Drowning (feat. Kodak Black)

Core Theme: The Flex of Success
At its heart, "Drowning" is a quintessential "flex" anthem. The title serves as a central metaphor for having an excessive amount of diamond jewelry (often referred to as "ice" or "water" in hip-hop slang). A Boogie suggests he is wearing so much jewelry that he is metaphorically drowning in the water created by the diamonds' shine. It turns the typically negative concept of drowning into a supreme positive—an abundance of wealth.

Materialism and Validation
The lyrics explore the correlation between material wealth and external validation. A Boogie explicitly links his "icy" wrist to the attention he receives from women ("Wonder why she like me"), acknowledging the superficial nature of newfound fame. The song catalogs luxury brands and items (Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Cuban links) as trophies of his escape from poverty.

Contrast of Styles
The song also represents a duality in the trap scene. A Boogie provides the melodic, polished, and somewhat romanticized view of the lifestyle, focusing on the aesthetics of wealth. In contrast, Kodak Black's verse (often polarized in public opinion) grounds the song in the erratic and raw reality of the streets, reminding the listener of the aggression and "sniper" mentality that often accompanies the rise to the top.

The narrative of this track serves as a grand declaration of newfound wealth and the status that accompanies it, framed through the metaphor of being submerged in water. The protagonist begins by drawing immediate attention to his jewelry, specifically the diamonds on his wrist, suggesting they are so plentiful and reflective that they resemble water. This visual spectacle is presented as the primary reason for his romantic conquests, implying that his partners are attracted to the shimmer of his success rather than his personality. He describes a literal sensation of drowning, not in sorrow, but in the sheer volume of his accessories, including a heavy Cuban link chain and a ring that symbolizes his rise to the top.

As the story progresses, the narrator details the specific luxuries he now enjoys, contrasting them with a past where he had nothing. He mentions purchasing high-end designer footwear and spending exorbitant amounts of money without hesitation, highlighting a complete disregard for price tags. The imagery shifts between the physical weight of the gold and diamonds and the metaphorical weight of his status. He recounts moments of carefree spending, popping tags, and the transformation from a street hustler to a polished star who still retains his rough edges. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has fully embraced the material fruits of his labor, wearing his wealth as a protective armor against the world.

The narrative voice shifts with the arrival of the guest, who brings a grittier, more aggressive perspective to the theme of success. This second voice abandons the melodic introspection for a raw, unfiltered stream of consciousness. He speaks of street violence, the 'sniper' mentality, and asserts his dominance with crude, biological metaphors to emphasize his high status. He boasts about his own jewelry and weapons, reinforcing the connection between the danger of the streets and the rewards of the music industry. The song concludes by returning to the central theme of 'drowning,' reiterating that while the lifestyle is overwhelming and potentially suffocating, it is a chosen and celebrated state of existence, where being covered in 'ice' is the ultimate sign of victory.

Release and Production
"Drowning" was released on March 10, 2017, as the lead single from A Boogie Wit da Hoodie's debut studio album, The Bigger Artist. The track was produced by Jahaan Sweet and Quasi. It became A Boogie's highest-charting solo single at the time, peaking at number 38 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Kodak Black's Involvement
The collaboration with Kodak Black was significant as both artists were members of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class, marking a union of two of the most promising young talents in hip-hop at that moment. Kodak's verse became infamous for its crude opening lines and off-beat flow, which sparked significant debate and meme culture online, contributing to the song's virality.

Visuals
The accompanying music video reinforces the song's themes by featuring A Boogie playing a piano underwater and scenes of a jewelry heist. The imagery of water and diamonds is literalized, creating a dark, moody aesthetic that matches the minor-key production.

Water and Ice
The primary symbol is "water," representing diamonds. The clarity and shimmer of high-quality diamonds are likened to water. Consequently, "drowning" symbolizes being covered in so much jewelry that one is submerged in it. It represents an overwhelming abundance.

The Cuban Link
Specifically mentioned, the Cuban link chain acts as a symbol of status and strength. It is heavy, durable, and classic, representing a solidified place in the rap hierarchy.

The Sniper
Kodak Black refers to himself as a "sniper." This metaphor extends beyond literal violence to represent precision, stealth, and being a "shooter" in terms of ambition—taking shots at success and not missing.

