Type Shit
Future , Metro Boomin , Travis Scott , Playboi Carti
Song Information
Song Meaning
"Type Shit" is a braggadocious anthem that explores themes of wealth, power, loyalty, and hedonism through the lens of the artists' extravagant lifestyles. The recurring phrase "type shit" serves as a declaration that this particular mode of living—characterized by immense riches, street credibility, and unapologetic excess—is their signature way of being. The lyrics establish a clear disdain for disloyalty, with Future opening the track by stating he doesn't associate with "rats" (informants) and referencing violent retribution. This sets a menacing tone that underscores the power dynamics at play. The song is a celebration of material success, with numerous references to luxury items, large amounts of cash ("packets racked up all blue"), and a lifestyle comparable to billionaire Ted Turner, signifying their high status in Atlanta. Furthermore, it delves deep into a world of substance-fueled indulgence, explicitly mentioning lean ("Sippin' on drank"), Oxycontin, and other drugs as part of their high-energy, hedonistic reality. Each artist brings their perspective to this central theme: Future asserts his dominance and street credentials, Travis Scott paints a picture of chaotic, drug-induced euphoria, and Playboi Carti adds a layer of swagger and materialistic flaunting. Overall, the song is an unfiltered celebration of a lavish, dangerous, and powerful existence, showcasing the artists' position at the apex of modern rap culture.
Lyrics Analysis
The narrative of the song is a powerful and unapologetic declaration of a lifestyle defined by immense wealth, dominance, and hedonism, delivered by a collective of modern hip-hop titans. It paints a vivid picture of their reality, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal is met with severe consequences. The opening lines immediately establish a code of conduct: a strict refusal to associate with “rats,” or informants, emphasizing that disloyalty is swiftly and decisively dealt with. This sets a dark, assertive tone that pervades the entire track.
The artists chronicle a life of extravagant spending and luxury. They describe having so much cash, often in the form of crisp, blue-hued bills, that it becomes a point of confusion for the women around them. This isn't just wealth; it's a status symbol that sets them apart, comparing their influence and financial power in Atlanta to that of media mogul Ted Turner. This comparison elevates their status from mere rappers to powerful figures shaping the city's landscape. The lifestyle portrayed is one of constant indulgence. There are explicit references to a high-flying, party-centric existence fueled by a cocktail of drugs, including lean (a concoction of codeine cough syrup and soda), Oxycontin, mushrooms, and Percocet. This is depicted not as a cautionary tale but as an integral part of their high-energy, almost surreal world. Travis Scott’s verse, in particular, describes a chaotic, zoo-like atmosphere where inhibitions are shed and sensory experiences are heightened to an extreme, feeling as if they are on the moon.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of power and control, extending to their interactions and relationships. The artists portray themselves as silent, calculated figures who move with purpose and authority. They are a crew that commands respect, and going against them is presented as a losing battle. This dominance is also reflected in their romantic and sexual encounters, which are described with a sense of casual conquest and detachment. The women in their circle are part of the lavish scenery, often drawn in by the allure of their power and wealth. Playboi Carti’s verse adds to this with a swaggering boast about his appeal, his expensive jewelry covering any flaws, and his nonchalant approach to relationships. Ultimately, the song is a collaborative boast, a celebration of reaching the pinnacle of success in their world. Each artist contributes a unique flavor to this central theme: Future with his commanding, street-wise declarations; Travis Scott with his psychedelic, atmospheric descriptions of excess; and Playboi Carti with his charismatic, ad-lib-heavy flaunting of a rockstar life. The repeated phrase “type shit” acts as a definitive stamp, branding this specific, over-the-top way of life as their signature style.
History of Creation
"Type Shit" is a major collaboration between Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti. The song was recorded in 2023 and serves as the lead single from Future and Metro Boomin's joint studio album, We Don't Trust You, released on March 22, 2024. The track was first teased on January 3, 2024, when Metro Boomin shared an image on Twitter of himself mixing the song. The anticipation grew when Playboi Carti posted a snippet on his Instagram story on March 13, tagging the other artists, which Metro Boomin later confirmed by tweeting the song's title. The full song was officially debuted live during a headline performance by Future and Metro Boomin at the Rolling Loud festival in California on March 18, 2024, where they brought out both Travis Scott and Playboi Carti to perform it with them. The official music video, directed by Gunner Stahl and LouieKnows, was released concurrently with the album. The track was produced by Metro Boomin, D. Rich, and Mike Dean. The songwriters credited are Nayvadius Wilburn (Future), Leland Wayne (Metro Boomin), Jacques Webster II (Travis Scott), Jordan Carter (Playboi Carti), and Dwayne Richardson (D. Rich).
Symbolism and Metaphors
The lyrics of "Type Shit" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that paint a picture of the artists' world.
- "Rats": This is a common slang term in hip-hop for informants or traitors. By opening with "I don't hang with rats," Future immediately establishes a code of loyalty and the severe consequences of betrayal, a central theme in street culture.
- Ted Turner Comparison: Future's line, "Atlanta nigga, I live like Ted Turner, type shit," is a powerful metaphor for his status. He's not just a rapper; he sees himself as a media mogul with immense wealth and influence in Atlanta, on par with the billionaire founder of CNN.
- "Double O": When Travis Scott raps, "Put the Double O in a mood," it's likely a reference to James Bond (007), symbolizing a cool, secret-agent-like status, moving with swagger and precision.
- Zoo: The description of a party as a "zoo" symbolizes a state of wild, chaotic, and unrestrained hedonism, a place where primal energy takes over, fueled by the excesses they describe.
