ROCKSTAR

"ROCKSTAR" by DaBaby, featuring Roddy Ricch, is a multi-layered track that, on the surface, glorifies a lavish and dangerous lifestyle, but at its core, delves into the harsh realities and emotional trauma that underpin this existence. The central theme of the song is the redefinition of a "rockstar" in the context of modern hip-hop culture. Instead of a guitar, the artist's instrument of choice is a Glock, a metaphor for the violence and survival instincts that have shaped their paths to success. This comparison highlights a life where street credibility and a readiness for conflict are paramount.

The lyrics explore the duality of fame, juxtaposing the symbols of wealth and success, like Lamborghinis and expensive jewelry, with the constant threat of violence and the psychological scars it leaves behind. DaBaby's verses are particularly autobiographical, referencing a real-life incident in 2018 where he fatally shot a man in self-defense at a Walmart while with his daughter. This event is a focal point of the song, illustrating the life-or-death situations he has faced and the resulting PTSD he experiences. It's a candid admission of the emotional weight that comes with his past, adding a layer of vulnerability to the otherwise braggadocious persona.

Roddy Ricch's verse echoes these themes, describing his own close calls with danger and the necessity of staying armed for protection. Both artists paint a picture of a world where success doesn't erase the past or the dangers that still lurk. The song also touches on themes of loyalty, particularly to one's family, and the drive to provide and protect them at all costs. The release of the "BLM (Black Lives Matter) Remix" in June 2020 added a significant political dimension to the song. This version directly addresses the police brutality and systemic racism that were at the forefront of global conversations following the murder of George Floyd. DaBaby's added verse recounts his own negative experiences with law enforcement, reframing the song's anti-authoritarian stance into a powerful statement of protest and solidarity.

The narrative of "ROCKSTAR" unfolds as a raw and unfiltered exploration of the artist's life, intertwining the perilous realities of his past with the opulent present of a successful rap career. The song opens with a bold declaration of this new status, contrasting a brand-new Lamborghini with a police car, immediately establishing a theme of defiance and a redefined sense of power. The central metaphor of the song is introduced here, where the traditional rockstar's guitar is replaced by a Glock. This isn't just a boast about carrying a weapon; it's a statement about the nature of his stardom, one forged in a different kind of danger and requiring a different set of tools for survival and expression. The Glock is personified, a confidant that promises to act when needed, highlighting a deep-seated reliance on this instrument of power.

DaBaby's verse delves into his personal history, emphasizing his self-made success and the struggles he endured. He speaks of his readiness to confront any threat, a mindset born from a life where violence was a constant possibility. The lyrics touch on the emotional toll of this lifestyle, mentioning shedding enough tears to fill a bucket, a poignant admission of the pain that underpins the tough exterior. A significant and harrowing part of his narrative is the recounting of a traumatic event where he had to use his firearm in front of his young daughter. This moment is a stark illustration of the brutal realities he faced and the protective instincts that drive him. The experience leaves him with PTSD, a recurring theme that adds a layer of vulnerability to his otherwise confident persona. He also touches on his relationship with his mother, who understands his hustle and his inherent drive to succeed, providing a glimpse into the personal motivations behind his public image.

Roddy Ricch's verse complements DaBaby's narrative, offering his own perspective on the 'rockstar' lifestyle. He speaks of navigating the streets, always armed and wary of potential dangers. His lyrics recount close calls and the constant need for vigilance, even as he enjoys the fruits of his success, symbolized by diamonds on his jersey. His verse reinforces the theme of survival and the ever-present threat of violence that coexists with a life of fame and luxury. He references the cyclical nature of street conflicts, using basketball metaphors like getting a "rebound" to describe retaliation. The verse also touches on the loneliness and paranoia that can accompany fame, and the difficulty of trusting others.

The recurring chorus serves as the song's anchor, relentlessly driving home the central idea of a new kind of rockstar, one whose identity is defined by street credibility and a willingness to use force. The song's BLM remix adds another potent layer, directly addressing the social and political climate of its time. DaBaby adds a new verse that speaks to his experiences with police brutality and racial profiling, connecting his personal struggles to a larger, systemic issue. He positions the protestors and those fighting against injustice as the new rockstars, expanding the song's central metaphor to encompass a broader cultural and political rebellion.

"ROCKSTAR" was released on April 17, 2020, as the second single from DaBaby's third studio album, Blame It on Baby. The song was written by DaBaby (Jonathan Kirk), Roddy Ricch (Rodrick Moore Jr.), and the song's producer, SethInTheKitchen (Ross Portaro IV). The track was recorded in 2019.

