Again

Again is a heartfelt exploration of the tension between professional ambition and personal intimacy. At its core, the song is a plea for reconciliation, with Fetty Wap addressing an ex-lover or a partner on the verge of leaving. He recognizes that his "lifestyle"—implied to be the dangerous and demanding world of drug dealing or the music industry—is the primary source of conflict ("driving you crazy"). However, he posits that their bond is strong enough to withstand these external pressures.

The song creates a narrative bridge to his breakout hit, Trap Queen, by interpolating lyrics from that earlier song. This serves a dual purpose: it establishes a continuity in his storytelling, suggesting the woman he is trying to win back is the same one who helped him "cook pies" and manage his operations, and it uses nostalgia as a persuasive tool. He is reminding her of their "ride or die" history to salvage their future.

Implicitly, the song deals with the isolation of success. Fetty Wap boasts about his wealth and "bands," but these boasts are framed as offerings to his partner, suggesting that his accumulation of wealth was always intended for their shared benefit. The repetition of "I want you to be mine again" underscores a vulnerability that contrasts with the typically hardened exterior of the trap genre, revealing a deep fear of loss.

The song begins with a direct and emotional plea from the narrator, who expresses a strong desire to reunite with a former romantic partner. He openly acknowledges that his chaotic, fast-paced lifestyle—filled with the pursuit of money and fame—has been a source of stress and frustration for her. Despite this, he insists that he cannot imagine his life without her and is desperate to make her his again.

As the verses progress, the narrator reflects on their shared history, recalling the days when they were building their lives together from the ground up. He references their past intimacy and the support she provided during his rise to success, describing her as his partner in both love and ambition. He reminisces about the times they spent counting money and navigating the streets, using these memories to highlight the depth of their bond.

Throughout the track, the narrator oscillates between confidence in his success and vulnerability regarding his relationship. He admits that while he has achieved financial stability and can offer her the world, these material gains mean little if they cannot share them. He repeatedly asks for forgiveness and a chance to prove that he can balance his career with his commitment to her. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of his longing, emphasizing that despite the arguments and the distance, his feelings for her remain unchanged and intense.

Again was released as the fourth single from Fetty Wap's self-titled debut album in August 2015. The track was recorded during a prolific period for the New Jersey artist, who had recently skyrocketed to fame with Trap Queen. It was produced by Peoples and Shy Boogs, key collaborators who helped define Fetty's signature "trap soul" sound. The song was initially teased and released via SoundCloud, where it gained immediate traction before being officially released to streaming platforms.

The song played a pivotal role in a historic chart achievement. When "Again" debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, Fetty Wap became the first act in the history of the Hot Rap Songs chart to have his first four singles ("Trap Queen", "679", "My Way", and "Again") in the top 10 simultaneously. This feat cemented his dominance in 2015.

Interestingly, the song experienced a massive cultural resurgence nearly a decade later. In early 2025, a viral trend on TikTok involving users playing the song through JBL speakers (often mimicking a muffled or bass-boosted audio quality) propelled the track back onto the charts and into the public consciousness, introducing it to a new generation of listeners.

The song follows a relatively simple AABB or AAAA rhyme scheme in many sections, characteristic of the trap genre, where the focus is often on the flow and melody rather than complex poetic structure. Fetty Wap relies heavily on end rhymes that are often slanted or imperfect (e.g., matching "baby" with "crazy"). This simplicity allows the listener to focus on the emotional delivery and the catchy melody.

Rhythmically, the track is set at a moderate tempo (around 96 BPM) typical of trap ballads. Fetty's vocal flow is loose and often drags slightly behind the beat, creating a lazy, nonchalant vibe that contrasts with the urgency of his plea. He utilizes triplets and syncopated phrasing, breaking up the 4/4 time signature in a way that keeps the listener engaged. The rhythm of the lyrics—short, punchy phrases in the verses transitioning to elongated, wailing notes in the chorus—mirror the shift from explaining his situation to emotionally pleading for a return.

Musically, Again is a prime example of Fetty Wap's signature "rappa-turnt-sanga" style. He employs a unique melodic delivery that blurs the line between rapping and singing, often utilizing a wailing, unpolished vocal tone that conveys raw emotion rather than technical perfection. This is heavily augmented by Auto-Tune, which gives his voice a warbled, robotic texture that oddly enhances the feeling of vulnerability.

The production features a stripped-back trap beat characterized by deep 808 bass kicks, sharp hi-hat rolls, and a simple, melancholic synth melody. This sparse arrangement leaves ample space for Fetty's vocals to dominate the mix. A notable technique is the use of his trademark ad-libs, specifically "Yeaaah baby" and "1738" (a reference to his squad, the Remy Boyz, and a cognac brand). These ad-libs function almost like percussion instruments, adding rhythmic texture and brand identity to the track.

Lyrically, the song uses interpolation, reusing lines from "Trap Queen" ("She my trap queen, let her hit the bando"). This self-referential technique creates a sense of lore and continuity within his discography, rewarding long-time listeners while reinforcing the narrative of a singular, enduring love.

Again solidified Fetty Wap's status as a hitmaker rather than a "one-hit wonder" after the massive success of "Trap Queen." Commercially, it was a significant success, peaking at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving multi-platinum certification. Its release contributed to Fetty Wap's historic run in 2015, where he dominated the airwaves with a unique sound that influenced the direction of melodic trap music for years to come.

Culturally, the song has maintained a legacy as a "hood classic" love song. Its raw, unpolished sincerity resonated with a wide audience. In 2025, the song experienced a surprising cultural renaissance due to a TikTok trend where users played the track through JBL speakers to highlight its specific sonic qualities. This viral moment reintroduced the song to Gen Z, proving the timeless appeal of its catchy melody and emotional relatability.

The lyrics of Again rely heavily on the juxtaposition of material wealth and emotional value. The "bands" (stacks of cash) and references to the "bando" (abandoned house used for drug manufacturing) serve as symbols of the narrator's success and the environment he comes from. However, in the context of the breakup, these symbols transform into barriers; the very lifestyle that brings the "bands" is what drives his lover away.

The concept of the "Trap Queen" acts as a powerful metaphor for loyalty and partnership. By referencing his earlier hit, Fetty uses the title not just as a label for a girlfriend, but as a symbol of a woman who is resilient, capable, and an equal partner in the struggle for survival. Losing her represents losing his anchor to reality.

The "lifestyle" mentioned repeatedly functions as a metonym for all the chaos, danger, and time commitment associated with his career. It is the antagonist of the song, the force that separates the lovers, while the chorus serves as the protagonist's weapon to fight back against that separation through sheer emotional persistence.

The central hook, "I want you to be mine again, baby", is the song's primary motif. Its repetition anchors the track, serving as both the thesis statement and the emotional peak. This phrase is delivered with high energy and a descending melodic contour that mimics a sigh or a plea.

The phrase "I know my lifestyle is driving you crazy" is another crucial recurring line. It acts as a confession and a concession, validating his partner's feelings every time he asks for her back. It grounds the song in reality, preventing it from being a delusional request.

Additionally, the "1738" ad-lib is a sonic motif that instantly identifies the artist. While it doesn't carry narrative weight, its recurrence serves as a stamp of authenticity and a hype element that contrasts with the song's somewhat sadder themes.