REEL IT IN

"REEL IT IN" is fundamentally a celebratory anthem about success and the fruits of labor. The title itself is a metaphor for 'reeling in' the rewards of hard work, like a fisherman reaping their catch. Lyrically, the song is a victory lap for Aminé following the success of his previous work, particularly his debut album Good For You. He flaunts his newfound wealth, confidence, and status in a playful yet assertive manner. The recurring line, "Got the bag, tell a friend, she got some ass, bring it in," encapsulates the song's core themes of financial success ('the bag') and the hedonistic lifestyle that accompanies it. While on the surface it appears to be a standard braggadocious rap track, Aminé's characteristic wit and clever wordplay elevate it. He touches on themes of leaving humility behind ("I'm tired of being humble") and embracing his achievements. However, in a documentary about the music video, Aminé himself stated that the song is meant to be fun and that there is "no deeper meaning behind really," cautioning against fans digging too deep for hidden messages. This suggests the song is primarily about exuding a confident, successful, and carefree vibe rather than conveying a complex narrative.

The song's narrative is a vibrant celebration of success, confidence, and living a luxurious lifestyle. It opens with a sense of arrival, portraying a scene where money and attractive women are plentiful. The protagonist, Aminé, positions himself as a news-worthy figure, a 'new CNN,' suggesting his actions and presence are significant and demand attention. The central theme revolves around reaping the rewards of his hard work, symbolized by 'reeling in' the bag (money) and the attention of women.

He expresses a nonchalant attitude towards spending, buying expensive items without even checking the price, which underscores his financial success. There are descriptions of a female companion who is stylish, clad in designer wear, and has a unique, 'Björk cute' kind of appeal, highlighting his taste for the finer and more interesting things in life. This isn't just about material wealth, but about curating a specific, desirable lifestyle.

Throughout the song, there's a strong undercurrent of self-assurance and a departure from humility. Aminé declares he's 'tired of being humble,' embracing a more assertive and boastful persona. This is coupled with a sense of invincibility and superiority, comparing his game to that of Kobe Bryant, implying he never misses. He dismisses those who are not on his level ('broke niggas got me livid') and asserts his dominance in the rap game.

The lyrics also touch upon personal aspects, like being a 'young dread-head with anxiety,' which adds a layer of complexity to his otherwise braggadocious character. It suggests that even amidst the success and confidence, there are underlying personal struggles, making his triumphant stance more relatable. The repetition of the hook, 'Got the bag, tell a friend, she got some ass, bring it in,' serves as a powerful and catchy motif that reinforces the song's core message: an unapologetic enjoyment of success, wealth, and the pleasures that come with it. It's an anthem for anyone who has achieved their goals and is ready to celebrate without reservation.

"REEL IT IN" was released on August 15, 2018, as the third track on Aminé's project titled ONEPOINTFIVE, which he referred to as an "EPLPMixtapeAlbum". The song was produced by LDG Beats and Tee-WaTT. The songwriters credited are Aminé (Adam Daniel), Tee-WaTT (Terry Watson), and LDG Beats (Lawrence Greenidge). According to Aminé, the track was created very quickly, in about 15 to 20 minutes, with the intention of being fun and spontaneous. It was officially sent to U.S. rhythmic contemporary radio on September 25, 2018, as the lead single from the mixtape. An official remix featuring Gucci Mane was later released on November 20, 2018. The iconic music video, which significantly boosted the song's popularity, was co-directed by Aminé and Jack Begert and released on September 5, 2018. The video was filmed at the Vinland Car Wash in the San Fernando Valley and was inspired by the fun, colorful, and glossy aesthetic of early 2000s rap videos.

