Fuck Up Some Commas

"Fuck Up Some Commas" is an audacious and unapologetic anthem celebrating immense wealth and the lavish lifestyle that accompanies it. The central theme revolves around the act of spending vast sums of money with reckless abandon. The phrase 'fuck up some commas' is a vivid metaphor for spending money so quickly and in such large quantities that it disrupts the commas separating the digits in one's bank account (e.g., $1,000,000). It is a declaration of financial dominance and the freedom that comes from having seemingly limitless resources. The song serves as a motivational track, as Future himself explained, designed to make the average person feel inspired to achieve a level of success where they too can 'fuck up some commas'. Beyond the surface-level braggadocio, the lyrics also touch upon themes of authenticity and loyalty ('Fake nigga lie to a real nigga/That's just some shit that you don't do'), the relentless work ethic required for success ('grind 22 and sleep two hours'), and the inherent dangers of the street life that often precedes such wealth.

The narrative unfolds as a powerful declaration of status, wealth, and authenticity in the high-stakes world of street life and hip-hop. The protagonist, identifying himself as 'Future Hendrix,' immediately sets a code of conduct, establishing a clear line between genuine and deceitful individuals. He emphasizes loyalty to his 'real' associates, a recurring theme that grounds the song's extravagant subject matter in a code of honor. The central and most resounding message is the call to action: 'Let's fuck up some commas.' This is not merely about spending money; it's a defiant, almost aggressive, act of enjoying the spoils of a relentless hustle. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this opulence, escalating from forty thousand dollars to a million in a 'money shower,' a metaphor for being so inundated with cash that it becomes a celebratory spectacle.

The song delves into the grueling work ethic required to maintain such a lifestyle. The artist describes a life of perpetual motion, grinding for twenty-two hours and sleeping for only two, suggesting that immense success is born from extreme sacrifice and dedication. This hustle is juxtaposed with the rewards it brings: luxury items like a new Audi fitted with 24-inch rims and a life filled with indulgences. References to 'white on white like baby powder' and a 'double cup like Tunechi' (a nod to Lil Wayne's lean consumption) root the narrative in the specific cultural signifiers of trap culture, where success is often measured by conspicuous consumption and association with a certain kind of street-validated luxury.

Throughout the verses, there's an undercurrent of paranoia and the constant need to stay vigilant. The artist mentions keeping a 'burner' on him and being cool with convicts, highlighting the dangerous environment from which his success has emerged. This isn't just a story about getting rich; it's about surviving and thriving in a world where wealth and danger are intrinsically linked. The repetition of giving 'no fucks' serves as an emotional shield, a necessary detachment in a world of high risks and high rewards. The vocal delivery, characterized by its melodic and sometimes mumbled flow, combined with insistent ad-libs, creates a hypnotic and immersive atmosphere, pulling the listener into this whirlwind of money, power, and relentless ambition. The story is one of ascension, a brash and unapologetic testament to making it against the odds and reveling in every comma earned and subsequently 'fucked up'.

"Fuck Up Some Commas" was created during a prolific and transformative period for Future. The track was produced by DJ Spinz and Southside, two key architects of the trap sound. It first appeared on Future's critically acclaimed mixtape Monster, which was released on October 28, 2014. The song's raw energy and infectious hook quickly made it a standout track. Recognizing its hit potential, it was later officially released as a commercial single on March 2, 2015. Subsequently, it was included as the lead single for his third studio album, DS2 (Dirty Sprite 2), released in July 2015. The song's creation is part of Future's legendary mixtape run from 2014-2015 (including Monster, Beast Mode, and 56 Nights), a period where he redefined his sound with a darker, more aggressive, and emotionally raw style that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

