Self Esteem - Slowed

Self Esteem is a track that intertwines themes of sexual intimacy, validation, and comparative status. At its core, the song is a celebration of the confidence that blooms from a passionate connection. Lambo4oe explains that the song was designed to "inspire the ladies" and make them feel good about themselves, whether they are in a club or looking in the mirror. The lyric "You get my self esteem" is pivotal; it suggests a transfer of energy where the woman absorbs the artist's swagger and confidence through their interaction, or conversely, that she captures his pride, becoming the object of his highest regard.

The song also functions as a status assertion. By contrasting himself with the woman's ex-partner—who is depicted as a "bum" involved in low-level, unsuccessful criminal activity (counterfeiting, failing to sell drugs)—Lambo4oe elevates his own standing. He presents himself as the "real" option who offers stability, authenticity, and genuine satisfaction, contrasting with the "counterfeit" lifestyle of the ex. The "Slowed" version amplifies the sensual and hypnotic elements, shifting the focus from a standard rap flex to a more intimate, druggy, and atmospheric experience that immerses the listener in the mood of the encounter.

The song opens with a repetitive, hypnotic inquiry about the source of a partner's affection, asking, "Is it the kisses for me?" This hook sets a tone of playful interrogation and mutual admiration. The narrator observes his partner's reactions, noting how she encourages his advances ("She like 'Hit it for me'") and vocalizes her pleasure ("She like ooh"). A central theme emerges in the refrain "You get my self esteem," suggesting that their intimacy allows her to absorb his confidence or that their connection is a source of shared pride. He commands her to "move that ass in the air," turning the bedroom into a space of celebration and uninhibited expression.

The verse shifts to a narrative comparison, where the narrator contrasts himself with his partner's ex-lover. He describes the ex as unreliable and deceptive—someone who "ain't really acting right" and lacks genuine stability. He paints a picture of a man who pretends to be involved in street life ("tryna sell a brick") but fails to live up to the image, eventually getting locked up for petty crimes like "spinning counterfeits." The narrator dismisses this past lover as someone who "don't really live it," positioning himself as the authentic, stable, and "cold-hearted" alternative who successfully "took her soul." The song returns to the mesmerizing chorus, reinforcing the bond formed through physical intimacy and the transfer of "self-esteem" between the two.

Self Esteem was released by the Watts, California-based artist Lambo4oe (born John Danyeal Miller) in late 2022. The track was produced by Kromow (also known as Khromo). The song began to gain significant traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, leading to the release of various versions, including the popular "Slowed" mix which dropped around October 13, 2022, and a high-profile remix featuring NLE Choppa in November 2022.

Lambo4oe, who grew up in the Jordan Downs projects and was inspired by the late Nipsey Hussle, created the song with a specific intent: to make a record for women. In an interview with Genius, he stated that after releasing street-oriented tracks, he wanted to switch lanes and create something that would resonate with his female fanbase, envisioning them dancing to it in the mirror. The "Slowed" version capitalized on the growing "chopped and screwed" and "slowed + reverb" trend online, which often gives R&B/Hip-Hop tracks a second life as viral background music for moody or aesthetic videos.

The song follows a simple AABB and ABAB rhyme scheme in the verses, often relying on perfect rhymes (e.g., "right/life", "job/rob") and slant rhymes (e.g., "brick/lick"). The rhythm is 4/4 time, but the "Slowed" version drastically reduces the BPM (Beats Per Minute), likely dropping it from a standard ~140 BPM (trap tempo) to a dragging ~110-120 BPM range (halftime feel). This deceleration creates a dragged, lazy groove where the lyrics hang in the air longer than intended, emphasizing the "vibe" over the technical precision of the flow.

The Slowed version of the song heavily utilizes pitch-shifting and time-stretching, techniques rooted in the "Chopped and Screwed" tradition. This lowers Lambo4oe's vocal timbre, giving it a deeper, more lethargic, and sedative quality that enhances the track's sensual atmosphere. The production features a minimalist trap beat with a heavy, distorted bassline that feels even more cavernous in the slowed mix.

Lyrically, Lambo4oe uses repetition (epizeuxis) effectively in the hook ("Is it the kisses for me?", "She like hit it for me") to create a trance-like state. The delivery is melodic rap, blurring the lines between singing and rapping, which fits the contemporary "Trap Soul" aesthetic. The "Slowed" editing adds a layer of artificial reverb, creating a "spacious" soundscape that makes the listener feel as though they are in a large, empty room or a hazy dream.

Self Esteem became a viral sensation on TikTok, where the "Slowed" version particularly resonated with users creating "thirst traps," vibe-check videos, and dance challenges. The line "Is it the kisses for me?" became a popular caption and sound bite. The song's success propelled Lambo4oe from a local Watts artist to a recognized name, culminating in a remix with major artist NLE Choppa, which validated the track's impact in the mainstream Hip-Hop conversation. The "Slowed" version exemplifies the modern music industry trend where fan-made or artist-released "slowed + reverb" edits can rival or eclipse the popularity of the original track due to their suitability for short-form video content.

The lyrics employ street imagery as metaphors for authenticity. The ex-boyfriend's failure to "sell a brick" or his arrest for "spinning counterfeits" serves as a metaphor for his lack of substance as a man and partner; he is a "counterfeit" person. In contrast, the narrator's ability to "take her soul" symbolizes a deep, transformative impact that goes beyond the physical.

The phrase "Self esteem" itself functions as a metonym for swagger, vibe, or aura. Rather than just internal self-worth, it is treated as a tangible commodity that can be given, received, or shared through intimacy. The repeated command to "move that ass in the air" creates a ritualistic imagery of worship and celebration of the female form, reinforcing the song's goal of empowerment through physical admiration.

The phrase "Is it the kisses for me?" is the central hook and a viral motif; its repetition questions the specific catalyst for the partner's affection. The line "You get my self esteem" serves as the thematic anchor, recurring to emphasize the exchange of confidence. Another motif is the command "Move that ass in the air," which acts as a rhythmic chant, driving the energy of the chorus. The mention of "counterfeits" and "bricks" recurs in the verse to reinforce the theme of authenticity versus fraudulence.