No Complaints (feat. Offset & Drake) (Bonus)

"No Complaints" is an unapologetic anthem of success, wealth, and dominance in the hip-hop world. The core message revolves around the artists' immense satisfaction with their current status, having overcome past struggles to achieve a life of luxury and influence. The recurring hook, "Ain't no complaints," serves as the central thesis, a declaration that their hard-earned success has left them with nothing to lament. The lyrics by both Offset and Drake are steeped in braggadocio, detailing their financial achievements ("racks in the bank"), their high standing ("we got some rank"), and their complete disregard for critics ("F*ck what you think"). The song is a celebration of materialism as a marker of success, referencing high-end brands, expensive meals, and vast wealth as tangible proof of their ascent. It conveys a powerful sense of arrival and contentment with the lavish lifestyle they now lead.

The narrative of the song unfolds as a powerful declaration of success and financial dominance, a testament to the artists' rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the music industry. The song opens with an assertion of their current status, where talk is cheap and money does the talking. They operate in a high-stakes environment, where million-dollar deals are commonplace and celebrity status necessitates brevity. There's a palpable sense of being untouchable, armed and ready to defend their position. The lyrics paint a picture of relentless work ethic, earning vast sums of money weekly, juxtaposed with a lifestyle of indulgence, including sipping on lean. The central theme is crystallized in the recurring phrase, "Ain't no complaints," a mantra reflecting their complete satisfaction with their lives, characterized by "racks in the bank."

Offset's verse delves into his personal journey and current mindset. He aspires to the greatness of icons like Muhammad Ali, showcasing a desire for legendary status. His lyrics are a whirlwind of lavish imagery: steak on his plate, a secure future for his children, and the ability to acquire anything he desires. He reflects on his past aspirations at seventeen versus his reality at twenty-three, where he has bought everything he once dreamed of, a powerful statement on his rapid ascent. This success is not without its pressures; he acknowledges the need to be flawless, as any mistake could be costly. He contrasts his past life, where Polo was a luxury and water came from the tap, with his present, where Voss water is the norm, symbolizing a profound transformation. This change has brought a heightened sense of awareness; he is "so awake," cognizant of the envy and competition around him, where others "take the bait" and are easily replaced.

Drake's verse continues this narrative of triumph and untouchable status. He emphasizes his solidified position in the industry, where his presence is welcomed and he can overstay his welcome, a metaphor for his enduring relevance. He identifies himself as a "huncho" and "the boss," driven by a mindset geared towards continuous elevation. His lyrics also touch upon the transactional nature of his world, where delays are not tolerated and payment is expected promptly, reminiscent of old-school principles. The line about his steps being untraceable speaks to his unique and inimitable path to success. Drake's verse is a calculated assertion of his power and influence, a reminder that he operates on a different level, where he makes the rules and others must follow. The song, in its entirety, is a celebration of earned luxury, a defiant stance against detractors, and a powerful statement of self-made success in the competitive world of hip-hop.

"No Complaints" was officially released on June 23, 2017, as the debut solo single by acclaimed producer Metro Boomin. The track features verses from Migos member Offset and Canadian superstar Drake. The song was written by Metro Boomin (Leland Wayne), Offset (Kiari Cephus), and Drake (Aubrey Graham), with Metro Boomin handling the entire production. It premiered during Episode 46 of Drake's OVO Sound Radio on Beats 1, generating significant buzz upon its release. Initially a standalone single, it was later included as a bonus track on Metro Boomin's debut studio album, "Not All Heroes Wear Capes," which was released in 2018. The song was released under Boominati Worldwide and Republic Records, marking a significant step in Metro Boomin's transition from a go-to producer for other artists to a lead artist in his own right.

The lyrics of "No Complaints" are rich with metaphors and symbolism that underscore the themes of wealth, power, and transformation.

• Water Metaphor: Drake's line, "Water used to be the tap, nigga, not the Voss," is a potent metaphor for his journey from humble beginnings to extreme wealth. Tap water represents a common, modest past, while Voss, a brand of artesian water, symbolizes a life of luxury, refinement, and elevated status.
• Muhammad Ali Reference: Offset's desire to be "like Muhammad Ali, hang on the ropes" symbolizes more than just success; it represents a desire for legendary status, resilience, and the strategic prowess of a champion who can withstand attacks and still emerge victorious.
• Untraceable Steps: Drake's claim that the "steps that I take, you can't retrace" serves as a metaphor for his unique and inimitable career path. It suggests that his success is not built on a replicable formula but on his distinct talent and decisions, making his position at the top secure.
• Racks in the Bank: This recurring phrase is a straightforward yet powerful symbol of security, success, and freedom from financial worry. It's the literal and figurative foundation for their state of having "no complaints."

