Space Cadet (feat. Gunna)

"Space Cadet" is a celebration of immense success and the opulent lifestyle that accompanies it. The central metaphor of being a "space cadet" who has bought a "spaceship" serves to illustrate a level of wealth and fame that feels surreal and out of this world. It's a journey of escapism, leaving behind a past of struggle ("sleepin' on the mattress") for a present filled with unimaginable luxury. The "spaceship" is often interpreted as a specific reference to a Rolls-Royce Wraith, known for its starlit headliner, which perfectly aligns with the song's cosmic theme.

The lyrics are a tapestry of braggadocious claims about wealth, fashion, and hedonistic pleasures. Gunna's verses detail a life of high fashion with brands like Rick Owens, Vlone, and Philipp Plein, alongside extravagant purchases like VVS diamonds and international shopping trips. There are also candid references to drug use, specifically marijuana and codeine ("lean"), which are portrayed as integral parts of this lavish lifestyle. The song also touches on loyalty and sharing success, as the artist makes sure his brother is on the "payroll." Ultimately, "Space Cadet" is an anthem of arrival and an affirmation of a new, elevated status in the hip-hop world, driven by Metro Boomin's atmospheric and cinematic production.

The song chronicles a meteoric rise to success, using the metaphor of becoming a "space cadet" to describe a life so luxurious it feels otherworldly. The narrative begins with the acquisition of a "spaceship," a symbol for an extravagant vehicle, likely a Rolls-Royce with its signature starlit ceiling, which immediately establishes a theme of celestial opulence. This newfound status is further solidified by mentions of a "big white mansion" as a personal habitat, a stark contrast to a past of "sleepin' on the mattress."

The lyrics paint a detailed picture of a hedonistic and high-fashion lifestyle. There are references to indulging in "rich sex," smoking copious amounts of marijuana, and consuming codeine, portraying the vices that often accompany fame and fortune. The attire is just as extravagant, with mentions of expensive "Rick Owen jeans," a "Vlone jean jacket" adorned with "VVs" (very, very slightly included diamonds), and Chanel shoes sourced from overseas shopping sprees in places like Tokyo, Japan. The clothes from Philipp Plein are described as feeling like "velcro," suggesting they are a natural and effortless part of this elevated existence.

Beyond personal indulgence, there's a sense of shared prosperity. The narrator ensures his brother gets a "payroll," indicating that his success benefits his inner circle. The lyrics are peppered with braggadocio, comparing aiming firearms to a game of "laser tag," a playful yet menacing juxtaposition. The repetition of the "space cadet" hook reinforces the central theme of transformation and elevation. The artist feels as though he is living on his own planet, detached from previous struggles and earthly concerns. The mention of the "Boominati wave" is a nod to Metro Boomin's production crew, signifying a unique and influential movement within the hip-hop universe. The entire narrative is a celebration of achieving a dream-like state of wealth and success, where the protagonist is no longer bound by terrestrial limitations and is now navigating his own luxurious galaxy.

"Space Cadet" was released on November 2, 2018, as a track on Metro Boomin's debut solo studio album, Not All Heroes Wear Capes. It was later sent to rhythmic contemporary radio on January 29, 2019, as the fifth and final single from the album. The song features American rapper Gunna on vocals. The production was primarily handled by Metro Boomin and Wheezy, with additional production from Allen Ritter. The songwriters credited are Leland Wayne (Metro Boomin), Sergio Kitchens (Gunna), Wesley Glass (Wheezy), and Allen Ritter. The track also features background vocals from Travis Scott. "Space Cadet" was recorded as part of the album sessions for Not All Heroes Wear Capes, an album that was highly anticipated after Metro Boomin's brief hiatus. The album's release was preceded by a cryptic promotional campaign with billboards depicting Metro as a "missing person."

The official music video, directed by Zac Facts, premiered on April 22, 2019. The video features Metro Boomin and Gunna in a futuristic, space-like environment with lasers and bright lights, visually complementing the song's lyrical themes. It also includes a cameo appearance by fellow rapper Young Thug. On February 11, 2019, Metro Boomin and Gunna performed "Space Cadet" live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During this performance, Metro Boomin wore a jacket that said "Free 21 Savage" in support of the rapper who was detained by ICE at the time.

The rhyme scheme in "Space Cadet" is relatively straightforward, primarily relying on couplets and occasional internal rhymes, which is common in the trap genre and contributes to its catchy, flowing nature. Gunna's delivery often emphasizes the end rhymes in each bar, creating a consistent and hypnotic rhythm. For example, in the hook, "cadet" rhymes with "habitat" and "laser tag," although the latter is more of a slant rhyme that works due to Gunna's melodic delivery. This AABB-like structure makes the lyrics memorable and easy to follow.

