Esskeetit

"Esskeetit" is a braggadocious anthem that glorifies a lifestyle of extreme wealth, hedonism, and materialism. The title itself is a slurred interpretation of the phrase "Let's get it," which in this context, means acquiring money, success, and pleasure. The song's meaning is centered around the celebration of a lavish and carefree existence, characterized by designer clothes, luxury cars, expensive jewelry, and casual relationships. Lil Pump uses the track to boast about his newfound wealth and fame, referencing his multi-million dollar record deal and his ability to spend money with no limits. The lyrics also prominently feature references to drug use, particularly Ecstasy ("poppin' on X"), which is portrayed as a part of this indulgent lifestyle. Overall, the song is a reflection of the "SoundCloud rap" subgenre's common themes: a rejection of traditional norms, a focus on immediate gratification, and an unapologetic display of opulence.

The song's narrative is a relentless and unapologetic celebration of a hedonistic and extravagant lifestyle, deeply rooted in the themes of wealth, materialism, and reckless indulgence. From the outset, the artist establishes a world where luxury is not just an accessory but a fundamental aspect of existence. The insistence on wearing only designer clothing serves as an immediate signifier of status and a rejection of anything ordinary. This is not just about fashion; it's a declaration of a life lived at a certain elevated, and expensive, standard. The act of arriving in a Wraith, a high-end luxury car, is presented as a casual, everyday occurrence, further cementing the image of immense wealth. This isn't a special occasion; it's simply how life is lived in this narrative.

The pursuit of pleasure is another dominant theme, often intertwined with the flaunting of wealth. The lyrics describe casual sexual encounters as conquests, another form of acquisition in a life defined by consumption. The phrase "smashin' on your bitch" is delivered with a sense of casual entitlement, reducing relationships to transactional and disposable experiences. This is paralleled by the endless accumulation of money, described as "runnin' up a check with no limit." The concept of financial boundaries is non-existent, suggesting an infinite flow of cash that fuels this lifestyle of excess. This financial freedom is directly linked to a sense of liberation from societal norms and responsibilities.

Substance use is openly and repeatedly glorified, presented as an integral part of this high-octane life. The references to "poppin' on X" are not just casual mentions but are woven into the very fabric of the song's energetic and chaotic rhythm. The drug use is depicted as a catalyst for the heightened experiences and the carefree attitude that permeates the track. It's a key ingredient in the recipe for this particular brand of hedonism, a way to further detach from reality and amplify the sensory overload of the lifestyle being portrayed.

The narrative is also one of constant acquisition and newness. The mention of a "new car," a "new bitch," and a "new deal" highlights a cycle of continuous consumption and upgrading. Nothing is permanent; everything is replaceable with a newer, better, or more exciting version. This speaks to a relentless pursuit of novelty and a fear of stagnation. The new record deal, in particular, is a significant point of pride, a tangible symbol of success and the financial power that underpins the entire narrative. It's the engine that keeps the cycle of consumption going.

The imagery used throughout the song further reinforces these themes. A penthouse is not just a home but a piece of jewelry "sittin' on my wrist," a metaphor that transforms a symbol of luxury into a wearable, ostentatious display of wealth. Even the artist's grandmother is depicted as partaking in this world of excess, sipping on Actavis, a prescription cough syrup often used recreationally. This detail serves to normalize and even glamorize drug use within the artist's inner circle, suggesting it's a multi-generational affair. The imagery of ice and being "cold as shit" is a classic hip-hop trope for being adorned with diamonds, another visual representation of wealth and status.

The song also projects an attitude of complete disregard for conventional work and responsibility. The line "And I ain't never had a job" is delivered as a boast, a testament to a life where wealth is generated through non-traditional, and presumably more glamorous, means. This rejection of the 9-to-5 lifestyle is central to the song's rebellious and anti-establishment spirit. The artist is living a life that is not bound by the rules and expectations of mainstream society. This is a world of private jets to Dubai, casual threesomes, and a general sense of invincibility. The artist's world is one of opulence, where pinky rings are covered in gold and there are so many diamonds on his neck that he might choke. It's a world where sexual encounters happen with his eyes closed, suggesting a level of detachment and casualness that borders on nihilism.

"Esskeetit" was written by Lil Pump (Gazzy Garcia) and Christopher Barnett, with Lil Pump and CBMix handling the production. The song's creation was notably straightforward. According to producer CBMix, they were in a hotel suite and had run out of pre-made beats. He suggested to Lil Pump that they create their own, and the very first beat they made together became "Esskeetit". The beat is described as being very simple, composed of only about seven sounds, many of which were stock sounds from the production software Fruity Loops (now FL Studio). The signature bass sound came from the Nexus plugin.

