Pussy & Millions (feat. Travis Scott)

"Pussy & Millions" is a multifaceted exploration of the hedonistic and materialistic lifestyle often associated with superstardom in contemporary hip-hop. The song's title and recurring chorus, "Mind on pussy and millions," bluntly state the central themes: the pursuit of sexual pleasure and immense wealth. However, beneath this surface-level bravado, the lyrics delve into the complexities and consequences of such a life. The artists acknowledge the age-old hip-hop trope, most famously articulated by The Notorious B.I.G., that more money brings more problems. Yet, they defiantly embrace this reality, repeatedly chanting, "Bring on the problems," suggesting that the challenges are an accepted, and perhaps even welcomed, part of their success. Drake's verse introduces a note of introspection, revealing the emotional emptiness that can accompany a life of excess and transient relationships. He touches on the difficulty of finding genuine love amidst the superficiality that his fame and fortune attract. 21 Savage's verse provides a grittier perspective, emphasizing his love for the hustle and his unapologetic desire for more wealth, despite the envy it incites. Travis Scott's contribution adds a layer of opulence and grandeur, celebrating the spoils of his success while also expressing a sense of gratitude. Ultimately, the song is a complex portrait of modern fame, blending braggadocio with moments of vulnerability and reflection, and exploring the dualities of pleasure and peril, ambition and emptiness, that define their world.

The narrative unfolds around a central theme of prioritizing carnal desires and the accumulation of vast wealth. The protagonists, Drake, 21 Savage, and Travis Scott, depict a lifestyle consumed by late-night escapades and the relentless pursuit of money. The opening sets a scene of nocturnal activities, contemplating romantic encounters while maintaining loyalty to their close-knit circle, referred to as the "militia." This establishes a dichotomy between fleeting pleasures and steadfast allegiance. A recurring mantra, "Mind on pussy and millions," serves as the philosophical core of the song, explicitly stating their primary motivations.

A notable lyrical motif is the direct reference and challenge to the classic hip-hop adage, "Mo Money Mo Problems." The artists defiantly welcome the issues that accompany immense wealth, chanting, "Bring on the motherfuckin' problems." This reflects a modern, almost confrontational acceptance of the burdens of success, viewing them as an inevitable and even desirable part of their opulent existence.

Drake's verse offers a more introspective, albeit still detached, perspective. He touches on the emotional complexities that arise from his lifestyle, acknowledging a difficulty in finding genuine love amidst the superficiality. He questions the well-known phrase "it's cheaper to keep her," suggesting a cynical view of relationships where emotional connection is secondary to convenience and material considerations. His reflections are tinged with a sense of disillusionment, even as he continues to indulge in the lavish life he has built.

21 Savage's contribution adds a grittier, more street-oriented layer to the narrative. He speaks of his love for the "hustle" more than the money itself, highlighting the process of acquiring wealth as a source of fulfillment. His lyrics are unapologetic about the envy and jealousy that his success attracts, boldly stating he wants even more despite the negative attention. He details the transactional nature of some of his relationships, where his wealth affords him a certain kind of companionship, and he doesn't shy away from the explicit details of these encounters.

Travis Scott's verse introduces a sense of grandeur and almost surreal opulence. He paints a picture of a life filled with luxury brands, private jets, and breaking records. There's a sense of gratitude in his words as he thanks God for his achievements, suggesting an awareness of his fortunate position. He also speaks of generosity, comparing his gift-giving to Christmas, which adds a layer of benevolence to his otherwise braggadocious persona. His verse culminates in an image of being constantly on the move, navigating the world with a sense of power and influence, yet also hints at the need for constant vigilance.

"Pussy & Millions" was released on November 4, 2022, as the tenth track on the collaborative studio album "Her Loss" by Drake and 21 Savage. This album was a culmination of several previous successful collaborations between the two artists, including "Sneakin'" (2016), "Issa" (2017), "Mr. Right Now" (2020), and "Knife Talk" (2021). The song features a guest appearance from Travis Scott, making it the only track on "Her Loss" with a credited featured artist. The production was handled by a team of producers including Cheeze Beatz, Go Grizzly, Squat Beats, B100, and Lil Yachty, who also provided additional vocals for the track. The song was recorded in 2021 at H.O.M.E. studios in Los Angeles and Leading by Example studios in Atlanta. The album "Her Loss" was highly anticipated and its release was preceded by a fake promotional campaign that included mock interviews and magazine covers. The album's release was slightly delayed because Drake's long-time producer, Noah "40" Shebib, contracted COVID-19 during the final stages of mixing and mastering.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Pussy & Millions" are characteristic of the trap genre, focusing on a compelling flow and rhythmic delivery over complex rhyme schemes. The song maintains a moderately slow tempo, around 122 BPM, which allows the lyrics to be delivered with clarity and impact, while the heavy bass and intricate hi-hat patterns provide a driving energy. The rhyme schemes are generally straightforward, often relying on couplets and internal rhymes to maintain momentum. For example, in Drake's verse, he rhymes "deeper" with "keep her" and "feature" with "procedure," creating a smooth and connected flow. 21 Savage employs a more staggered, punchline-heavy rhythm, emphasizing certain words and phrases for a more aggressive effect. Travis Scott's verse is notable for its rhythmic complexity and use of ad-libs, which act as a form of rhythmic punctuation. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the instrumental beat is crucial to the song's appeal, with the rappers' flows often weaving in and out of the main beat, creating a sense of dynamic tension and release. The recurring hook is delivered in a chant-like rhythm, making it highly memorable and anthemic.

