fueled by word-of-mouth and social media, particularly platforms like TikTok. "Hex" has been featured on major Spotify editorial playlists such as Mood Ring, Tear Drop, and Butter. This viral success catapulted 80purppp into the spotlight, allowing him to headline at events like SXSW in 2023. The song is often cited as a key track that helped define a particular wave of introspective and genre-blending hip-hop in the late 2010s.

The central metaphor of the song is the "Hex," representing the powerful, almost magical hold that infatuation has on the narrator. This isn't a literal curse but a symbol of being utterly enchanted and captivated by someone. The line, "Power on me, I'm feelin' just like a Tesla," uses a modern status symbol to represent a feeling of being charged, powerful, and at the forefront, likely fueled by the confidence his romantic interest gives him. The phrase "I'm thinking I should arrest her" is a metaphor for how captivating she is; her allure is so powerful it's almost criminal. The offer to "get showered with diamonds and some pearls" is a classic symbol of wanting to provide the best for someone and treat them with immense value, while his desire to be her "knight" symbolizes a chivalrous and protective love.

The most prominent recurring motif in "Hex" is the direct address to the object of his affection with phrases like "Hey girl" and "Hey boo." This repetition emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the song. The title concept of being under a "Hex" is a recurring theme, implicitly present throughout the track in the descriptions of his intense feelings. The idea of being put "to the test" by her is another recurring thought, highlighting the challenge and anticipation in this budding romance. The phrase "I'm feelin' just like a Tesla" also stands out as a memorable hook, encapsulating a sense of modern power and energy.