Self Esteem - Sped Up

Self Esteem is a track that explores the dynamics of modern romance, validation, and the contrast between a high-value partner and a lackluster ex. At its core, the song is about the narrator's ability to boost a woman's confidence—her "self-esteem"—through his attention, intimacy, and overall swagger. The repeated question, "Is it the kisses for me?" serves as a playful inquiry into what exactly makes him so addictive to her, implying that his affection is a key component of her newfound happiness.

The lyrics delve into a comparative narrative, where the protagonist elevates himself by highlighting the failures of the woman's previous partner. The "ex" is portrayed as unreliable, financially unstable ("ain't really even got a job"), and involved in petty or unsuccessful criminal activities ("spinning counterfeits"). By exposing these flaws, the narrator positions himself as the "upgrade"—a stable, authentic figure who can actually provide the lifestyle and emotional security she deserves. The "new new shit" he puts her on represents not just material goods, but a higher standard of living and loving.

The concept of "getting" self-esteem from a partner in this context suggests that the woman's confidence is unlocked or amplified by being with someone who treats her right and matches her vibe. The "Sped Up" version, which became a viral sensation, intensifies the song's energy, transforming it into a fast-paced anthem of feeling good and moving on to better things. It emphasizes the euphoric, rush-like feeling of a new, exciting relationship that validates one's worth.

The song opens with a series of rhetorical questions and playful observations centered on physical affection and validation. The narrator repeatedly asks if it is the "kisses" that have captured his partner's attention, suggesting a deep physical chemistry. He notes how she encourages his advances, telling him to "hit it for me," indicating a mutual desire and a relationship where she feels empowered to ask for what she wants. This interaction is framed as the source of her rising confidence; he claims that through their connection, she "gets her self-esteem."

As the verses progress, the narrator shifts focus to contrasting himself with his partner's ex-lover or current inadequate suitor. He paints a picture of a man who calls late at night but "ain't really acting right." This other man is depicted as unstable and lacking ambition, described as someone who "don't really even got a job" and is merely pretending to live a lifestyle he cannot support. The lyrics mention the ex trying to "hit a lick" (commit a robbery) or sell drugs but failing to be authentic or successful in the streets, unlike the narrator who implies he has genuine status and stability.

The narrative weaves back to the central theme of the woman's confidence. The narrator suggests that her previous partner couldn't provide the self-esteem she needed because he was too busy "lacking" and getting into trouble, such as getting locked up for "spinning counterfeits." In contrast, the narrator offers a "new new" experience, elevating her standards. He describes scenes of them together, potentially in a club or a bedroom, where she is "moving that ass in the air," feeling herself and vibing to the music. The song ultimately portrays the narrator as a catalyst for the woman's realization of her own worth and sex appeal, replacing a dead-end situation with one that makes her feel vibrant and alive.

Lambo4oe (pronounced Lambo Foe), an artist hailing from the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, originally released the song "Self Esteem" as part of his musical rise around 2021-2022. The track was produced by Khromo. Lambo4oe, born John Danyeal Miller, wrote the song drawing from his personal experiences and observations of relationships in his community. In an interview with Genius for their Verified series, he explained that the song was inspired by the idea of making women feel good about themselves. He wanted to create a track that wasn't just about his own status, but about how his presence could uplift a partner.

The song gained initial traction but exploded in popularity due to its "Sped Up" version. This version was officially released as a single on October 5, 2022, to capitalize on the growing trend of "nightcore" or sped-up remixes dominating platforms like TikTok. The higher pitch and faster tempo made the catchy hook—"Is it the kisses for me?"—even more danceable and shareable. The song's viral success led to millions of streams and eventually a remix featuring the popular rapper NLE Choppa in 2023, further cementing Lambo4oe's status in the industry. The track is often associated with the Self Esteem Pack, a project compiling different versions of the hit.

The song utilizes a simple but effective AABB and ABAB rhyme schemes in its verses, often relying on slant rhymes (e.g., "kisses for me" / "hit it for me" / "self-esteem"). The rhythm is defined by a syncopated, bouncing flow that mimics the West Coast "bop" style. In the sped-up version, the tempo is fast, likely exceeding 150 BPM (beats per minute) relative to the original's slower groove. This rapid pacing compresses the lyrical delivery, making the rhymes hit in quick succession and creating a sense of momentum that never drags. The rhythmic interplay between the kick drum and the vocal flow is crucial, as the vocals often land on the off-beats, adding to the track's swing and danceability.

The "Sped Up" version of "Self Esteem" relies heavily on the nightcore technique, where the tempo is significantly increased (often by 20-30%) and the pitch is raised. This creates a "chipmunk" vocal effect that makes the melody sound more urgent, youthful, and energetic. This technique is specifically designed to cater to short-form video content, where high energy is needed to capture attention quickly.

Lyrically, Lambo4oe uses rhetorical questions ("Is it the kisses for me?") as a hook mechanism, inviting the listener into the conversation. He employs vernacular and slang specific to West Coast and urban culture ("hit a lick," "on his shit," "projects") to ground the song in reality. The structure is built around a repetitive, infectious chorus that contrasts with the storytelling verses. The production features a bouncy, melodic trap beat with bright synth lines that, when sped up, take on a hyper-pop quality, enhancing the song's playful and optimistic tone.

"Self Esteem (Sped Up)" is a prime example of the "sped up" remix culture that dominated the music industry in the early 2020s, largely driven by TikTok. The song went viral on the platform, used in hundreds of thousands of videos ranging from dance challenges to lifestyle montages and makeup tutorials. Its success forced record labels to acknowledge the power of user-generated content speeds, leading to the official release of the sped-up version alongside the original.

The song's popularity elevated Lambo4oe from a local Watts artist to a globally recognized name, securing him a deal with Artist Partner Group (APG) and a collaboration with major star NLE Choppa. It stands as a significant track in the "West Coast" resurgence, blending traditional LA aesthetics with the modern, internet-driven demand for high-energy, bite-sized audio.

The song employs several symbols to represent status, stability, and failure:

• "The Kisses": While literal, these symbolize the intimacy and specific type of affection that the narrator provides, which serves as the catalyst for the woman's attachment and confidence boost.
• "New New Shit": A metaphor for a fresh start and an elevated lifestyle. It contrasts with the "old" life provided by the ex. Lambo4oe has mentioned this line references the movie ATL, specifically a scene involving the character New New, symbolizing a sophisticated but street-smart vibe.
• "Spinning Counterfeits": A symbol for inauthenticity. The ex-boyfriend wasn't just committing fraud; his entire persona was "counterfeit" or fake. He pretended to be a hustler ("trying to hit a lick") but failed, representing a lack of genuine capability or manhood in the narrator's eyes.
• "Ass in the Air": This imagery, while sexually explicit, functions as a symbol of the woman's freedom, comfort, and uninhibited expression of her confidence. It represents her "feeling herself"—the physical manifestation of high self-esteem.

The central motif of the song is the phrase "Is it the kisses for me?" and the response "You get my self-esteem." This call-and-response pattern anchors the track, constantly returning the listener to the main theme of affection and confidence. Another recurring element is the phrase "She like..." which introduces the woman's perspective and desires, reinforcing that the song is about her reaction to the narrator. The musical motif of the bright, plucky synth melody repeats throughout, providing a cheerful and hypnotic backdrop that remains consistent even as the lyrics switch from romance to dissing the ex.