Broccoli (feat. Lil Yachty)

"Broccoli" is a lighthearted and celebratory anthem about success, good times, and marijuana. The title itself is a slang term for weed, which serves as the central metaphor for the carefree and fun-loving lifestyle the artists are enjoying. The song doesn't delve into deep, complex themes but rather focuses on the joys of newfound wealth, popularity, and the simple pleasure of smoking with friends. Both DRAM and Lil Yachty use their verses to boast about their success, detailing expensive purchases, romantic encounters, and their rise in the music industry. It’s a feel-good track that captures a moment of triumph and youthful exuberance, positioning marijuana as a symbol of relaxation and reward for their hard work. The overall message is one of positivity, urging listeners to be above negativity ('beyond all that fuck shit') and enjoy life's pleasures.

The song opens with a declaration of being above negativity and drama. Lil Yachty takes the first verse, immediately setting a playful yet boastful tone. He propositions a woman, asking her to be his 'sunshine,' but quickly pivots to flexing his wealth and status. He mentions his expensive jewelry, a '$30,000' investment to look good, and his lavish spending habits, like dropping ten thousand on a Rodeo Drive shopping spree and spending a show's earnings on his mother. He paints a picture of a fast-paced, transient lifestyle, constantly on the move ('never home'), dealing with imitators ('clones'), and managing his business ('makin' plays') through multiple phones. He references pop culture, like 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and wrestler Hulk Hogan, in a braggadocious manner. A key theme is his rise from humble beginnings ('from the concrete, I had rose') to a level of success where his diamonds are 'really froze.' He confidently asserts his authenticity as a 'real young nigga from the six.'

The chorus, delivered by DRAM, is an infectious and repetitive hook that encapsulates the song's central theme. He's at a party, wanting space to roll up his 'broccoli'—a slang term for marijuana. The chorus is a carefree celebration of his current success and appeal, noting that even other men's partners ('baby mama') are infatuated with him and want to join in smoking. He describes his interactions with women in a straightforward and 'sleazy' manner, emphasizing an easy-going, hedonistic lifestyle.

DRAM's verse follows, reflecting on his journey and success. He mentions having international business dealings ('companies and pesos') and a team on his payroll, highlighting his financial independence. He reminisces about his past, remembering a specific moment at 'five or six years old' when he recognized his own potential. He fast-forwards to being 26 when he released this 'amazing record' that made the 'world stepping.' This success has afforded him a more refined lifestyle, enjoying 'salmon on a bagel with the capers.' He contrasts his current success with his past, proudly displaying his 'golden diamond teeth.' The verse reinforces the idea that his success is the reason for others' envy ('they just mad 'cause I got that cheese'). He ends by bringing the listener back to the present moment, 'turned up in the party' and enjoying the fruits of his labor, once again emphasizing the act of smoking 'broccoli' as a central part of the celebration.

"Broccoli" was released on April 6, 2016, as the lead single from DRAM's debut album, Big Baby D.R.A.M. The collaboration came about after DRAM was introduced to Lil Yachty by the legendary producer Rick Rubin. The song was created spontaneously during a studio session in Los Angeles. Producer J. Gramm recalls that DRAM told him Lil Yachty was arriving in five minutes, prompting him to create a beat quickly. He instructed session player Rogét Chahayed to play the 'most simple, happy chord' on the 'cheapest piano sound' he could find, which resulted in the iconic F-major piano loop. To contrast the happy piano, J. Gramm added a distorted 808 bassline. DRAM then hummed the melody for the flute part, which was also played by Chahayed. Lil Yachty wrote and recorded his verse on the spot, and DRAM freestyled the hook and wrote his verse shortly after. The entire song was reportedly finished in about 20 minutes, born from a fun, low-pressure environment of drinking, smoking, and enjoying the creative process. DRAM initially thought it would just be a popular track on SoundCloud but was surprised by its massive commercial success.

The most prominent metaphor in the song is the title itself. 'Broccoli' is used as a slang term for marijuana. This reflects a trend in hip-hop of using code words for drugs, and in this case, the vegetable's green, tree-like appearance makes for a fitting visual metaphor. DRAM has stated that he learned the term from other rappers like Kodak Black and wasn't aware it was an uncommon term. Beyond the main metaphor, the lyrics are filled with imagery of wealth and a luxurious lifestyle, which symbolizes the artists' success. References to 'ice on my neck,' spending 'ten Gs' on Rodeo Drive, and potentially renting out the Bahamas serve as direct symbols of their newfound financial status. Food imagery is also used to signify an elevated lifestyle, such as eating 'salmon on a bagel with the capers,' contrasting with a presumably humbler past. Finally, 'cheese' is used as a common slang term for money.

