Uber Everywhere

"Uber Everywhere" is a quintessential anthem of the mid-2010s SoundCloud rap era, celebrating newfound fame, materialism, and a carefree, hedonistic lifestyle. At its core, the song's meaning revolves around the concept of ultimate convenience and mobility as a status symbol. For MadeinTYO, using the rideshare app Uber for every trip is a flex—a boast about having the financial freedom to not worry about the costs or the logistics of driving. It represents a modern form of luxury, where the world is accessible on-demand. This central theme reflects a generational shift where digital services and immediate gratification are intertwined with success.

Lyrically, the song is a braggadocious ode to the perks of a rising rap career. MadeinTYO touches on common hip-hop themes: attracting beautiful women (famously referencing "Kylie Jenner lips"), smoking marijuana ("pre-rolls in my VIP"), and dismissing detractors and past relationships that no longer serve him. These elements combine to paint a picture of a life lived without consequence, focused on pleasure and the present moment. The artist transforms the mundane act of ordering a car into a powerful metaphor for his ascent in the music industry and his ability to navigate his new life with ease and swagger.

The song paints a vivid picture of a young artist reveling in his newfound success and the hedonistic lifestyle that accompanies it. The narrative is centered around a constant state of motion and indulgence, symbolized by the recurring act of taking an Uber everywhere. This isn't just about transportation; it's a declaration of a carefree, on-demand existence where distance and logistics are no longer obstacles. He is cooling on the "Nawfside" (North side of Atlanta), confidently dismissing haters and dealing with a persistent ex-girlfriend who he feels is hindering his progress. His focus is on pleasure and advancement, which is clear in his desires for attractive women, often described with contemporary pop culture references like having "Kylie Jenner lips." This highlights a fixation on a certain modern aesthetic of beauty and status.

The artist’s world is one of VIP sections, pre-rolled joints, and casual, fleeting romantic encounters. He mentions women from different locations, from L.A. to Canada ("the 6"), underscoring his mobility and appeal. There's a raw, unfiltered honesty in his descriptions of these interactions, which are often purely physical and devoid of deep emotional connection. This detachment is part of the flex; he's too busy enjoying the perks of his fame to be tied down. The lyrics also touch upon aspirations for greater wealth, like wanting to buy a Ferrari, but there's a grounded acknowledgment that achieving such goals takes time. In the meantime, he enjoys the present moment, whether that's smoking good weed, demanding extra legroom, or enjoying a meal from a local Atlanta spot.

A significant portion of the song is dedicated to ad-libs and repetitive, catchy phrases like the iconic "skrrt skrrt," which sonically mimics the sound of tires screeching and reinforces the themes of quick movement and evasion. These ad-libs are not just filler; they are integral to the song's texture and vibe, creating a playful yet assertive atmosphere. The narrative voice is one of supreme confidence and self-assurance. He navigates his new life with a sense of entitlement and swagger, brushing off negativity and focusing solely on his desires. The repetition of the central hook, "Uber everywhere," drills home the central theme: he has the freedom and resources to go wherever he wants, whenever he wants, cementing his status in the modern world of hip-hop.

"Uber Everywhere" was created in a famously spontaneous and humble setting. MadeinTYO, whose real name is Malcolm Jamaal Davis, recorded the song in the kitchen of his parents' house in Atlanta. He has recounted that the session was a casual hangout with his Private Club collective crew; his mother was even present in the kitchen at the time. The idea for the song sparked from a simple, everyday moment. His brother mentioned he was about to get an Uber, which MadeinTYO thought was the "ultimate flex" because people often complain about the cost. He decided to frame it as a boast, repeating the line "Uber everywhere" as a statement of not caring about the expense.

The beat was produced by K Swisha, who MadeinTYO discovered on YouTube while looking for instrumentals. MadeinTYO was drawn to the beat's unique sound, describing it as a mix of "Guwop and Super Mario," feeling it had a happy, video-game-like quality that still felt "dirty" and made him want to dance. After recording, he didn't immediately realize its potential, but after listening back the next day, he knew it was a special track. The song was initially released on SoundCloud in August 2015 alongside a music video, where it began to gain viral traction. Its official single release followed on February 26, 2016, by Privateclub Records, which propelled it to mainstream success.

The most prominent symbol in the song is Uber itself. It transcends its function as a ridesharing service to become a metaphor for freedom, success, and a modern, on-demand lifestyle. For MadeinTYO, being able to take an "Uber Everywhere" symbolizes a level of financial success where convenience is prioritized over cost, representing a new-age form of luxury. It's a symbol of his elevated status, allowing him to move freely and effortlessly through the world, both literally and figuratively in his career.

The ad-lib "skrrt skrrt" functions as an auditory symbol. It mimics the sound of car tires screeching, which metaphorically represents making a quick getaway, moving fast, and swerving away from negativity—be it "lame boys" or a clingy ex. It reinforces the themes of rapid ascent and emotional detachment.

References to contemporary figures and brands, such as "Kylie Jenner lips," serve as symbols of modern beauty standards and pop culture currency. By associating the women he's with to this aesthetic, he's not just describing them but also aligning himself with what's current, desirable, and viral, thereby boosting his own cultural relevance.