Bodily Functions (Kodak's Verse)
In a controversial metaphor, Kodak says, "I'm the shit, I'm farting." While crude, it is a hyperbolic metaphor for dominance—asserting that he is the best ("the shit") and his presence is undeniable and potent, much like the bodily function described.

The emotional landscape of "Drowning" is a complex blend of triumph and melancholy. While the lyrics are boastful and celebratory, asserting dominance and wealth, the minor-key piano instrumentation creates a somewhat sad, dark, or nostalgic atmosphere. It suggests that this level of excess comes with a heaviness or a coldness (matching the "ice" metaphor). A Boogie's vocal delivery is confident yet smooth and laid-back, while Kodak's verse introduces a chaotic, aggressive energy that disrupts the smooth texture, adding a layer of tension.

Chart Success and Legacy
"Drowning" was a pivotal moment in A Boogie Wit da Hoodie's career, propelling him from a buzzing New York artist to a mainstream star. It has been certified Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.

Internet Culture
The song found massive popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and Vine (during its final days) and later TikTok. Specifically, the opening piano notes became instantly recognizable.

The Kodak Verse Controversy
Kodak Black's verse became a cultural talking point in itself. It is frequently cited in discussions about "mumble rap" and lyrical quality, with the line "I'm the shit, I'm farting" becoming a widely circulated meme. This infamy ironically helped keep the song relevant and in the public consciousness long after its release.

Rhyme Scheme
A Boogie utilizes a consistent AABB and ABAB rhyme scheme in his verses, often employing multi-syllabic rhymes (e.g., "Nike" / "like me" / "icy"). His delivery is rhythmic and on-beat, prioritizing melody. Kodak Black, conversely, uses a looser, free-verse style flow that often intentionally lags behind or pushes ahead of the beat, creating a jarring, off-kilter rhythm known as "mumble rap" or "off-beat flow."

Rhythmic Structure
The song is in 4/4 time with a tempo of approximately 140 BPM (beats per minute), giving it a standard half-time trap feel. The spacing in the beat allows A Boogie's vocals to act as an additional instrument, weaving in and out of the piano melody.

Musical Techniques
The song relies on a melancholic yet catchy piano riff that loops throughout the track, setting a somber tone that contrasts with the celebratory lyrics. The production utilizes heavy 808 bass and crisp hi-hats characteristic of trap music. A Boogie employs a melodic rap flow, blurring the lines between singing and rapping, which allows the hook to be extremely infectious.

Literary Devices
Hyperbole is the driving force of the song (e.g., literally drowning in jewelry). Rhetorical Questions are used in the hook ("Wonder why she like me?") to prompt the listener to acknowledge his wealth. Similes are abundant, comparing his wrist to ice and his status to various high-end benchmarks.

Narrative Voice Shift
The song utilizes a stark shift in narrative voice. A Boogie is smooth, rhythmic, and melodic, representing the polished superstar. Kodak Black is erratic, mumbling, and aggressive, representing the unpredictable nature of the street life.

What does 'drowning' mean in the song by A Boogie?

In the context of the song, 'drowning' is a metaphor for wearing an excessive amount of diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are often referred to as 'ice' or 'water' in hip-hop slang due to their clarity and shine, A Boogie is saying he has so much jewelry on him that he is submerged or 'drowning' in it.

Who features on A Boogie's song Drowning?

The song features Florida rapper Kodak Black. Both artists were part of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class. Kodak Black provides the second verse of the song, which is known for its distinct flow and controversial lyrics.

What is the controversial line in Kodak Black's verse on Drowning?

The line that caused the most controversy and became a meme is: 'I'm the shit, I'm farting, I don't know how to potty.' Critics and listeners often cite this line as an example of questionable lyricism, though others view it as a raw, humorous expression of dominance.

Why is there a version of Drowning without Kodak Black?

Due to the polarizing nature of Kodak Black's verse—specifically his off-beat flow and crude lyrics—many fans created and distributed edits of the song that remove his verse. Some listeners prefer A Boogie's melodic style and feel Kodak's contribution disrupts the song's vibe.

What piano song is sampled in Drowning?

The song does not heavily sample an existing famous track but relies on an original production by Jahaan Sweet and Quasi. However, the sad, minor-key piano melody is the driving force of the beat and is often compared to the emotional style of soundtracks or classical compositions.