PICK IT UP (feat. A$AP Rocky)

"PICK IT UP" is a quintessential modern trap anthem that celebrates the spoils of fame and fortune. The lyrics, delivered with infectious energy by both Famous Dex and A$AP Rocky, revolve around themes of opulence, hedonism, and self-confidence. The phrase "pick it up" can be interpreted in several ways: it's a directive to get on the dance floor and groove, a command to speed up the pace of life, and a metaphor for acquiring wealth and success. The song's core message is a boastful declaration of a lavish lifestyle, characterized by designer clothes, expensive jewelry, drugs, and numerous female admirers. There is no deep, complex narrative; rather, the song serves as a vibrant and energetic expression of living a fast-paced, successful life in the world of hip-hop. Both artists use their verses to flex their status and achievements, creating an atmosphere of unapologetic extravagance.

The song kicks off with an introduction from Famous Dex, shouting out his collaborator and setting a high-energy tone from the start. The recurring hook, "Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, groove," serves as a command to the listener, urging them to get moving. Dex's verses are a whirlwind of braggadocio, touching on themes of wealth, fashion, and his prowess with women. He boasts about his designer shoes ("I got them Vans on my shoes"), his drug use ("I pop a pill and I lose"), and his ability to attract multiple women ("Got me two bitches, I eat it up"). He paints a picture of a fast-paced, hedonistic lifestyle, referencing his connections and ability to acquire whatever he desires, from drugs to money. The phrase "speed it up" is repeated, mirroring the frenetic pace of his delivery and the overall beat of the song. He also uses imagery of drowning in a woman and calling his plug for a pound of drugs, further emphasizing the excess that defines his narrative.

A$AP Rocky's verse offers a stylistic contrast while maintaining the song's opulent themes. He enters with a smoother, more laid-back delivery, but his lyrics are equally filled with luxury and confidence. He references high-fashion brands like VLONE and Acne Studios, highlighting his status as a fashion icon. His lines about having a woman who doesn't speak English and his international travels ("Acne, my jacket from Sweden") reinforce a jet-setting, playboy persona. Rocky also plays with words and delivers clever punchlines, such as the Rick James reference, "What the face say to the fist? (I'm Rick James, bitch!)" This line adds a touch of humor and cultural awareness to his verse. He also mentions having multiple phones for business and personal matters, a classic trope in hip-hop that signifies importance and a busy, high-stakes lifestyle. His verse complements Dex's raw energy with a more refined, yet equally arrogant, swagger.

Throughout the track, both artists employ a variety of ad-libs that have become signatures of their styles. These ad-libs, such as Dex's "ooh," "what," and "Dexter!", punctuate the lyrics and add another layer of rhythmic and sonic texture to the song. They contribute to the overall feeling of spontaneous and uninhibited celebration. The production, which heavily samples Cissy Houston's "Nothing Can Stop Me," provides a soulful yet energetic backdrop for the rappers' verses. The upbeat tempo and driving bassline are infectious, making it a quintessential party anthem. The narrative, while not telling a linear story, consistently revolves around the themes of success, materialism, and living life to the fullest without any inhibitions. The song is a celebration of making it in the music industry and enjoying the fruits of that labor in the most extravagant way possible.

"PICK IT UP" was officially released on October 20, 2017, after initially being dropped on SoundCloud two days prior. It serves as the lead single from Famous Dex's debut studio album, Dex Meets Dexter. The track was produced by the duo FKi 1st and Sosa808. A key element of the production is the heavy sampling of Cissy Houston's 1975 song "Nothing Can Stop Me."

Interestingly, Famous Dex was initially not a fan of the song. He revealed in an interview with Complex that his managers, Zeke and Wayne, had to repeatedly convince him to use the beat. Dex's opinion completely changed when he heard a version with a surprise verse from A$AP Rocky. He was ecstatic, stating the song sounded "10 times better" with Rocky's contribution and that it was a significant milestone for his career. The collaboration came about through Dex's growing connections with the A$AP Mob. The music video, directed by AWGE and Hidji Films, was released on January 17, 2018, and features the two rappers at a New Jersey flea market.

The rhyme scheme in "PICK IT UP" is relatively straightforward, typical of the trap genre, with a focus on couplets and internal rhymes to maintain a continuous flow. The song is set at a brisk tempo of approximately 136 BPM, contributing to its high-energy feel.