The song's rhythm is defined by its 4/4 time signature and a tempo of approximately 109 BPM. This moderate tempo, combined with the half-time feel of the drums (a common feature in trap music), creates a laid-back yet driving groove. The rhythmic interplay between Gunna's vocal flow and the intricate hi-hat patterns is a key element of the song's appeal. Gunna's lyrical rhythm is often syncopated, meaning it plays off the main beat, adding a layer of complexity and a sense of effortless coolness to his delivery. The overall rhythmic feel is both danceable and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the song's themes of luxury and escapism.

"Space Cadet" showcases a seamless fusion of literary and musical techniques to create its signature hypnotic and luxurious atmosphere. Musically, the song is a prime example of the trap genre, characterized by its deep 808 bass, skittering hi-hats, and an atmospheric, synth-laden melody. The production by Metro Boomin and Wheezy is cinematic and spacious, creating a soundscape that perfectly matches the "spacey" theme of the lyrics. The tempo is a moderate 109 BPM, which contributes to the song's laid-back yet confident vibe. Gunna's vocal delivery is notably smooth and melodic, often described as a "drippy flow," which glides effortlessly over the beat. The use of ad-libs and background vocals, including those by Travis Scott, adds texture and depth to the track.

Lyrically, the song employs vivid imagery and contemporary slang to paint a picture of opulence. The central metaphor of the "space cadet" is extended throughout the song. Repetition is a key device, particularly in the hook, which drills the central theme into the listener's mind. There's also a clear narrative voice that is boastful and confident, a common trope in braggadocio rap. The lyrics are structured in a way that blends specific, high-end brand names with more general declarations of wealth and status, making the depicted lifestyle both aspirational and specific.

"Space Cadet" achieved significant commercial success and has had a lasting cultural impact. The song debuted and peaked at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 22 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It has been certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over six million units in combined sales and streaming in the United States. The song has been incredibly popular on streaming platforms, with over a billion streams on Spotify as of late 2023.

The track is considered a standout on Metro Boomin's highly acclaimed debut album, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, which itself debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. "Space Cadet" is often cited as a perfect example of the synergy between Metro Boomin's production and Gunna's melodic flow. The music video has also garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. The song's title and central theme have permeated pop culture, and it remains a popular track on social media platforms like TikTok for edits and memes. Its live performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon also drew attention, particularly for Metro Boomin's political statement in support of 21 Savage.

The song is built around the central metaphor of being a "space cadet," which symbolizes a state of being that is detached from ordinary life due to immense wealth and success. This isn't the traditional, often negative, slang term for someone who is ditzy or out of touch with reality, but rather a reappropriation of the term to signify elevation and an otherworldly existence.

The "spaceship" is a key symbol in the song, representing a luxury vehicle, most likely a Rolls-Royce, which is famous for its ceiling that emulates a starry night sky. This turns the car into a personal vessel for traversing a new, opulent reality. The "big white mansion" serves as the "habitat," reinforcing the idea of a self-contained, luxurious world.

The lyrics also use playful yet assertive metaphors to describe a life of power and extravagance. For instance, "Aim a lot of sticks like it's laser tag" juxtaposes the serious implication of firearms with a carefree childhood game, a form of braggadocio that downplays the danger while highlighting a sense of untouchability. The line about clothes from Philipp Plein feeling like "velcro" is a metaphor for how naturally and effortlessly high fashion and success cling to the artist.

The most prominent recurring phrase in the song is the hook: "Bought a spaceship, now I'm a space cadet." This line is repeated multiple times and serves as the central thesis of the track, encapsulating the theme of achieving a level of success so high it feels like leaving Earth. Its repetition makes it an incredibly memorable and effective chorus.

Another recurring motif is the imagery of wealth and luxury. This is conveyed through repeated mentions of high-fashion brands (Rick Owens, Vlone, Philipp Plein, Chanel), expensive jewelry ("VVs"), and a lavish lifestyle that includes a "big white mansion" and international travel. These recurring references create a consistent and immersive picture of opulence.

The theme of hedonism is also a recurring motif, particularly through the lines "Fuck a rich bitch, havin' rich sex" and the references to drug use, such as "smoke a lot of trees, need a weed plant" and "codeine, where the lean at?". These phrases reappear to emphasize a lifestyle of unrestrained indulgence that accompanies the artist's newfound wealth and status. The phrase "Boominati wave" also serves as a recurring motif, acting as a signature stamp for Metro Boomin's brand and influence within the genre.