The predominant emotional tone of "No Complaints" is one of triumphant confidence and unapologetic defiance. The song radiates a sense of invincibility and supreme self-assurance, projected by both Offset and Drake. This emotional landscape is crafted through Metro Boomin's menacing, bass-heavy production, which creates an atmosphere of power and intimidation. The vocal deliveries are assertive and aggressive, with both artists rapping with a force that underscores their lyrical boasts. There are no moments of vulnerability or doubt; the entire composition is a flex, a celebration of having reached a pinnacle of success where they are beyond reproach and criticism. The mood is consistently high-energy, boastful, and confrontational, designed to make the listener feel the same sense of power and satisfaction that the artists are conveying.

Upon its release, "No Complaints" was met with positive reception, with critics highlighting it as a strong contender for a "banger of the summer." The song performed modestly on the charts, entering the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 71 and reaching number 31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also charted in Canada and the UK. While not one of the biggest chart-toppers for any of the artists involved, the song was significant as Metro Boomin's debut solo single, solidifying his status as a lead artist and hitmaker. It showcased his ability to bring together top-tier talent for a cohesive and powerful track. The collaboration itself was notable, pairing two of the biggest names in hip-hop at the time, Drake and Offset (with Migos at the peak of their popularity), on a beat from the genre's most in-demand producer. The song remains a key track in Metro Boomin's discography and is representative of the lavish, confident sound of late 2010s trap music.

The song's rhythmic and rhyming structure is a cornerstone of its trap identity. Offset's performance on the hook and his verse is defined by the Migos' signature triplet flow, where he fits three syllables into the space of a beat that would typically hold two. This creates a dense, rolling rhythm that is both complex and catchy. His rhyme schemes are often intricate, using a combination of perfect rhymes and assonance to maintain momentum. For instance, in the hook, "bank," "rank," and "stank" create a strong, repetitive rhyming pattern. Drake's verse features a more straightforward, hard-hitting cadence that lands squarely on the beat, emphasizing his declarative statements. The interplay between Offset's fluid, syncopated rhythm and Drake's more grounded, forceful flow adds a dynamic texture to the track, all anchored by Metro Boomin's heavy, 808-driven beat.

"No Complaints" is a masterclass in modern trap production and showcases the distinct stylistic techniques of its creators.

• Musical Techniques: Metro Boomin's production is characterized by a dark, atmospheric, and electrifying beat. He employs his signature deep, rumbling 808 bass patterns, crisp snares, and layered, haunting synth melodies that create a dense, immersive soundscape. The use of ad-libs (like "racks," "huh?") from Offset adds a percussive layer to the beat, enhancing its rhythmic complexity. Metro's production provides the perfect energetic and menacing backdrop for the rappers' confident deliveries.
• Literary & Lyrical Techniques: Offset utilizes his signature triplet flow (Migos flow), packing intricate rhythms and internal rhymes into his verses, which creates a captivating and energetic delivery. Drake, in contrast, adopts a more aggressive and direct rap style, matching the beat's intensity rather than his more common melodic or pop-rap approach. The lyrics are built on hyperbole and vivid imagery to flaunt wealth and status (e.g., "make a quarter million every week"). Both artists employ a confrontational and declarative tone, reinforcing the song's themes of dominance.

What is the meaning behind Metro Boomin's song 'No Complaints'?

'No Complaints' is a celebration of success and wealth. The lyrics, delivered by Offset and Drake, express deep satisfaction with their luxurious lifestyles, financial success ('racks in the bank'), and dominant positions in the music industry, leaving them with zero complaints.

When was 'No Complaints' by Metro Boomin, Offset, and Drake released?

The song was officially released as a single on June 23, 2017. It was later included as a bonus track on Metro Boomin's debut studio album, 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes,' in 2018.

Who produced the song 'No Complaints'?

The track was produced entirely by Metro Boomin himself. His signature dark, atmospheric trap sound with heavy 808s is a defining characteristic of the song.

What does Drake's line 'Water used to be the tap, nigga, not the Voss' mean?

This line is a metaphor for Drake's rise from a modest upbringing to immense wealth. 'Tap' water symbolizes a normal, everyday past, while 'Voss,' an expensive brand of bottled water, represents his current life of luxury and opulence.

How did 'No Complaints' perform on the music charts?

The song entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 71 and peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also appeared on charts in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Was 'No Complaints' part of an album?

Yes, after being released as a standalone single in 2017, it was included as a bonus track on Metro Boomin's 2018 debut studio album, 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes'.