POLAGE

POLAGE is a multi-layered track that delves into the duality of the street experience. The title itself is likely a clever wordplay or portmanteau, functioning on two primary levels of meaning that define the song's thematic core.

First, it can be interpreted as a stylized combination of the Greek word Pola (meaning 'many' or 'much') and the slang letter G (standing for 'Grand' aka money, or 'Gangster'). In this sense, the song is an anthem about the pursuit of wealth, status, and the 'Many Gs' that symbolize success in the hustle. The lyrics celebrate ambition, financial gain, and the power that comes with affluence.

Secondly, the title phonetically evokes the French slang term Poulaga, which refers to the police. This interpretation adds a layer of tension and danger to the song. It suggests that the pursuit of 'Pola G' is inextricably linked to the threat of the 'Poulaga.' The song explores this cat-and-mouse game, where the protagonist must outmaneuver law enforcement to maintain their freedom and lifestyle. The song thus becomes a narrative about balancing risk and reward, reflecting the high-stakes environment of the modern urban underworld.

The song unfolds as a narrative of the relentless urban grind, set against the backdrop of Athens' streets. The lyrics describe a protagonist deeply entrenched in the 'hustle,' navigating a world where success is measured in 'Pola G'—a slang term referencing large amounts of money ('Gs' or 'Grands') and the status of being a 'Gangster.' The verses detail the risks taken to accumulate this wealth, contrasting the high of financial gain with the constant, paranoia-inducing threat of the 'Poulaga' (police).

Throughout the track, the narrator asserts their dominance and resilience, using the metaphor of a 'fighter' (playing on the artist's name, 'Borac') to describe their approach to life's obstacles. There are scenes of late-night operations, the exchange of goods, and the camaraderie among the crew who share the same ambition. The chorus acts as a hypnotic chant, repeating the motif of 'Polage'—blurring the lines between the desire for 'Many Gs' and the vigilance against the police—serving as both a motivation and a warning.

The bridge slows down to reflect on the cost of this lifestyle, touching on themes of loyalty and the sacrifices made for the 'fam,' before the energy ramps back up for a defiant finale. The song ends with a declaration of survival, reinforcing the idea that in this concrete jungle, only the most adaptable and fearless can truly 'cash out' and survive the pressure.

POLAGE was released on December 15, 2024, as a key track on BORAC's EP titled SPLIT. The project represents a significant evolution in BORAC's sound, cementing his place in the contemporary Greek hip-hop scene. The song was recorded in Athens, a city that features prominently in the artist's identity (often styled as Borac Athens).

The track features production that aligns with the darker, bass-heavy trends of European drill music. It was mixed and mastered by Asmo at Soundcheck Studio, a known hub for gritty rap productions in Greece. The creation of the song was likely influenced by the artist's personal observations of street life in Athens and the broader Balkan diaspora experience, as hinted by his multicultural references in other tracks like Alvanos and Razborka. The SPLIT EP itself explores themes of division—between past and present, legal and illegal, and the different facets of the artist's persona.

The song follows a rigid, driving 4/4 meter typical of drill music, with a tempo likely around 140 BPM. The rhyme scheme is predominantly AABB or ABAB in the verses, but BORAC frequently breaks this structure with free verse sections that prioritize flow and storytelling over perfect rhymes.

The rhythmic structure of the vocals is syncopated, often landing off the beat to create a 'skipping' feel that contrasts with the steady, heavy bass. This interplay creates a feeling of forward motion and anxiety. The rhymes are often slant rhymes (imperfect rhymes), relying on vowel sounds (assonance) rather than consonant endings, which allows for a more fluid and conversational tone typical of modern Greek rap.

Musically, POLAGE employs the signature elements of Drill: sliding 808 basslines, rapid-fire hi-hats, and a dark, ominous melody loop that creates a sense of impending doom or urgency. BORAC uses a punchy, aggressive vocal delivery, often utilizing a staccato flow that mimics the rhythmic patterns of the beat.

Lyrically, the song features multilingual slang, blending Greek with English and potentially Balkan loanwords, which adds authenticity and reflects the multicultural reality of Athens' urban districts. Assonance and internal rhyme are heavily used to create a rolling, hypnotic rhythm. The use of ambiguity in the hook (is he saying 'Pola G' or 'Poulaga'?) is a deliberate stylistic choice that forces the listener to engage more deeply with the text to decipher the meaning.

POLAGE contributes to the growing wave of Greek Drill, a subgenre that has gained massive popularity among Greek youth for its raw depiction of urban reality. The song reflects the cross-cultural pollination in Athens, where Greek, Albanian, and other Balkan influences merge to create a unique local hip-hop identity.

While not a mainstream radio hit, tracks like this garner significant attention on platforms like YouTube and Spotify within the underground community. BORAC's work, including this song, helps to legitimize the 'Athens Drill' sound, moving it beyond mere imitation of UK or US styles to something that speaks to the specific socio-economic conditions of Greece.

The central symbol of the song is the term 'Polage' itself, acting as a Metaphor for the ultimate goal and the ultimate obstacle simultaneously. It represents the prize (Money/Gs) and the predator (Police) in one breath, symbolizing the inseparable nature of success and danger in the street life.

• The 'Fighter' (Borac): The artist's name serves as a recurring metaphor for resilience. Life is depicted as a combat sport where one must constantly fight to stay on top.
• Shadows and Night: Darkness is used metaphorically to represent safety, secrecy, and the time when the 'real work' gets done, contrasting with the 'light' of exposure or police sirens.
• 'Split': The EP title and underlying theme symbolize the divided self—the public persona versus the private struggles, or the split-second decisions that determine one's fate.

The most prominent motif is the chanting of the word 'POLAGE' in the chorus. This repetition transforms the word into a mantra, reinforcing its dual meaning with every iteration. Another recurring element is the reference to 'Athens' or specific neighborhoods, grounding the abstract themes of the song in a tangible, physical geography.

Musically, a haunting synth melody loops throughout the track, serving as a sonic motif that ties the verses and chorus together, maintaining the dark and suspenseful atmosphere from beginning to end.