On BS

"On BS" is an assertive and braggadocious anthem by Drake and 21 Savage that explores themes of dominance, authenticity, and the challenges of fame. The title itself, an abbreviation for "on bullshit," signifies a confrontational and unapologetic attitude. Lyrically, the song is a declaration of their elite status in the music industry and a direct challenge to their rivals. Both artists assert that their success is self-made and that they have the power to make or break other artists' careers simply by collaborating with them. Drake and 21 Savage emphasize the importance of loyalty and the necessity of cutting ties with those who are not genuine. The song also delves into the personal struggles and paranoia that accompany fame, highlighting the constant need for vigilance against envy and betrayal. Through their verses, they paint a picture of a life of luxury that is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of their pasts and the ever-present dangers of their present. The track serves as a statement of resilience and a commitment to their own authenticity in the face of negativity and insincerity.

The narrative of "On BS" unfolds as a dynamic and confrontational dialogue between Drake and 21 Savage, who trade bars to assert their dominance, authenticity, and superiority within the rap game and the opulent, yet treacherous, lifestyle that accompanies their success. The song opens with 21 Savage setting a gritty, street-oriented tone, speaking of severing ties with disloyal acquaintances and referencing his origins in the ghetto. He uses vivid, assertive imagery to establish his authority, from demanding respect to navigating relationships with women in his characteristically blunt manner. He emphasizes that his knowledge is derived from genuine street experience, something that cannot be learned from books, and while he cannot erase his past mistakes, he can channel his experiences into creating compelling music.

Drake seamlessly enters the conversation, echoing and amplifying 21 Savage's sentiments. He addresses the phoniness of others in the industry, mocking their fluctuating fortunes and contrasting it with his own consistent success, which he likens to his frequent travels. His verse is a whirlwind of braggadocio, detailing his lavish lifestyle, relationships with foreign women, and his ability to elevate any track he is featured on. He and 21 Savage go back and forth, building on each other's claims of influence, with 21 stating he can make a featured artist sound like the main act, and Drake adding that his presence on a song can secure another artist a record deal. This interplay culminates in the song's central, repetitive chant, "On that bullshit," a declaration of their unapologetic and aggressive stance against their detractors and rivals.

The second half of the song shifts slightly in focus, delving into the darker, more paranoid aspects of their fame. Drake's verse becomes more introspective, albeit still aggressive. He touches upon the dangers of loose talk in the digital age, suggesting that indiscretion can have fatal consequences. He then transitions into a complex metaphor involving breaking down quantities—a "twenty" to a "ten," then to a "five"—which can be interpreted as a reference to drug distribution, a strategy for releasing music in smaller, impactful doses, or simply a coded representation of his calculated business moves. He speaks of the constant threats and plots against him, reaffirming his resilience and willingness to retaliate decisively against his enemies, whom he labels his "nemesis." This section reinforces the idea that their success has not only brought them wealth but also a constant state of high alert. The song concludes with a lengthy, spoken-word outro by French car salesman Arthur Kar, who delivers a philosophical monologue in Paris, contrasting authentic success and drive with superficial flexing. He dismisses the ostentatious displays of wealth by others, asserting his own quiet confidence and relentless ambition, metaphorically positioning himself as the "Birdman in Paris," a figure of understated yet immense power and influence. This outro serves as a final, thematic exclamation point, celebrating genuine hustle over hollow posturing.

"On BS" is a collaborative track by Canadian rapper Drake and Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage, released on November 4, 2022. It is the third track on their joint studio album, Her Loss. The song was recorded in 2022 at Leading by Example studios in Atlanta and The Chapel in Toronto. The production was handled by Ozan "Oz" Yildirim and co-produced by Elyas. The credited songwriters include Drake (Aubrey Graham), 21 Savage (Shéyaa Abraham-Joseph), Ozan Yildirim, Elias Sticken, and Simon Gebrelul. The album's release was initially slated for an earlier date but was postponed because Drake's long-time producer, Noah "40" Shebib, contracted COVID-19 during the mixing and mastering process. The promotional campaign for Her Loss was unique and elaborate, featuring a series of fabricated media appearances. This included a fake Vogue cover, a mock interview with Howard Stern, and a spoof performance of "On BS" on a set designed to look like Saturday Night Live, complete with an introduction by actor Michael B. Jordan. This unconventional promotion generated significant buzz for the album and its tracks.

