Ballin' (with Roddy Ricch)

"Ballin'" is a celebratory anthem centered on the theme of achieving success against all odds. The term "ballin'" itself is slang for living a wealthy and luxurious lifestyle. The song's narrative, delivered by Roddy Ricch, contrasts a past life of poverty and struggle with the present reality of affluence and recognition. It's a classic "come-up" story, a staple in hip-hop, where the artist reflects on their journey from financial hardship to prosperity. The lyrics explicitly mention past struggles, such as being broke and engaging in street-level crime to survive, and juxtapose them with current symbols of wealth like Forgiato rims, Christian Louboutin shoes, and expensive jewelry. Beyond a simple boast about wealth, the song carries a message of perseverance, hard work, and the ultimate triumph of achieving one's dreams. It also explores themes of loyalty, remembering those who supported him and calling out those who didn't, and paying homage to fallen friends like Nipsey Hussle, which adds a layer of depth and sincerity to the celebration.

The narrative of the song chronicles a journey from poverty and struggle to immense wealth and success, a classic "rags to riches" tale. The story begins with the protagonist, voiced by Roddy Ricch, immediately establishing his newfound affluent status by putting new, expensive Forgiato rims on his Jeep. This act serves as a powerful opening symbol of his transformation. The lyrics then delve into the harsh realities of his past, acknowledging a time of being broke and engaging in illicit activities like selling crack cocaine on street corners to survive. This period was marked by hardship and danger, a stark contrast to his current life.

A significant portion of the lyrical storytelling is dedicated to flexing the symbols of his success. He can't answer his phone anymore, not out of arrogance, but because he is busy "ballin'," a slang term for living a lavish and successful lifestyle. He reminisces about waking up early to chase money ("getting rags in the morning") and contrasts it with his present where he is rich, causing envy in others. The imagery of luxury is detailed with references to Christian Louboutin's "bloody bottoms," expensive jewelry that shines without needing a camera flash, and upgrading his partner's car. The mention of a Maybach provides a space for reflection, a private, luxurious bubble where he can look back on how far he has come.

The song also touches on the social dynamics that changed with his success. He recalls people who turned their backs on him when he was struggling but are now trying to re-enter his life because of his wealth. This serves as a motivation for his conspicuous consumption; his success is a form of revenge. There's a strong sense of loyalty to those who were with him from the beginning and a tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle, referencing running up racks with his 'queen' like Nipsey and Lauren London, which also alludes to their collaboration "Racks in the Middle". He acknowledges the street life and his affiliations, but also expresses a desire for unity and moving beyond petty conflicts, a sentiment amplified by the loss of friends. The story is one of personal vindication, celebrating the fruits of his labor and perseverance while never forgetting the difficult path it took to get there. It's a testament to overcoming adversity and achieving a dream that once seemed distant.

The creation of "Ballin'" began in late 2018. Roddy Ricch and Mustard collaborated in the studio for the first time, not initially with a specific album in mind, but just to create some tracks together. Roddy Ricch has stated that he knew the song was a hit from the moment they made it. Mustard, a seasoned producer from Los Angeles, also felt strongly about the track's potential, deciding to hold onto it for his own album. He kept the song "in the vault for a year," waiting for the right moment to release it as part of his third studio album, Perfect Ten. The song was recorded in 2018 and was eventually released as the third single from the album on August 20, 2019, although it was available with the album's release in June 2019. The production credits are held by Mustard, Justus West, and Gylttryp. The songwriting credits include Mustard (Dijon McFarlane), Roddy Ricch (Rodrick Moore, Jr.), Shah Rukh Zaman Khan, and Donell Jones, with Jones being credited due to the sample of 702's "Get It Together".

"Ballin'" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate the central theme of a 'rags to riches' journey.