Famous Dex's verses often follow an AABB rhyme scheme, but he frequently uses slant rhymes and assonance to keep the lyrics from sounding too simplistic. His rhythmic delivery is dynamic and often off-kilter, playing with the beat and emphasizing his ad-libs. This creates a sense of joyful chaos that aligns with his on-stage persona.

A$AP Rocky's verse, while also adhering to a generally simple rhyme structure, showcases a more complex rhythmic performance. His flow is more intricate and syncopated, demonstrating his technical skill as a rapper. He effortlessly switches between different cadences, adding a layer of sophistication to the track.

The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is a key feature of the song. The steady, driving beat provides a solid foundation for the rappers' more fluid and varied vocal performances. The repetitive nature of the hook and the beat makes the song extremely danceable.

"PICK IT UP" showcases a blend of literary and musical techniques that contribute to its energetic and boastful character.

• Ad-libs: Famous Dex is known for his signature ad-libs ("ooh," "what," "yeah," "Dexter!"), which are used profusely throughout the track. These ad-libs add a layer of hype and personality, punctuating his lines and enhancing the song's rhythmic complexity.
• Repetition: The chorus and the phrase "pick it up" are highly repetitive, making the song incredibly catchy and memorable. This repetition drills the song's central theme into the listener's mind.
• Vocal Delivery: The song features a distinct contrast in vocal styles. Famous Dex employs a high-energy, almost chaotic delivery that feels spontaneous and uninhibited. A$AP Rocky, on the other hand, offers a smoother, more controlled, and melodic flow, which provides a cool counterbalance.
• Sampling: The use of Cissy Houston's "Nothing Can Stop Me" is a crucial musical technique. The soulful sample provides a melodic and upbeat foundation that contrasts with the hard-hitting trap drums, creating a unique sonic texture.
• Call and Response: There are moments of call and response, particularly with Dex's ad-libs, which creates an engaging and interactive listening experience.

"PICK IT UP" was a significant commercial success for Famous Dex, marking his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 54. The song also reached number 26 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA in the United States, indicating sales and streaming figures equivalent to over three million units. The track also received platinum certification in New Zealand and silver in the United Kingdom.

The song's popularity was bolstered by its catchy hook and the high-profile feature from A$AP Rocky, which introduced Famous Dex to a wider audience. The music video, released on WorldStarHipHop, quickly garnered millions of views, further solidifying the song's place in popular culture at the time. The track was widely regarded as a club and party banger, receiving praise for its energetic production and the chemistry between the two artists. For Famous Dex, "PICK IT UP" remains one of his most recognizable and successful songs, alongside "Japan," and it played a crucial role in establishing him as a notable figure in the late 2010s hip-hop scene.

While not a song heavy on deep symbolism, "PICK IT UP" employs various metaphors to amplify its themes of wealth and a fast-paced lifestyle.

• "Pick it up": This central phrase is a multi-layered metaphor. On a literal level, it's a call to dance. Metaphorically, it represents an acceleration of life, a seizing of opportunities, and the accumulation of wealth and success.
• "Swim in yo bitch once I drown": This is a brash metaphor for sexual prowess and being overwhelmed by the attention of women.
• "Calling my plug for the pound": A direct reference to drug culture, this line symbolizes easy access to illicit substances, further painting a picture of a hedonistic lifestyle.
• A$AP Rocky's Fashion References: Rocky's mention of specific brands like VLONE and Acne Studios, and having a jacket from Sweden, are not just name-dropping. They symbolize his status as a global fashion icon and his sophisticated, international lifestyle, which contrasts with Dex's more raw energy.
• "I'm Rick James, bitch!": This is a direct cultural reference and a metaphor for a rebellious, untouchable, and wildly confident persona, alluding to the infamous Dave Chappelle's Show sketch.

The most prominent recurring phrase in the song is the hook, "Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, groove." This serves as the central command and theme of the track, urging listeners to dance and embrace the high-energy vibe. Its constant repetition makes it an incredibly effective and memorable hook.

Another recurring element is Famous Dex's signature ad-libs, especially shouting his own name, "Dexter!". This is a common motif in his music, functioning as a brand identifier and a way to inject his personality directly into the song. It breaks the flow of the verses in a way that adds to the track's spontaneous and energetic feel.

The motif of "speed it up" also appears in the lyrics, reinforcing the theme of a fast-paced, accelerated lifestyle that both artists are celebrating in the song.