"REEL IT IN" operates at a tempo of 129 BPM. The song's rhythm is driven by a classic trap beat, featuring crisp hi-hats, a heavy 808 bass, and a steady snare pattern that creates an upbeat and danceable feel. Aminé's lyrical rhythm is dynamic and playful, often syncopating against the main beat. His flow is versatile; he moves between faster-paced, multi-syllabic rhymes and more relaxed, conversational deliveries. The rhyme scheme is generally simple and direct, relying on couplets and short rhyme chains which makes the lyrics easy to follow and remember. For example, in the verse, he rhymes "price" with "nice," and "Tatiana" with "Italiana." This straightforward rhyme structure, combined with the repetitive chorus, contributes significantly to the song's catchy, anthemic quality. The interplay between his vocal rhythm and the instrumental's thumping beat is central to the track's forceful and celebratory energy.

Musically, "REEL IT IN" is built on a slick, thumping trap beat with a prominent, catchy flute loop and a simple guitar melody. The production is clean and minimalist, allowing Aminé's vocals and flow to be the central focus. Aminé's vocal delivery is characterized by a snappy, witty, and confident flow. He varies his rhythm and cadence, often switching up his flow after the chorus or within verses, a common technique in modern trap music. Lyrically, he employs clever wordplay and pop culture references, such as the line "She Björk cute, so she really fine, just sorta weird," which uses the Icelandic artist Björk as an adjective for unconventional attractiveness. The use of ad-libs and vocalizations, particularly before the beat drops, helps to build energy and punctuate his lines. The song's structure is simple and repetitive, with a highly memorable hook that makes it incredibly catchy. The music video's style is also a key component, using vibrant, poppy colors and a glossy finish to emulate and satirize early 2000s rap videos, adding a layer of visual wit to the song's overall presentation.

"REEL IT IN" became a significant commercial success for Aminé, further cementing his place in the mainstream after his breakout hit "Caroline". The song was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA in the United States. Its popularity was massively boosted by its viral music video, which has garnered tens of millions of views on YouTube. The video, co-directed by Aminé himself, was praised for its vibrant aesthetic and its humorous, satirical take on classic hip-hop tropes. The song and video also brought more attention to internet personality Rickey Thompson, who has a memorable cameo at the beginning of the video and whose voice is featured on the ONEPOINTFIVE project. An official remix with veteran rapper Gucci Mane was released, further extending its reach. The track performed well on the charts, peaking at number 49 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and has become one of Aminé's most-streamed songs, demonstrating its lasting appeal and impact within his discography.

The central metaphor of the song is encapsulated in its title, "REEL IT IN." This phrase acts as a symbol for successfully acquiring wealth and success, much like a fisherman reels in a catch after a period of effort. This metaphor extends to the accumulation of all the perks of his lifestyle, including money ('the bag') and the attention of women. The lyric "bitch, I'm the new CNN" is a metaphor for his own importance and news-worthiness; he sees himself as a primary source of what's currently happening and relevant in the culture. The song also uses luxury items and fashion as symbols of status, such as designer clothes for his companion ("put her in designer, she Italiana") and diamond jewelry ("diamonds dancin' at boy, be lookin' nice"). The music video further employs symbolism by using the car wash setting and scantily-clad women, which are common tropes in hip-hop videos signifying a rapper's 'ballin' status. However, it's presented with a satirical edge, subverting the cliché to feel more like smart commentary than a straightforward depiction.

The most prominent recurring motif in "REEL IT IN" is the chorus: "Got the bag, tell a friend / She got some ass, bring it in / Bitch, I'm an oceanic / Reel it in." This hook is repeated multiple times, acting as the song's central thesis statement on acquiring wealth and enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle. The phrase "reel it in" itself is the primary lyrical and conceptual motif, reinforcing the theme of successfully capturing rewards. Another recurring element is the character of 'Quincy', whose name appears on the car wash in the music video. This is a callback to Aminé's earlier music video for "Red Mercedes," which featured 'Quincy's Auto Shop,' creating a small, continuous universe within his visuals. The music video also features recurring friends and collaborators of Aminé, such as his DJ, Madison, and fellow artist Richie with a T of Injury Reserve, making his videos feel more personal and interconnected for returning viewers.