The rhythmic structure of "Fuck Up Some Commas" is driven by a hard-hitting trap beat with a tempo that encourages movement, making it a club staple. The rhythm is characterized by complex, syncopated hi-hat patterns, a deep, booming 808 bassline that often serves as the track's melodic anchor, and a prominent snare that hits on the backbeat. Future's lyrical rhythm is fluid and often plays against the strict meter of the beat. He varies his flow, sometimes delivering lines in a rapid, percussive manner and other times stretching out words in a more melodic, sung fashion. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal; it's more akin to free verse with frequent use of internal and slant rhymes to maintain lyrical cohesion. For example, in the line 'smoke the first 48 hours / grind 22 and sleep two hours,' 'hours' is repeated for emphasis rather than for a complex rhyme. The power of the song comes less from intricate lyrical schemes and more from the hypnotic interplay between Future's vocal cadence and the relentlessly driving rhythm of the beat.

Musically, "Fuck Up Some Commas" is a quintessential trap song, characterized by its heavy, distorted 808 bass, menacing synth melodies, and rapid-fire hi-hat patterns. The production by DJ Spinz and Southside creates a dark, energetic, and opulent sonic landscape. Future's vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; he employs a unique melodic flow that blurs the line between rapping and singing. His voice is often processed with Auto-Tune, not as a corrective tool, but as an aesthetic choice to enhance the melodic texture and create a detached, otherworldly feel. His use of ad-libs (like 'yeah,' 'let's do this shit') is crucial, adding rhythmic complexity and punctuating his lyrics with bursts of energy. Lyrically, the song relies heavily on repetition and the power of a simple, memorable hook. The structure is built around the recurring chant of the title phrase, making it incredibly catchy and anthemic. This repetitive structure, combined with vivid, materialistic imagery, creates a hypnotic and immersive experience.

"Fuck Up Some Commas" had a monumental cultural impact, solidifying Future's status as a trap icon and becoming a defining anthem of the 2010s. The song peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its influence far exceeded its chart position. It was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, signifying over three million units sold in the US. The track's title became a popular slang phrase in youth culture and on social media, synonymous with spending lavishly. Its hard-hitting beat and infectious hook made it a ubiquitous presence in clubs, at sporting events, and in online content like Vines. Rolling Stone recognized its significance by ranking it number 8 on its list of the 50 best songs of 2015. The song also spawned numerous remixes, both official and unofficial, with notable versions featuring Rick Ross, Big Sean, and Lil Wayne, further extending its reach. For Future, it was a cornerstone of the mixtape run that revitalized his career and cemented his sound as a dominant force in modern hip-hop.

The song's primary and most powerful symbol is the 'comma.' In this context, commas symbolize vast wealth, representing the thousands, millions, and even billions of dollars that populate the bank accounts of the ultra-rich. The act of 'fucking up' these commas is a metaphor for spending money extravagantly and without concern, to the point of disrupting the numerical order and structure of one's finances. It symbolizes a level of financial freedom where money is no object. Another recurring image is the 'money shower,' which visualizes an overwhelming abundance of cash, literally raining down on the artist and his entourage. Future also refers to himself as 'Future Hendrix,' a metaphor comparing his innovative and influential style in trap music to the revolutionary impact of rock icon Jimi Hendrix on his genre. This comparison elevates his status from a rapper to a 'rock star,' symbolizing artistic rebellion and groundbreaking talent.

The most dominant recurring phrase, which functions as the song's central hook and title, is "Let's fuck up some commas." This phrase is repeated relentlessly throughout the chorus, embedding itself in the listener's mind and serving as the song's core thesis. Its repetition transforms it from a simple lyric into a mantra of financial liberation and extravagant celebration. Another recurring motif is the escalating enumeration of money: "Forty thou' to a hundred thou' / Hundred thou', another hundred thou' / 300 thou' to 500 thousand / A million, let's have a money shower." This recurring lyrical build-up reinforces the theme of ever-increasing wealth and the casualness with which such large sums are treated. Musically, the song is built on a recurring, ominous synth motif that creates the track's signature dark and menacing atmosphere. Future's signature ad-libs also act as recurring sonic motifs, adding to the song's texture and energy.