HDMI

The song "HDMI" by Bones is a powerful assertion of independence, artistic integrity, and success on one's own terms. The lyrics paint a picture of an artist who has achieved a level of success that allows him to be selective and uncompromising. The repeated refrain, "If they ain't calling with a price, we don't answer that," serves as the central theme, establishing a clear boundary between the artist's inner circle and the outside world, particularly the commercial music industry. It's a declaration that his time and talent are valuable and not to be given away freely. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines about labels wanting to meet him merely for the sake of saying they did, highlighting a rejection of superficiality in favor of genuine, transactional respect. The song also delves into themes of loyalty and camaraderie within his collective, Seshollowaterboyz, who are portrayed as a tight-knit and formidable unit. The title itself, "HDMI" (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), is a metaphor for the clarity and high quality of his life, style, and art, as he compares his hair, teeth, and belongings to high-resolution formats. This suggests a life lived vividly and with precision, a stark contrast to the often murky and compromised world of mainstream entertainment. Overall, "HDMI" is a confident and defiant anthem of self-worth and the fruits of independent labor in the underground music scene.

The narrative unfolds with the protagonist and his crew, identified as the 'Seshollowaterboys', in a state of elevated consciousness from smoking. They exude an air of exclusivity and indifference to outsiders, emphasizing that they are deaf to any talk that doesn't involve financial compensation. Their circle is tight-knit, and they are not interested in associating with those outside of their 'gang'. The energy of their presence is palpable, as evidenced by the crowd's enthusiastic reaction to their music's bass. A clear boundary is drawn: they will only perform on stage if there is a payment involved, highlighting their professional and no-nonsense approach to their craft. Any attempts to challenge or disrespect them will be met with decisive action.

The lyrics then transition into a more personal and boastful tone. The artist describes himself as engaging in 'sacrificial' smoking, a metaphor for his intense dedication and the almost ritualistic nature of his creative process. He alludes to the rapid pace of his success, suggesting that one might miss it in the blink of an eye. His team is composed of 'legends', and he adorns himself with a 'ring made out of crystal', symbolizing both his success and a sense of otherworldly or esoteric power. He acknowledges the attention he's receiving from record labels but dismisses their interest as superficial, believing they only want to associate with him for the bragging rights. This reinforces his independent stance and a cynical view of the mainstream music industry. He speaks of having 'money on the table' that he hasn't even bothered to count yet, a powerful image of his financial success and a nonchalant attitude towards wealth. This recurring line underscores a sense of abundance and the idea that his focus is on the art and the lifestyle, not just the material gain. The imagery of technology is woven throughout, with references to high-definition resolutions like 1080p, 240, and 4K, used as metaphors to describe the superior quality of his appearance, his possessions, and even his drugs, fitting the song's title, 'HDMI' (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). This clever wordplay connects his lifestyle to a level of clarity and quality that is a cut above the rest.

"HDMI" was released on December 2, 2014, as the second track on Bones' album titled "Rotten". The album, like much of Bones' work, was released independently through his own label, TeamSESH. Bones, whose real name is Elmo Kennedy O'Connor, has been a prolific artist in the underground hip-hop scene, known for pioneering genres like emo rap and cloud rap. By 2014, he had already released a significant number of mixtapes and albums, establishing a dedicated fanbase without the backing of a major label. The creation of "HDMI" falls within this period of intense and independent musical output. The production style is consistent with the lo-fi, atmospheric, and often dark sound that characterized his music and the cloud rap subgenre at the time. The lyrics reflect his established persona: independent, wary of the mainstream music industry, and focused on his craft and his collective, Seshollowaterboyz. While specific anecdotes about the writing or recording process of "HDMI" are not widely documented, its creation is a clear product of the artistic environment and ethos that Bones had cultivated since he began releasing music in the early 2010s.

The rhyme scheme in "HDMI" is relatively straightforward, primarily relying on couplets and single-syllable end rhymes, which contributes to its direct and impactful delivery. The song's rhythm is driven by a steady, mid-tempo beat, set at 125 BPM. This tempo, combined with a 4/4 time signature, provides a classic hip-hop foundation that is easy to nod along to, yet the lo-fi and atmospheric production gives it a more relaxed and hazy feel. Bones' lyrical rhythm often plays with this beat, sometimes falling directly on it and at other times lagging slightly behind, creating a characteristic laid-back and confident swagger. The flow is generally controlled and unhurried, reflecting the lyrical content's themes of being in control and unbothered by external pressures. The repetition of the main hooks creates a hypnotic and memorable rhythmic and lyrical pattern. The interplay between the deep, resonant bass and Bones' higher-register voice also creates a compelling rhythmic and sonic texture. The overall rhythmic feel of the song is one of confident nonchalance, perfectly mirroring its lyrical message.