The rhyme and rhythm of "On BS" are central to its aggressive and captivating feel. The song is set to a trap tempo, providing a modern, energetic foundation for the rappers' flows. Drake and 21 Savage exhibit a dynamic rhythmic interplay, often trading bars and finishing each other's lines, which creates a sense of continuous momentum. 21 Savage's flow is characteristically steady and menacing, often staying deep within the pocket of the beat. Drake, on the other hand, is more rhythmically varied. In his second verse, he utilizes a clever monorhyme scheme, where multiple consecutive lines end with the same rhyme, delivered acapella to emphasize his lyrical dexterity. This technique heightens the tension and showcases his technical skill. The chorus, a repetitive chant of "On that bullshit," acts as a rhythmic anchor, its simplicity making it a powerful and memorable hook. The song largely employs perfect and near rhymes at the end of lines, typical of the genre, but the rhythmic placement and the rapid-fire delivery are what give the track its propulsive energy.

The primary stylistic technique in "On BS" is the dynamic interplay between Drake and 21 Savage, who employ a back-and-forth, or call-and-response, lyrical structure. This creates a conversational and confrontational energy, as they build upon and reinforce each other's boasts. Musically, the song is built on a quintessential trap beat, characterized by heavy bass and skittering hi-hats, produced by Oz and Elyas. Drake's vocal delivery is notably versatile; he shifts between his signature melodic rapping and a more aggressive, clipped cadence that at times mirrors 21 Savage's flow. 21 Savage maintains his distinct menacing and calm delivery, which provides a stark contrast to Drake's more animated performance. Lyrically, the song is dense with literary devices, including:

• Braggadocio: The entire song is an exercise in exaggerated self-praise, a cornerstone of the hip-hop genre.
• Metaphors and Similes: As detailed in the symbolism section, the lyrics are filled with figurative language to illustrate wealth, power, and street credibility.
• Allusion: The outro's reference to "Birdman" is a significant allusion to a key figure in hip-hop history.
• Acapella: Drake's second verse features a moment where the beat drops out, leaving his vocals acapella, which draws heightened attention to his wordplay and monorhyme scheme.

Upon its release, "On BS" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was part of the album Her Loss, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The track's cultural impact was amplified by the album's unconventional promotional strategy, which included a viral spoof of a Saturday Night Live performance of the song. This clever marketing blurred the lines between reality and performance art, generating extensive online discussion and media coverage. The song itself was met with generally positive to mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the chemistry and back-and-forth dynamic between Drake and 21 Savage. The spoken-word outro by Arthur Kar also became a point of discussion, with listeners intrigued by its philosophical and anti-materialistic message. "On BS" solidified the public's perception of Drake and 21 Savage as a potent collaborative duo and is considered a standout track on an album that was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.

"On BS" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that reinforce its themes of power and authenticity.

• "My trunk is in my hood": This line from 21 Savage is a metaphor for his preparedness and readiness for conflict, alluding to the street practice of keeping weapons in the trunk of a car. It symbolizes that he remains connected to his street origins despite his fame.
• "Water on my neck, these diamonds came with coral reefer": Drake uses this metaphor to describe the high quality and brilliance of his diamonds, comparing them to pristine ocean water and coral reefs. It symbolizes immense wealth and luxury.
• Breaking down numbers (20 to 10 to 5): Drake's verse about breaking down a "twenty" into smaller units is a multi-layered metaphor. It can be interpreted as a reference to drug dealing, signifying his strategic and calculated approach to business. It could also symbolize his musical release strategy, testing the market with smaller projects (like EPs) before a larger album release.
• "Birdman in Paris": The spoken-word outro by Arthur Kar, where he proclaims, "I'm Birdman... that's why I am in Paris," is a powerful metaphor. Birdman is the co-founder of Cash Money Records, a symbol of immense, self-made wealth and influence in hip-hop. By invoking his name in a European luxury capital, Kar, and by extension Drake and 21 Savage, are positioning themselves as the new moguls with global reach, whose power is based on genuine drive rather than flashy, superficial displays.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "On BS" is the titular line, "On that bullshit," which is repeated extensively in the chorus. This chant-like repetition serves as the song's central thesis, a defiant and unapologetic declaration of their mindset. It functions as a powerful hook that encapsulates the track's confrontational and aggressive energy. Another recurring lyrical motif is the concept of elevating others through collaboration. This is first introduced by 21 Savage with the line, "I jump on your song and make you sound like you the feature," and immediately followed up by Drake's, "I jump on your song and make a label think they need ya, for real." This shared idea, expressed back-to-back, highlights their perceived influence and solidifies their collaborative synergy. The theme of authenticity versus superficiality is a recurring undercurrent, evident in the verses that contrast their real-life experiences with the phoniness of their rivals, and culminating in the outro's monologue which explicitly decries flexing with expensive cars in favor of genuine drive and ambition.