The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Broccoli" is one of pure, unadulterated joy and carefree celebration. The song radiates positivity and a sense of triumphant fun. This joyful mood is created through several key elements. The major-key, bouncy piano melody is inherently happy and light. The whimsical flute adds a layer of playfulness. Both DRAM's enthusiastic, melodic singing and Lil Yachty's relaxed, cheerful rapping contribute to the upbeat feeling. The lyrics, which focus on success, friendship, and partying, steer clear of any negative or serious themes, instead focusing entirely on the hedonistic pleasures of the moment. The song captures the feeling of a perfect summer day or a great party where all worries are forgotten, creating an infectious and uplifting emotional landscape.

"Broccoli" was a massive commercial success and a significant cultural phenomenon in 2016. It peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first top 5 hit for both DRAM and Lil Yachty. The song was certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA. Its success was largely driven by streaming, where it became a viral hit, especially on platforms like SoundCloud where it was first posted. The track received critical acclaim, being named one of the best songs of 2016 by publications like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. The song's lighthearted, positive vibe, often dubbed 'bubblegum trap,' was influential in showcasing a more playful and melodic side of trap music. The quirky music video, which features the artists riding a piano through various scenes, also became widely popular, garnering over 467 million views on YouTube as of May 2025. "Broccoli" solidified DRAM's and Lil Yachty's positions as major new voices in hip-hop.

The song follows a relatively straightforward and common rap structure with a relaxed, mid-tempo rhythm that encourages a laid-back feel. The rhyme scheme is predominantly composed of couplets (AABB) and simple end rhymes, which enhances its catchy, sing-along quality. For instance, in Lil Yachty's verse, he rhymes 'sunshine' with 'Columbine' and 'flee' with 'three' and 'Gs'. This simple rhyme structure makes the lyrics memorable and easy to follow. The rhythmic delivery of both artists is key to the song's appeal. DRAM's flow on the chorus is bouncy and melodic, syncing perfectly with the piano loop. Lil Yachty's verse features his signature 'yacht rock' cadence, with a slightly behind-the-beat delivery that gives his lines a conversational and carefree feel. The interplay between the upbeat, simple musical rhythm and the rappers' relaxed vocal rhythms creates the song's signature 'feel-good' vibe. The song is written in the key of E♭ Major.

"Broccoli" is characterized by its minimalist and playful production, which combines seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole. The beat, produced by J. Gramm with co-production from Rogét Chahayed, is built around a simple, staccato piano loop that gives the song a cheerful, almost nursery-rhyme-like quality. This is contrasted with a heavy, distorted TR-808 bassline, a staple of trap music. The addition of a light, 'cheap-sounding' flute melody, hummed by DRAM himself, adds to the song's whimsical and unique sound, reminiscent of video game music from series like Kirby's Dreamland or The Legend of Zelda. Vocally, the track showcases a contrast between DRAM's soulful, sing-song delivery and Lil Yachty's distinctive, off-beat, and Auto-Tune-inflected flow. This blend of 'bubblegum trap' and playful rap styles creates a track that is both infectious and stylistically unique.

What does 'broccoli' mean in the song by DRAM and Lil Yachty?

'Broccoli' is a slang term for marijuana. In the song, it's used to symbolize a carefree lifestyle of relaxation, partying, and celebrating success. DRAM mentioned he picked up the term from other rappers like Kodak Black.

Who produced the beat for 'Broccoli'?

The beat was primarily produced by J. Gramm. Session musician and conservatory-trained pianist Rogét Chahayed co-produced the track, playing the distinctive piano and flute parts.

When was 'Broccoli' by DRAM released?

The song was officially released as a digital download single on April 6, 2016. It was the lead single from DRAM's debut studio album, 'Big Baby D.R.A.M.'.

What genre is the song 'Broccoli'?

The song is primarily categorized as Hip-Hop and Trap music. Due to its upbeat, melodic, and playful nature, it's also often described as 'Pop Rap' or 'Cloud Rap'.

How did the collaboration between DRAM and Lil Yachty for 'Broccoli' happen?

DRAM was first introduced to Lil Yachty by producer Rick Rubin. They exchanged numbers and later, when Yachty was in L.A., DRAM invited him to the studio. The beat was made in minutes, and the entire song was recorded in about 20 minutes in a spontaneous session.

What is the meaning of Lil Yachty's lyric about 'Columbine'?

Lil Yachty's line, 'Nigga, touch my gang, we gon' turn this shit to Columbine,' is a shocking and controversial reference to the 1999 school shooting. It's used as hyperbole to suggest a violent retaliation against anyone who threatens him or his crew, creating a stark contrast with the song's otherwise cheerful tone.

Did 'Broccoli' win a Grammy?

No, but it was nominated. 'Broccoli' received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017, but it did not win.