"HDMI" showcases several of Bones' signature stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically. Musically, the song is built on a foundation of cloud rap and trap, characterized by a hazy, atmospheric, and lo-fi beat. This creates a detached and introspective mood that contrasts with the assertive and confident vocal delivery. The bass is a prominent feature, described as making the "crowd jumpin' when the bass get bangin'", indicating its importance to the song's physical and emotional impact. Bones' vocal style shifts between a steady, almost monotonous rap flow and moments of more melodic intonation, a hallmark of the emo rap genre he helped pioneer. Lyrically, the song employs a confident, first-person narrative voice. Repetition is a key technique, particularly with the hook "If they ain't calling with a price, we don't answer that" and the phrase "money on the table but I ain't countin' yet," which drills the central themes of the song into the listener's mind. He uses modern, tech-focused metaphors, such as the references to screen resolutions (1080p, 4K), which ground the song in a contemporary context and create a unique lyrical palette. There's also a clear use of slang and in-group terminology ("Seshollowaterboyz") that fosters a sense of exclusivity and authenticity for his dedicated fanbase.

"HDMI" has had a significant cultural impact within the underground hip-hop scene and beyond. As one of Bones' most popular and recognizable tracks, it has helped to solidify his status as a pioneering figure in the cloud rap and emo rap subgenres. The song's independent success, achieved without major label promotion, is a testament to the power of internet-driven, grassroots fanbases, a model that has become increasingly prevalent in the music industry. The track's themes of artistic integrity and rejection of mainstream music industry norms have resonated with a generation of artists and listeners who value authenticity and a DIY ethos. "HDMI" has been certified Gold and more recently Platinum, indicating its mainstream reach despite its underground origins. It has also become a staple in his live performances and is frequently featured in fan-made compilations and playlists, demonstrating its enduring popularity. The song's atmospheric and moody sound has influenced numerous other artists in the Soundcloud rap and alternative hip-hop scenes. Its title and lyrical content have also sparked discussions among fans about its meaning, further cementing its place in the cultural lexicon of modern underground music.

"HDMI" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate its braggadocious themes to a more artistic level. The most prominent metaphor is the song's title itself, "HDMI" (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). This technological term is used to symbolize a life of high quality, clarity, and precision. Bones extends this metaphor with lines like "My hair 1080, my teeth 240, my blunts 4K," directly comparing aspects of his life and possessions to screen resolutions, implying they are of the highest possible standard. Another significant metaphor is "smoking sacrificial," which suggests that his dedication to his craft and lifestyle is so intense it's almost a ritualistic offering. It implies a level of commitment that goes beyond mere indulgence. The "ring made out of crystal" can be seen as a symbol of his success, but also perhaps his perceived clarity of vision and a connection to something more mystical or esoteric, setting him apart from the purely material concerns of others. The recurring image of "money on the table but I ain't countin' yet" is a powerful symbol of his financial success and a detached, almost indifferent attitude towards it, suggesting that the money is a byproduct of his art, not the primary goal.

Several recurring phrases and motifs in "HDMI" are central to its meaning and structure. The most significant recurring phrase is the hook: "If they ain't calling with a price, we don't answer that." This line is repeated multiple times and serves as the song's thesis, encapsulating the theme of self-worth and professional boundaries. Another key recurring phrase is "We gone handle that," which follows any mention of being challenged or disrespected, reinforcing the idea of a capable and formidable crew. The motif of technology and high-definition quality is woven throughout the track, starting with the title and extending to lyrics comparing his attributes to screen resolutions like "1080" and "4K". This serves as a consistent metaphor for excellence and clarity. The phrase "money on the table but I ain't countin' yet" also repeats, functioning as a motif of abundant and almost casual success. The name of his collective, "Seshollowaterboys," is another recurring element that grounds the song in the specific identity and loyalty of his group. These recurring elements work together to create a cohesive and powerful message, making the song both memorable and thematically focused.