The predominant emotional tone of "Uber Everywhere" is one of joyful, carefree confidence. The song exudes an upbeat and celebratory atmosphere, capturing the feeling of youthful success and liberation. MadeinTYO's vocal delivery is relaxed and playful, lacking any sense of aggression or angst. Instead, his tone is consistently light and braggadocious, reflecting a genuine enjoyment of his newfound status. The minimalist, melodic beat from K Swisha, which MadeinTYO himself compared to a video game soundtrack, provides a bright and almost whimsical backdrop. This combination of a playful beat and a nonchalant flow creates an emotional landscape of pure, unadulterated fun and triumph. There are no significant emotional shifts; the song maintains its buoyant and positive mood from beginning to end, making it a quintessential feel-good party anthem.

"Uber Everywhere" was a significant viral hit that played a key role in the rise of the "SoundCloud rap" phenomenon in the mid-2010s. Released independently, its popularity skyrocketed through social media and streaming platforms, demonstrating the power of grassroots, internet-driven promotion. The song peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 16 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was certified double platinum by the RIAA, cementing its commercial success.

The song's cultural impact was amplified by numerous remixes, most notably the official remix featuring Travis Scott, which was included on MadeinTYO's debut mixtape, You Are Forgiven, and came with its own music video. Other artists like Tory Lanez and Trey Songz also released their own versions, further boosting its ubiquity. The track's catchy hook and relatable theme of using the popular rideshare app made it a cultural touchstone. Its success helped launch MadeinTYO's career, leading to his inclusion in the 2017 XXL Freshman Class alongside other rising stars of the era. The song remains one of the most recognizable and defining tracks of its time, emblematic of a shift in how hip-hop artists could achieve mainstream success outside of traditional industry structures.

The rhyme scheme in "Uber Everywhere" is straightforward and typical of modern trap music, primarily relying on simple end rhymes within couplets (AABB). The focus is less on intricate poetic structure and more on creating a catchy, rhythmic flow that complements the beat. MadeinTYO often uses slant rhymes and assonance to maintain momentum, prioritizing sonic appeal over perfect rhymes.

The song's rhythm is built around a relaxed, mid-tempo trap beat. MadeinTYO's vocal delivery often employs a triplet flow (or "Migos flow"), where he fits three syllables into a beat that would typically hold two. This technique creates a distinctive stutter-step rhythm that bounces off the track's syncopated hi-hats. The overall pacing is unhurried and confident, mirroring the song's themes of a carefree lifestyle. The interplay between his laid-back vocal rhythm and K Swisha's hypnotic, looping beat is crucial to the song's chill, yet infectious, feel.

"Uber Everywhere" is defined by its minimalist trap production and MadeinTYO's distinctive vocal delivery, characteristic of the "SoundCloud rap" or "mumble rap" subgenre. The production by K Swisha is notable for its sparse arrangement, featuring a prominent, hypnotic flute-like melody, deep 808 bass, and crisp, syncopated hi-hats. This creates a laid-back, almost whimsical atmosphere that contrasts with the often aggressive nature of trap music.

MadeinTYO's literary and vocal style is marked by simplicity and repetition. He employs a melodic, sing-song flow that is often off-kilter and conversational, prioritizing vibe and catchiness over complex lyricism. A key stylistic element is his heavy use of ad-libs, particularly the signature "skrrt skrrt." These ad-libs function as punctuation and rhythmic texture, adding energy and personality to the track. The lyrical content is built around simple, direct boasts and observations, using contemporary slang and pop culture references (e.g., "Kylie Jenner lips," "the 6" for Toronto) to create a sense of immediacy and relatability for his young audience. The structure relies heavily on the repetitive, infectious hook, making it highly memorable and perfectly suited for viral spread.

What is the meaning behind the song 'Uber Everywhere'?

The song is a celebration of newfound success and a carefree lifestyle. Using 'Uber Everywhere' is a metaphor for financial freedom and the convenience of an on-demand life, symbolizing the artist's rise in the music industry and his ability to go wherever he pleases without worry.

What does 'skrrt skrrt' mean in 'Uber Everywhere'?

'Skrrt' is an onomatopoeia for the sound of car tires screeching. In the context of the song and hip-hop culture, it's used as an ad-lib to imply moving fast, making a quick getaway, or 'swerving' away from something or someone negative.

Who produced the beat for 'Uber Everywhere'?

The song was produced by K Swisha. MadeinTYO found the beat on YouTube and was immediately drawn to its unique, video-game-like sound, which he felt was perfect for the track's upbeat, carefree vibe.

When was 'Uber Everywhere' released?

The song's music video and initial version appeared on SoundCloud and YouTube in August 2015. It was officially released as a single on February 26, 2016, which led to its mainstream chart success.

Who is featured on the official remix of 'Uber Everywhere'?

The official remix of 'Uber Everywhere' features a verse from fellow rapper Travis Scott. This version became extremely popular and was included on MadeinTYO's debut mixtape, 'You Are Forgiven'.

Where was 'Uber Everywhere' recorded?

The song was famously recorded in a very informal setting: the kitchen of MadeinTYO's parents' house. The spontaneous session included his crew, The Private Club, and even his mother was present at the time.

What does the line 'shorty bad as hell, yeah, with them Kylie Jenner lips' refer to?

This line is a pop culture reference to Kylie Jenner, who was famous at the time for her prominent lips. It's used in the song to describe an attractive woman who embodies the contemporary beauty standards of that era.