Our Time

"Our Time" by Lil Tecca is a declaration of his arrival in the hip-hop scene and a candid commentary on the challenges that accompany success. The song's meaning revolves around themes of self-recognition, ambition, and disillusionment with the superficiality of the music industry. Tecca reflects on his rapid ascent to fame and the emergence of disingenuous relationships. He contrasts his past, where he lacked self-confidence, with his present, where he recognizes his own worth. The lyrics tackle the issue of "clout-chasers" and fake friends who only appear after he starts making money ("racks"). There's a strong sense of staying true to oneself amidst the phoniness, as Tecca questions the authenticity of others in the industry. Ultimately, the song is an anthem of self-determination, acknowledging the negative aspects of fame while remaining committed to his own artistic identity and integrity.

The song chronicles the artist's journey with his sudden rise to fame. It begins with a reflection on how his life has changed, noting that people who previously ignored him are now trying to be close to him, calling him "bro" and showing up to his performances. He feels a sense of confusion about this newfound attention but remains focused on his own path and artistic expression, even as he faces comparisons to other artists. There's a clear sense of determination as he declares he's about to "blow" and "glow."

The chorus is a shout-out to a loyal friend, contrasting this genuine connection with the superficial relationships he's encountering. He boasts about his appeal to women and dismisses the threats and tough talk from his detractors, admitting that the fakeness of the industry genuinely bothers him. This frustration is a recurring theme, emphasizing his emotional state.

In the second verse, the artist delves deeper into his disillusionment with the people around him. He's tired of pretending to like individuals he doesn't respect, observing that as they become more disingenuous, his own success grows. This paradox leads to a moment of ambivalence about his increasing fame. A key part of his growth is a newfound self-confidence; he recalls a time when he avoided looking at himself in the mirror, but now he sees himself as "the man." He extends this self-reflection to others, questioning their authenticity and the loyalty of their crews. He asserts his own identity, stating that his style is authentic regardless of the clothes he wears, be it a simple sweatsuit or a high-end brand. He concludes the verse by brushing off questions about his appearance, suggesting he's above such superficial concerns.

A brief bridge section reinforces his detachment from the hangers-on, specifically a woman who is now interested in him. He also acknowledges that he's aware some people are using him for social status or "clout." The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, driving home the central themes of loyalty, frustration with inauthenticity, and the emotional toll of navigating the music industry.

"Our Time" was released on September 11, 2020, as the third single and intro track from Lil Tecca's debut studio album, Virgo World. The album itself was released on September 18, 2020, through Galactic and Republic Records. The album's title is a nod to Tecca's astrological sign, as he was born on August 26, 2002. Lil Tecca had been teasing the album for over a year before its release. The song was first previewed by Tecca in September 2019 on his Twitter account, with further snippets shared in March 2020 on his Instagram. The creation of the album Virgo World marked a shift from his 2019 mixtape, We Love You Tecca, by incorporating more collaborations with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Skrillex, and Lil Durk. In an interview, producer A Lau mentioned that during Tecca's early days, before he was famous, he would travel from Long Island for late-night recording sessions and have to be sent back in time for school the next morning, highlighting his early dedication.

"Our Time" utilizes a relatively loose rhyme scheme, typical of the melodic trap genre, prioritizing flow and vibe over strict poetic structures. The tempo is moderately paced, with a BPM around 111, creating a chill yet confident rhythm. Tecca often employs slant rhymes (e.g., "on"/"bro", "show"/"flows") and internal rhymes within his lines to maintain a smooth lyrical flow that complements the beat. The rhythmic delivery is conversational and varies throughout the verses, sometimes accelerating and other times laying back, which adds a dynamic quality to the track. The chorus features a more structured and repetitive rhythm, making it catchy and anthemic. The interplay between his vocal rhythm and the underlying beat is a key characteristic of the song, with his melodic lines often weaving in and out of the main instrumental groove.

"Our Time" showcases Lil Tecca's signature melodic rap style, which blends sung-through vocals with rhythmic rap cadences. The song's production, attributed to Jayron, features a vibey, somewhat atmospheric beat that provides a foundation for Tecca's reflections. His vocal delivery is laid-back and confident, often with a slight auto-tune effect that enhances the melodic quality. Lyrically, Tecca employs a narrative voice that is both boastful and vulnerable. He uses direct address when calling out fake friends and haters, and rhetorical questions to provoke introspection in both himself and his listeners (e.g., "Are you really the man that you see in the mirror?"). The repetition in the chorus, particularly the phrase "really fucked up," serves to emphasize his genuine frustration and emotional state, making the hook memorable. The song has a relatively unstructured feel, which some critics have pointed out, but it also contributes to its relaxed, stream-of-consciousness vibe.

"Our Time" served as the intro to Lil Tecca's debut studio album, Virgo World, which debuted at number ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. The song itself gained significant traction, especially on platforms like Spotify, where it has amassed over 50 million streams. The music video also garnered millions of views on YouTube. The track reinforced Lil Tecca's position in the melodic rap scene following his massive 2019 hit "Ransom." While perhaps not as commercially massive as "Ransom," "Our Time" is considered a fan favorite and an important track in his discography for its introspective look at fame. It received mixed but generally positive reviews, with some appreciating its vibe and honesty, while others found it somewhat unstructured. The song's themes of dealing with fake friends and the pressures of success are relatable to many young listeners and artists in the digital age. It has also seen renewed popularity in sped-up versions on platforms like TikTok.

The lyrics of "Our Time" employ several symbols and metaphors to convey its themes:

• The Mirror: This is a central symbol of self-reflection and confidence. Tecca raps, "I remember when I didn't look in the mirror / Now I see I'm the man when I look in the mirror." This illustrates his personal growth from insecurity to self-assurance. He then turns this into a rhetorical question for his rivals, asking, "Are you really the man that you see in the mirror?", challenging their authenticity.
• "Racks": This is a common slang term in hip-hop for large amounts of money. In the song, "gettin' to the racks" symbolizes achieving financial success, which Tecca identifies as the primary reason for the sudden appearance of fake friends.
• "Clout": Tecca directly mentions being used for "clout," which represents social currency and influence in the digital age. This highlights his awareness of the transactional nature of some of his new relationships.
• Clothing (Nike sweatsuit with a Moncler): By mentioning a simple Nike sweatsuit paired with a luxury Moncler jacket, Tecca symbolizes that his inherent style and authenticity ("angelic") are not dependent on expensive brands. It's about who he is, not what he wears.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "Our Time" is "got me really fucked up," which is repeated multiple times in the chorus. This repetition serves as the emotional anchor of the song, emphasizing Tecca's genuine frustration and disillusionment with the fakeness he encounters in the music industry. It's a raw expression of his feelings that contrasts with the more boastful lines. Another recurring motif is the idea of fake friends and newfound attention. Lines like "I'm gettin' to the racks, now that nigga call me 'Bro'" and his questioning of others' authenticity appear in the verses, reinforcing the central theme of navigating superficial relationships that come with success. The concept of self-awareness, symbolized by looking in the mirror, is another key motif that highlights his personal growth and confidence.