The beat, created by SethInTheKitchen, is a distinctive element of the song. It features a melodic trap style with a prominent guitar loop created using Spectrasonics' Omnisphere. The producer aimed for a sound that wasn't too slow and built the track around this central guitar melody. The production also includes a two-step hi-hat pattern, sampled claps, snares, kicks, and an 808 bassline. DaBaby has stated that he knew the song was going to be a hit the moment he created it.

A significant part of the song's history is the release of the "BLM (Black Lives Matter) Remix" on June 12, 2020. This version was created in response to the global protests against police brutality and racial injustice following the murder of George Floyd. The remix features a new verse from DaBaby where he directly addresses these issues and his personal experiences with police misconduct. This timely release resonated with the public and further propelled the song's success.

The music video, directed by Reel Goats, premiered on June 26, 2020. It depicts DaBaby and Roddy Ricch in a cinematic, action-packed scenario where they are fighting off a horde of zombies in a forest and an open field. The video's theme of battling external threats aligns with the song's lyrical content about survival. The video for the BLM remix was performed at the 2020 BET Awards and featured a powerful reenactment of George Floyd's death, with an officer kneeling on DaBaby's neck.

The rhyme and rhythm in "ROCKSTAR" are key components of its structure and appeal, showcasing both artists' technical skills.

The song primarily uses an ABAB rhyme scheme, where the first and third lines of a quatrain rhyme, as do the second and fourth. This creates a balanced and flowing structure that is common in rap music. An example of this is in the chorus:

"Brand new Lamborghini, fuck a cop car (A)
With the pistol on my hip like I'm a cop (B)
Have you ever met a real n- rockstar? (A)
This ain't no guitar, bitch, this a Glock (B)"

DaBaby is known for his intricate rhythmic delivery. He often employs a triplet flow, grouping syllables in threes over the beat, but he also varies this by shifting to groups of two triplets over two beats, a technique known as a hemiola. This creates a complex and engaging rhythmic texture. His flow is often described as rapid-fire and percussive, fitting a large number of syllables into each bar without sacrificing clarity.

Roddy Ricch's rhythmic approach is more relaxed and melodic. He often lags behind the beat, creating a laid-back, "sashaying" feel. He contrasts this with moments where he locks tightly into the groove, demonstrating his versatility. His verse focuses more on eighth and sixteenth-note rhythms, with a more pronounced melodic contour compared to DaBaby's more spoken-word style in his verse.

The tempo of the song is around 90 beats per minute (BPM), a moderate tempo for a trap song that allows for both the rapid-fire delivery of DaBaby and the more melodic flow of Roddy Ricch. The interplay between the artists' distinct rhythmic styles is a major strength of the track, creating a dynamic and varied listening experience.

"ROCKSTAR" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both lyrically and musically, that contribute to its impact and success.

• Vocal Delivery: DaBaby is known for his distinctive, staccato flow, often described as wordy and crammed, yet smooth and effortless. He packs numerous syllables into each bar, creating a high-energy, percussive effect. In "ROCKSTAR," he also showcases a more melodic and softer vocal tone, particularly in the chorus, which complements Roddy Ricch's style. Roddy Ricch, in contrast, utilizes a more melodic and languid vocal delivery, often pitching his voice up and down and playing with the rhythm, creating a dynamic interplay between the two artists.
• Instrumentation: The song's production by SethInTheKitchen is central to its appeal. The beat is built around a melancholic and melodic guitar riff, which provides a stark contrast to the aggressive lyrical content. This juxtaposition of a somewhat somber instrumental with hard-hitting lyrics is a key element of the song's emotional complexity. The use of a harp, especially the ghostly, processed sound during the breakdowns, adds a unique textural layer. The beat also features classic trap elements like an 808 bassline and intricate hi-hat patterns.
• Narrative and Point of View: The song is delivered from a first-person perspective, lending an air of authenticity and personal testimony to the lyrics. DaBaby's verse, in particular, functions as a narrative, recounting a specific and traumatic personal experience. This storytelling approach makes the song more compelling and emotionally resonant.
• Repetition and Hook: The chorus is highly repetitive and catchy, a key factor in the song's commercial success and its viral spread on platforms like TikTok. The recurring phrase "Brand new Lamborghini, fuck a cop car" and the central "rockstar" comparison create a memorable and impactful hook.
• BLM Remix as a Political Statement: The creation and release of the "BLM Remix" is a significant stylistic and artistic choice. By adding a new verse that directly addresses police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, DaBaby transformed the song into a piece of protest music, using his platform to make a powerful political statement.

