Birthday (feat. Monty)

"Birthday" is a celebration of success, loyalty, and romantic indulgence. On the surface, it functions as a standard party anthem designed for clubs and birthday festivities, but the lyrics weave a narrative of mutual respect and high-status living between the artist and his partner.

The central theme revolves around empowerment and spoiling. By referring to his partner as a "boss" and a "star," Fetty Wap flips the traditional script of objectification; instead, he places value on her agency and presence. The recurring promise to "listen when you talk" suggests a dynamic where her voice carries weight. The "birthday" acts as the catalyst for this outpouring of affection and material wealth—it is the occasion that justifies the private jets, trips, and diamonds.

Implicitly, the song also serves as a self-celebration for Fetty Wap and Monty. The ability to provide such a lavish lifestyle—"rocking Hermès" and "diamonds hitting like stars"—is a flex of their own financial power. The lyrics "We can go far" operate on two levels: literal travel and the metaphorical trajectory of their relationship and careers. Monty's verse adds a layer of fidelity, contrasting the chaotic club environment ("other niggas thirsty") with his focused commitment to one woman ("No way I could leave, no way I could cheat"), grounding the flashy exuberance in genuine connection.

The song opens with a catchy, melodic hook where the narrator expresses deep admiration for his partner's presence and authority. He loves the way she walks towards him and acknowledges her status as a "boss," promising to listen whenever she speaks. The chorus emphasizes a desire to spoil her, suggesting they can travel far and take expensive trips specifically for her birthday. He repeatedly validates her success, calling her a star and offering to take her anywhere she wants to go.

As the verse progresses, the imagery shifts to displays of wealth and luxury. The narrator mentions taking off in a private jet, popping pills, and escaping the mundane world. He describes a woman falling in love with his car and compares the brilliance of his diamond jewelry to stars in the sky. The repetition of the hook reinforces the central theme of adoration and the willingness to provide a lavish lifestyle.

In the feature verse, the second voice (Monty) adds a layer of romantic commitment amidst the party atmosphere. He tells the woman she is a star in his eyes and that he spots her from afar. He mentions spending money at the bar but clarifies that she is the only one he wants to call. He asserts his loyalty, claiming there is no way he would leave or cheat on her. The verse culminates in a rhythmic celebration of her birthday, referencing the "Milly Rock" dance and name-dropping high-end fashion brand Hermès, while dismissing others who look "thirsty" or desperate. The song concludes by looping back to the infectious chorus, maintaining the celebratory and affectionate vibe until the end.

"Birthday" was released as a single on June 7, 2019. The release date was highly intentional, as it coincided with Fetty Wap's own 28th birthday, turning the track into a dual celebration for the artist and his fans. Additionally, the date holds further significance as it is also the birthday of Masika Kalysha, the mother of Fetty Wap's daughter, Khari Barbie. This shared date added a layer of personal intimacy to the release, with media outlets noting the synchronization.

The track features Monty, Fetty Wap's longtime friend and frequent collaborator from the Remy Boyz collective. Their chemistry, established on massive hits like "679" and "My Way," is a core element of the song's creation. The production was handled by Brian "Peoples" Garcia, a producer who has worked extensively with Fetty Wap to craft his signature "trap-ballad" sound. The accompanying music video, released in July 2019, depicted a lavish strip club party, reinforcing the song's themes of excess and celebration.

The song follows a straightforward AABB or AAAA rhyme scheme in the chorus, prioritizing perfect rhymes and slant rhymes (way/baby/birthday). The rhythm is set in a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo typical of club bangers (around 120-130 BPM double-time feel). Fetty Wap's flow is syncopated; he often drags out the end of phrases ("waaaay", "baaaaby"), creating a laid-back, melodic pocket that contrasts with the sharp, rapid-fire hi-hats of the beat.

Monty's verse switches the flow slightly to a more traditional, punchier rap cadence before settling back into the melodic pocket, providing a rhythmic variation that keeps the listener engaged. The pacing is consistent, designed to keep heads nodding without aggressive shifts, maintaining a smooth, celebratory groove throughout.

Musical Techniques: The song is built on a foundation of melodic trap. Fetty Wap utilizes his signature sing-rap vocal style (often called warbling), which blurs the line between rapping and singing. This delivery is heavily treated with Auto-Tune, creating a glossy, synthesized texture that fits the modern club aesthetic. The beat features typical trap elements: rattling hi-hats, a booming 808 bassline, and spacious synth melodies that leave room for the vocals to carry the melody.

Literary Techniques: The lyrics rely heavily on repetition (anaphora) with phrases like "Love it when you..." and "Baby you a..." to create a hypnotic, catchy hook. The rhyme scheme is simple and end-focused, often pairing single-syllable words (way/day, boss/talk, star/far) to ensure high memorability. Ad-libs are a crucial stylistic device here; Fetty's background vocalizations ("Yeah baby", "Zoovier") add texture and energy, filling the spaces between lines and maintaining the hype.

While "Birthday" did not achieve the same stratospheric chart success as Fetty Wap's 2015 hits like "Trap Queen" or "679," it helped sustain his relevance among his core fanbase and the Remy Boyz following. It fits into the niche of "birthday anthems," a specific sub-genre of hip-hop used heavily in nightclubs and social media shout-outs.

The song is notable for reuniting Fetty Wap and Monty, proving their collaborative chemistry remained intact years after their initial breakout. It contributes to Fetty Wap's legacy as a melodic hook master who defined a specific era of mid-2010s pop-rap. The track has found utility in social media contexts (TikTok, Instagram Stories) where users post birthday celebrations, leveraging the explicit "It's your birthday" lyrics.

The lyrics employ status symbols as primary metaphors for affection and success. The "Jet" represents ultimate freedom and the ability to rise above localized problems or "thirsty" people. It symbolizes an escape from the ordinary into a realm of exclusivity.

"Diamonds hitting like stars" is a simile that connects material wealth with celestial beauty. By comparing his jewelry to stars, the artist elevates his earthly success to something cosmic and awe-inspiring, mirroring how he views his partner as a "star."

The "Boss" serves as a symbol of modern female empowerment within the hip-hop context. It suggests that the woman is not just a passive recipient of gifts but an equal player who commands respect. The reference to the "Milly Rock" (a popular dance move) and being "Sturdy" serves as a cultural anchor, symbolizing confidence, composure, and being in rhythm with the current moment.

The phrase "Love it when you walk my way" acts as the central musical and lyrical motif. Its repetition anchors the song, constantly returning the focus to the visual allure of the partner. The word "Baby" is used incessantly as a rhythmic filler and term of endearment, smoothing the transition between lines.

Another motif is the concept of "Go far" or "Take trips." This recurs to emphasize the theme of escapism and limitless possibility. The chant "It's your birthday" in the later section serves as a secondary hook, specifically designed to be shouted in clubs during birthday celebrations, solidifying the song's functional purpose as an anthem for that specific occasion.