"Pussy & Millions" employs a range of stylistic techniques to create its distinctive sound and lyrical impact. Musically, the song is rooted in the trap genre, characterized by its heavy 808 bass, crisp hi-hats, and atmospheric synth melodies. The production, handled by a team including Lil Yachty, creates a dark yet opulent sonic landscape. The vocal delivery of the three artists varies, creating a dynamic listening experience. Drake's flow is melodic and often introspective, 21 Savage's is more deadpan and menacing, and Travis Scott's is characterized by his signature ad-libs and energetic, auto-tuned delivery. Lyrically, the song is built on a foundation of braggadocio and direct, often explicit, language. The repetition of the hook "Mind on pussy and millions" and the defiant chant "Bring on the motherfuckin' problems" serve as powerful, memorable refrains that anchor the song's central themes. The artists also utilize vivid imagery to paint a picture of their lavish lifestyles, referencing luxury items, exclusive locations, and the constant presence of women and money. There is a notable intertextual reference to The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Mo Money Mo Problems," which is then subverted to fit their own narrative of welcoming the challenges that come with success.

"Pussy & Millions" was a standout track from the highly successful collaborative album "Her Loss," which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album as a whole garnered significant attention, and all 16 of its tracks debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, with eight of them charting in the top 10. "Pussy & Millions" itself performed well on various international charts. The song received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics, with some, like Mosi Reeves of Rolling Stone, considering it a "clear standout" on the album. Its themes of wealth, hedonism, and the complexities of fame are cornerstones of contemporary hip-hop, and the song serves as a potent example of these narratives. The collaboration between three of the biggest names in modern rap—Drake, 21 Savage, and Travis Scott—was a significant cultural event in itself, bringing together their distinct styles and fanbases. While it may not have spawned a specific cultural movement, the song and the "Her Loss" album solidified the artists' positions at the forefront of the genre and contributed to the ongoing conversation about materialism and emotional detachment in the context of hip-hop stardom.

The song heavily relies on direct language rather than complex symbolism, but it does employ certain metaphors and recurring images to convey its themes.

• "Mo Money Mo Problems" as a Foundational Concept: The most significant symbolic element is the direct reference to The Notorious B.I.G.'s famous maxim. By repeatedly stating "Bring on the problems," the artists transform this cautionary tale into a defiant anthem. It symbolizes their acceptance and even embrace of the negative consequences of wealth as a testament to their high status.
• Luxury Brands as Markers of Success: Travis Scott, in particular, uses references to luxury brands like Christian Dior to symbolize the pinnacle of success and opulence he has achieved. This is a common trope in hip-hop, where high fashion serves as a visual and lyrical shorthand for wealth and status.
• "The Militia" as a Symbol of Loyalty: The phrase "Posted up with the militia" symbolizes the importance of a loyal and protective inner circle. In a world where fame and money breed envy and trust is scarce, the "militia" represents the security and solidarity found in their close-knit group of friends and allies.
• Generosity as a Display of Power: Travis Scott's line about handing out gifts "like the Christmas on twenty-fifth" is a metaphor for the immense wealth that allows for extravagant generosity. This act of giving can also be interpreted as a display of power and abundance, reinforcing his elevated status.

The song is built around several powerful recurring phrases and motifs that reinforce its central themes.

• "Mind on pussy and millions": This is the song's primary lyrical motif and serves as its thesis statement. Repeated throughout the track, it bluntly articulates the artists' core priorities: sexual gratification and financial accumulation. Its constant repetition drills the song's hedonistic philosophy into the listener's mind.
• "Bring on the motherfuckin' problems": This defiant chant is a direct response to the hip-hop adage "Mo Money Mo Problems." Its recurrence signifies a conscious and bold acceptance of the negative consequences that come with extreme wealth and fame. It transforms a warning into a challenge, showcasing the artists' confidence and perceived invincibility.
• "Late night creeping": This phrase, which opens the song, establishes a recurring motif of nocturnal activities and clandestine encounters. It sets a hedonistic and slightly dangerous tone that persists throughout the track, alluding to a lifestyle lived outside of conventional norms.
• Loyalty and the "Militia": The idea of being "posted up with the militia" is a recurring motif that speaks to the importance of loyalty and a trusted inner circle in the face of the envy and jealousy that their lifestyle attracts.