The song was recorded in December 2017. Lil Pump first teased a snippet of the track on his Twitter account on February 6, 2018. He continued to preview the song and its music video on social media, initially slating it for an April 8, 2018 release. However, the release was delayed until April 13, 2018, due to copyright issues. The song takes its title from Lil Pump's signature ad-lib, a slurred version of "Let's get it."

The rhyme scheme in "Esskeetit" is straightforward and follows a simple pattern, often relying on couplets and near rhymes to maintain momentum. The focus is less on complex lyrical structures and more on a driving, energetic rhythm. The song's tempo is upbeat, characteristic of trap music designed for high-energy environments. Lil Pump's lyrical rhythm is often syncopated and plays off the beat, creating a bouncy and engaging flow. The rhythm of his delivery is crucial to the song's appeal, emphasizing certain words and ad-libs to create a percussive effect with his voice. The interplay between his vocal rhythm and the minimalist, bass-heavy instrumental is what gives the track its characteristic trap feel.

"Esskeetit" is a prime example of the SoundCloud rap and mumble rap subgenres, characterized by several distinct stylistic techniques:

• Repetitive and Catchy Hook: The song is built around the highly repetitive and easily chantable chorus, making it memorable and infectious. This is a hallmark of Lil Pump's style, similar to his hit "Gucci Gang."
• Ad-libs: Lil Pump's signature ad-lib "Esskeetit" is the central motif of the song, used as both the title and a recurring exclamation. Other ad-libs like "ooh," "brrt," and "yeah" are used to fill space and add energy to the track.
• Simple, Bass-Heavy Production: The beat, co-produced by Lil Pump himself, is minimalist and driven by a heavy 808 bassline and a simple melodic loop. This is typical of trap music, designed to be played loud in clubs and cars.
• Mumbled Vocal Delivery: Lil Pump's vocal style is often described as "mumble rap," characterized by a relaxed, sometimes slurred enunciation that prioritizes flow and vibe over lyrical clarity.
• Braggadocio: The lyrical content is almost entirely focused on boasting about wealth, women, and drug use, a common theme in braggadocio rap.

"Esskeetit" was a significant commercial success for Lil Pump, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the SoundCloud rap scene of the late 2010s. The song debuted and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his second top 40 hit after "Gucci Gang". The song was certified Gold by the RIAA in the United States. The music video, co-directed by Lil Pump himself, garnered massive attention, accumulating over 530 million views on YouTube as of early 2023. The video's lavish and over-the-top imagery, including a Brinks truck full of cash and Lil Pump smashing a Bentley, became widely discussed. The term "esskeetit" itself became a popular slang phrase, closely associated with Lil Pump and his fanbase. On May 24, 2018, Lil Pump performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a significant mainstream television appearance. The song also played a part in the perceived feud between Lil Pump and rapper J. Cole, who had released a song seen as critical of the new wave of young rappers.

While "Esskeetit" is not a song rich in complex symbolism, it heavily relies on the symbolic value of luxury goods and actions to convey its message. The primary symbols are:

• Designer Brands and Luxury Cars (e.g., Wraith, Porsche): These are not just objects but symbols of success, wealth, and status in modern hip-hop culture. Owning and flaunting them signifies that the artist has "made it."
• "Ice" (Jewelry): The term "ice" is a common slang for diamonds and expensive jewelry. It symbolizes wealth and a "cold" or cool demeanor. The line "Got a lot of ice, and I'm cold as shit" plays on this double meaning.
• Penthouse "sittin' on my wrist": This is a metaphor for an extremely expensive watch, so valuable that its cost is equivalent to that of a penthouse apartment. It hyperbolically emphasizes the extent of his wealth.
• Actavis: The mention of this brand of prescription cough syrup, often mixed to create "lean" or "purple drank," is a symbol of a particular kind of drug-fueled hedonism and rebellion within hip-hop culture.

The most significant recurring element in the song is the word "Esskeetit" itself. It functions as the title, the main hook, and a constant ad-lib, reinforcing Lil Pump's personal brand and the song's central theme of "getting it" (i.e., money and success). Its constant repetition makes it an incredibly effective and memorable hook. Other recurring motifs include:

• Wealth and Luxury: Phrases like "Only wear designer," "Hoppin' out the Wraith," and references to jewelry ("ice," "penthouse sittin' on my wrist") are repeated to constantly remind the listener of the opulent lifestyle being portrayed.
• Drug Use: The phrase "Poppin' on X" is repeated in the chorus, emphasizing the role of drugs in this hedonistic world.
• New Acquisitions: The line "Got a new car, got a new bitch, and I got a new deal" is a recurring motif that highlights a life of constant consumption and upgrading.