"ROCKSTAR" had a significant cultural impact upon its release, becoming one of the biggest songs of 2020. It achieved massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending seven non-consecutive weeks at the top. This was DaBaby's first number-one hit and Roddy Ricch's second. The song also topped the charts in numerous other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Switzerland.

A major factor in the song's popularity was its viral success on the social media platform TikTok, where a dance challenge set to the song's chorus became a widespread trend. This grassroots popularity helped propel the song up the official music charts. The song was recognized by the music industry with several Grammy nominations, including for Record of the Year, Best Melodic Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song.

The release of the "BLM (Black Lives Matter) Remix" in June 2020 amplified the song's cultural relevance. Released during a period of widespread social unrest and protests against racial injustice, the remix transformed the track into a protest anthem for many. DaBaby's performance of the remix at the 2020 BET Awards, which included a reenactment of the death of George Floyd, was a widely discussed and powerful cultural moment. The song's lyrics, particularly the line "fuck a cop car," resonated with the anti-authoritarian sentiments of the time.

"ROCKSTAR" also marked a stylistic evolution for DaBaby, who was previously criticized for having a somewhat homogenous flow. The song's melodic and guitar-driven beat allowed him to showcase a different side of his artistry. The track was the most-streamed song of the year on Apple Music and solidified both DaBaby and Roddy Ricch as major stars in the hip-hop world.

"ROCKSTAR" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its meaning beyond a simple trap anthem.

• The Glock as a Guitar: The most prominent metaphor is the substitution of a guitar, the iconic instrument of a traditional rock star, with a Glock. This is explicitly stated in the lyrics: "This ain't no guitar, bitch, this a Glock". This symbolizes the different reality of the modern hip-hop "rockstar," where fame and success are intertwined with danger, street life, and the necessity of self-defense. The firearm becomes their instrument of power and expression.
• The "Mop": DaBaby uses the slang term "mop" to refer to a firearm, specifically in the context of eliminating enemies. The line "I got the mop" is a chilling metaphor for his readiness to engage in violence, likening the act of shooting to cleaning up a problem.
• Dennis Rodman Rebound: Roddy Ricch uses a basketball metaphor, referencing Dennis Rodman's rebounding prowess. "We spin his block, got the rebound Dennis Rodman" suggests a relentless and successful retaliation against rivals, circling back to their territory to finish a conflict, much like Rodman was known for aggressively securing rebounds.
• Zombies in the Music Video: The music video's zombie apocalypse narrative serves as a visual metaphor for the constant threats and dangers the artists face. The zombies can be interpreted as representing their enemies, the pressures of fame, or the societal ills they are fighting against. Their battle against the undead mirrors the lyrical themes of survival and constant vigilance.
• Lamborghini vs. Cop Car: The opening line, "Brand new Lamborghini, fuck a cop car," establishes a clear dichotomy. The Lamborghini symbolizes ultimate success, freedom, and a rejection of authority, while the cop car represents the systemic oppression and harassment the artists have faced. It's a statement of defiance and of having transcended the power dynamic they were once subjected to.

"ROCKSTAR" features several recurring phrases and motifs that reinforce its central themes and contribute to its memorable quality.

• "ROCKSTAR": The word "rockstar" itself is the central motif of the song. It is constantly repeated, primarily in the chorus, to drill home the song's redefinition of the term. The artists are presenting themselves as a new breed of rockstar, one whose lifestyle is defined by the dangers of the street rather than the excesses of traditional rock and roll.
• "This ain't no guitar, bitch, this a Glock": This line is a crucial part of the chorus and encapsulates the song's primary metaphor. Its repetition emphasizes the replacement of a musical instrument with a firearm, symbolizing the violent reality that underpins their success.
• "Brand new Lamborghini, fuck a cop car": This phrase, which opens the chorus, is another significant recurring element. It serves as a concise and powerful statement of their newfound status and their defiance of authority. The juxtaposition of the luxury vehicle and the police car is a recurring symbol of their journey from being targets of law enforcement to being powerful and untouchable figures.
• Gun Imagery: The motif of firearms is pervasive throughout the song. References to "Glock," "chopper," and "drum" are frequent, constantly reminding the listener of the theme of violence and self-defense. This recurring imagery creates a dark and menacing atmosphere that contrasts with the melodic instrumental.
• PTSD: DaBaby's mention of PTSD is a significant recurring emotional motif. He brings it up in the context of a traumatic event, and it serves as a reminder of the psychological cost of the lifestyle he describes. This adds a layer of depth and vulnerability to his character.