- Food and Violence: Lines like "Cook a nigga up like food, type shit" and "She ready to suck it up like soup, type shit" use culinary metaphors to describe both violence and sexual acts in a detached, stylized, and dominant manner.
Emotional Background
The predominant emotional tone of "Type Shit" is one of aggressive confidence and defiant braggadocio. The song creates an atmosphere of power, danger, and untouchable swagger. This is achieved through Metro Boomin's menacing, bass-heavy production, which sets a dark and ominous stage. The artists' vocal deliveries are key to this emotional landscape; Future's assertive drawl exudes control and authority, while Travis Scott's verse introduces a chaotic, almost euphoric energy that reflects a state of reckless abandon. Playboi Carti's energetic and ad-lib-filled verse adds to the feeling of wild, untamed confidence. There's an undercurrent of paranoia and ruthlessness, particularly in the opening lines about disloyalty ("I don't hang with rats"). While not traditionally emotional in a vulnerable sense, the track is saturated with the powerful feelings of invincibility, hedonistic thrill, and the cold detachment that comes with a high-stakes lifestyle. The overall sentiment is a mix of excitement and tension, creating an adrenaline-fueled listening experience.
Cultural Influence
"Type Shit" made a significant cultural impact upon its release, primarily as the lead single from the highly anticipated collaborative album We Don't Trust You by Future and Metro Boomin. The song, featuring an all-star lineup of Travis Scott and Playboi Carti, was described as a "true assembly of modern rap's Avengers." It debuted and peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track was a commercial success, charting in numerous countries including Canada, Australia, and across Europe. Its release was preceded by significant hype, including a live debut at Rolling Loud California, which further amplified its reception. Critically, the song received generally positive reviews, with publications like Billboard ranking it among the best tracks on the album and praising the dynamic interplay between the artists, especially Travis Scott's impactful verse. The song's title and recurring phrase became a popular piece of slang online. With hundreds of millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, "Type Shit" solidified its place as a major trap anthem of 2024 and a highlight in the discographies of all four artists involved.
Rhyme and Rhythm
The song's structure is built around a repetitive, chant-like hook and free-verse rap passages, which is typical of the trap genre. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal, relying more on internal rhymes, assonance, and a consistent rhythmic flow to create coherence. The core of the song's rhythm is Metro Boomin's production, which provides a menacing, bass-heavy foundation with thundering 808s. The tempo is energetic and drives the aggressive and boastful lyrical delivery. Each artist's lyrical rhythm plays off the instrumental in a distinct way. Future's flow is often laid-back yet assertive, sitting confidently on the beat. Travis Scott's section features a rhythmic shift, often employing a more triplet-heavy flow that complements the psychedelic feel of his verse. Playboi Carti's delivery is characteristically off-kilter and energetic, using ad-libs as rhythmic punctuation. The repetition of the phrase "type shit" at the end of many lines creates a powerful, hypnotic cadence that defines the song's identity and makes it highly memorable.
Stylistic Techniques
"Type Shit" is a quintessential trap anthem that showcases the distinct stylistic signatures of each artist. Metro Boomin's production is central, characterized by a menacing, bass-heavy beat with a dark, ominous tone. Some critics noted the use of a church bell motif, which was found to be either a creative highlight or an obnoxious element depending on the listener. The track's structure allows each rapper to deliver their unique style. Future employs his signature drawling, auto-tuned flow, setting the braggadocious and assertive tone of the song. Travis Scott introduces a shift in the track's aesthetic, with his "smokey" vocals and ad-libs creating a more atmospheric and psychedelic section, a style often described as a "blockbuster" moment. Playboi Carti's verse is marked by his high-pitched, ad-lib-heavy delivery, injecting a chaotic, high-energy, and unpredictable flavor into the song. This collaboration has been described as an "assembly of modern rap's Avengers," where the vocal deliveries range from Future's confident drawl to Travis and Carti's more distorted, dystopian vocals over the harrowing beat. The overall result is less a traditional song and more of a powerful, repetitive chant over a beat, designed for maximum energy and impact.
Emotions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the song 'Type Shit' about?
'Type Shit' is an anthem about a lifestyle of extreme wealth, power, and hedonism. The lyrics, delivered by Future, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti, focus on themes of luxury, loyalty within their circle, drug use, and an overall sense of dominance and unapologetic excess, which they brand as their signature way of life.
Who produced 'Type Shit'?
The production for 'Type Shit' was primarily handled by Metro Boomin, with additional production credits going to D. Rich and Mike Dean. Metro's signature menacing, bass-heavy style is a key feature of the track's sound.
When was 'Type Shit' released?
'Type Shit' was released on March 22, 2024. It served as the lead single from Future and Metro Boomin's collaborative studio album, 'We Don't Trust You', which was released on the same day.
What does Future's lyric 'I live like Ted Turner' mean?
In the line 'Atlanta nigga, I live like Ted Turner, type shit,' Future is metaphorically comparing his wealth, power, and influence in Atlanta to that of Ted Turner, the billionaire media mogul and founder of CNN who is also based in the city. It's a statement about his high status.
What artists are featured on 'Future - Type Shit'?
The song is a major collaboration. While it's from Future and Metro Boomin's joint album, it features guest verses from fellow superstar rappers Travis Scott and Playboi Carti.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Type Shit' in the song?
The recurring phrase 'Type Shit' acts as a stamp to define the artists' specific brand of behavior and lifestyle. It's used to punctuate descriptions of their actions, from making money to acts of violence, essentially meaning 'this is the kind of thing we do' or 'this is our style'.
How did 'Type Shit' perform on the charts?
The song was a major commercial success, debuting and peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also performed well internationally, appearing on charts in over a dozen countries.