Mist

Mist serves as a quintessential flex anthem that encapsulates the lifestyle and aspirations of the modern UK underground rap scene, specifically the 'Scouse rap' wave. The central theme is a celebration of hedonistic excess, characterized by drug use, sexual conquests, and material wealth.

The title "Mist" operates on multiple levels. Explicitly, it refers to the atmospheric haze of the production and the literal smoke from drug use (weed and vaping) that surrounds the artist. Metaphorically, it represents the gray area of legality and morality in which the artist operates—a place where he moves unseen ('creeping through the mansion', 'Snap Maps off') and where outsiders ('lames') cannot navigate. It symbolizes the exclusivity of his circle; only the 'members' can see through the mist.

The lyrics heavily feature the motif of transformation and escape. The artist transforms his regional reality (Liverpool) into a landscape of international luxury and danger ('sound like I'm from Texas', 'turned to Krakow'). There is a tension between the gritty reality of the 'trap house' and the glamorous aspirations of 'black gems' and 'Cartier necklaces'. The song ultimately projects an image of invincibility and detachment, where emotional connection is replaced by chemical highs and cold hard cash.

The song opens with EsDeeKid establishing his dominance and street credibility immediately. He boasts about taking another man's partner, emphasizing his lack of loyalty to those he considers inferior. He details his material wealth, mentioning large sums of cash ('tens') in his pocket and a bottle of 'Tris' (a reference to promethazine syrup), signaling his immersion in drug culture. He claims to have significant savings ('five racks') which he has immediately converted into flashy wristwear, highlighting a lifestyle of immediate gratification and conspicuous consumption.

The chorus reinforces these themes, repeating the imagery of wealth and exclusivity. He declares that he refuses to associate with 'lames' (uncool or inauthentic people) and suggests that these outsiders are excluded from his circle, often referred to as 'riding in the mist'—a metaphor for their stealthy, drug-fueled movements or perhaps a state of existence above the clarity of sober life. The verse continues with a nocturnal setting, describing him creeping through a mansion with black gemstones on his neck, further enhancing the dark, gothic luxury aesthetic.

EsDeeKid compares his appearance to an 'emo' with long black hair and describes his drugs as 'albino' (all white), mixing dark alternative aesthetics with trap tropes. He references 'Sub-Zero' to describe the 'ice' (diamonds) on his neck, suggesting a cold, unfeeling demeanor. The lyrics also touch on exclusivity, stating that others won't make the 'guest list' and that his erratic behavior is calculated to make the crowd think he is reckless. He proudly asserts his regional identity ('Young Scouse kid') while claiming his sound has international appeal ('sound like I'm from Texas').

The featured verse by Rico Ace continues the narrative of excess, mentioning 'Coke for breakfast' and an obsession with 'Kush' and Cartier jewelry. The verse depicts a tight-knit group ('members') posting up outside, warning outsiders not to interfere with their business ('pack landed'). The scene shifts to a rave environment fueled by pills, where the energy is high but focused. There are references to turning 'Snap Maps' off to maintain secrecy in the 'trap house' and transforming his city with 'white' (cocaine) until it resembles 'Krakow'. The song concludes with aggressive assertions of power, referencing weapons ('metal in my hand like wedding ring') and dismissing rivals with pop culture references like Chris Rock and Rick Ross.

Mist was released on June 20, 2025, as a track on EsDeeKid's debut studio album, Rebel. The song features fellow underground artist Rico Ace and was produced by Wraith9, who handled the production for the entire album. The track was written by EsDeeKid, Rico Ace, and Harley Riecansky.

The song emerged from the vibrant Liverpool (Scouse) underground rap scene, which began gaining traction in 2024. EsDeeKid, known for his anonymity (wearing a balaclava) and viral fame (including conspiracy theories linking him to actor Timothée Chalamet), recorded the track during a period of rapid ascent. The production reflects the 'cloud rap' and 'jerk' influences that define the album's sound. Mist gained specific popularity in European markets, charting in Lithuania, and contributed to the album's surprise success on the US Billboard 200.

The song primarily utilizes a driving, rapid-fire flow that sits atop the high-tempo beat. The rhyme scheme is often couplet-based (AABB) or maintains a single rhyme sound for extended periods (mono-rhyme) to build momentum. For example, the 'mist/wrist/Tris/bitch' sequence relies on strong assonance of the short 'i' sound, creating a sharp, percussive effect.

Rhythmically, the vocals are syncopated, often hitting off-beats to create a jerky, energetic feel consistent with the 'jerk' genre influence. The contrast between the lazy, drug-induced slur of the voice and the frantic speed of the hi-hats creates a compelling tension that mimics the feeling of a high—feeling slow and fast simultaneously.

Musical Techniques: The production by Wraith9 utilizes cloud rap textures—hazy synthesizers and heavy reverb—combined with the energetic, stuttering percussion of jerk and trap music. The beat is likely fast-paced (around 195 BPM as noted in data), creating a frantic yet floating feeling. The bass is distorted and heavy, providing a gritty foundation.

Literary/Vocal Techniques: EsDeeKid's delivery is defined by his thick Scouse accent, which adds a unique rhythmic cadence and authenticity to the track, distinguishing it from London-centric UK drill. He employs slurred, melodic flows characteristic of mumble/cloud rap. The lyrics use AABB and internal rhyme schemes (e.g., 'mansion/dancing/camping', 'emotional/emo/albino') to create a catchy, hypnotic rhythm. The use of hyperbole ('sound like I'm from Texas', 'Coke for breakfast') amplifies the larger-than-life persona.

Mist played a significant role in cementing EsDeeKid's status as a breakout star of 2025. It helped propel his album Rebel to becoming the most streamed hip-hop album in the world on Spotify by late 2025. The song's success highlights the globalization of regional UK accents, proving that the Scouse dialect can carry a major chart hit outside the UK. The track is part of the broader 'New Wave' of UK rap that moves beyond Drill into more experimental, internet-native sounds. It has also been fueled by the viral mystery regarding the artist's identity.

The lyrics are dense with status symbols and pop culture metaphors:

• The Mist: Represents the exclusive, hazy world of the artist, separating the 'members' from the 'lames'. It symbolizes both the drug-induced state and the veil of anonymity.
• Sub-Zero / Ice: A common hip-hop trope where diamonds are equated to coldness. Referencing the Mortal Kombat character 'Sub-Zero' emphasizes a lethal, frozen detachment.
• Albino / Krakow: The use of 'white' imagery (drugs) turning the city to 'Krakow' (a snowy/cold Polish city) serves as a metaphor for the flood of cocaine into the community and the cold environment of the drug trade.
• Snap Maps: Turning this feature off symbolizes going dark or entering 'stealth mode', reinforcing the theme of illicit activity and the need for secrecy.
• Metal like wedding ring: A powerful simile comparing a gun to a wedding ring, suggesting a lifelong commitment to violence and protection, more binding than romantic love.

"Riding in the mist": This is the central hook and title motif, recurring in the chorus to anchor the song's atmospheric theme.

"Riding with your bitch": A repeated taunt that asserts dominance and disregard for social norms.

Drug references (Tris, Wok, Raws, White): A constant lyrical thread that acts as a motif for the lifestyle being portrayed. The specific mention of brands like 'Tris' and 'Wok' (lean) serves as a shibboleth for those in the know.

"Okay" ad-lib: Used frequently (often stylized as 'O-K, O-K') to punctuate bars and transition between flows, adding a rhythmic bounce.