• Forgiato Wheels and Luxury Cars: The opening line, "I put the new Forgis on the Jeep," immediately establishes a new level of wealth. Forgiatos are a high-end, custom wheel brand, and putting them on a car is a direct symbol of financial success and a luxurious lifestyle. The mention of a Maybach later in the song serves as a symbol of ultimate luxury and a private space for reflection on his past struggles.
• "Bloody Bottoms": This is a reference to the signature red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes, a well-known luxury fashion item. Roddy Ricch uses it with a double meaning: trapping "'til the bloody bottoms is underneath" can mean working until you can afford these expensive shoes, or it can be a more grim reference to the violence of street life, walking through puddles of blood.
• "Bird Bath" for Dirty Money: The line "We came up on dirty money, I gave it a bird bath" is a metaphor for laundering illicitly gained money, 'cleaning' it to make it legitimate. This acknowledges his past while celebrating his current, more legitimate success.
• Dojo and Sensei: The lyric "tryna get the dojo like a sensei" is a clever play on words. A dojo is a place of learning, but here it sounds like "dough-jo," with "dough" being slang for money. He is trying to get his money (dough) right, like a sensei who is master of his domain (dojo).

The predominant emotional tone of "Ballin'" is one of triumph and celebration. It radiates a joyful, optimistic, and motivational energy, stemming from the narrative of overcoming adversity. This positive feeling is generated by the combination of Mustard's upbeat, bouncy production and Roddy Ricch's melodic, confident vocal delivery. However, the song is not purely celebratory; there are undertones of reflection and a certain bittersweet quality. The references to past struggles, betrayal from former associates, and shoutouts to the deceased Nipsey Hussle introduce a more somber, appreciative, and heartfelt emotional layer. There's a sense of defiance and vindication in the lyrics, particularly when addressing those who doubted him. This mix of emotions—joy from success, gratitude for the journey, and a touch of melancholy for the hardships and losses along the way—creates a more complex and relatable emotional landscape than a simple party anthem.

"Ballin'" had a significant cultural impact upon its release. It became a massive commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, which was Mustard's highest-charting song as a lead artist. The song was also a major breakthrough for Roddy Ricch, earning him his first Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance and solidifying his position as a rising star in hip-hop. Critically, the song was highly acclaimed, with Complex magazine naming it the Best Song of 2019. It received extensive radio play, hitting #1 on Billboard's Rhythmic and Urban Radio charts. The RIAA has certified the single as 8x platinum. The song's theme of overcoming adversity resonated widely, making it an inspirational anthem for many. Its music video, which depicts younger versions of Mustard and Ricch dreaming of their future success, further amplified this motivational message. The track's popularity also led to its use in other media, including a skit on Roddy Ricch's own debut album, and it later gained viral popularity through AI-generated covers on social media platforms.

The rhyme scheme in "Ballin'" is fluid and often employs internal rhymes and assonance to create a smooth, continuous flow that complements Mustard's production. While not strictly adhering to a simple, repeating end-rhyme pattern like AABB, Roddy Ricch's verses are intricately woven. For example, in the first verse, you see rhymes and near-rhymes like "Jeep," "underneath," and "streets," followed by "team" and "dreams" (which is an unstated part of the hook). He uses multi-syllabic rhymes and connects different lines with shared vowel sounds, a technique common in modern hip-hop that prioritizes flow and cadence over rigid structure. The rhythm is driven by Mustard's signature up-tempo, bouncy trap beat, which is characterized by crisp hi-hats, a strong bassline, and claps. Roddy Ricch's lyrical rhythm is dynamic; he varies his pace, sometimes rapping in a faster, more conversational cadence and then slowing down to emphasize certain lines, particularly in the hook. This interplay between his vocal rhythm and the beat's steady pulse creates the song's infectious, head-nodding quality.

"Ballin'" employs several stylistic techniques that enhance its appeal. Musically, the track is built on Mustard's signature West Coast production style, often described as "ratchet music"—up-tempo, club-oriented, and catchy with a smooth, bouncy beat. A key element is the sample of the R&B group 702's 1997 hit "Get It Together," which provides a soulful, slightly nostalgic undertone that contrasts with the modern trap drums. Roddy Ricch's vocal performance is a standout feature, characterized as a melodic, tenor rap style. He effectively uses a technique of tension and release in his melodies, often hitting a peak high note (E4) to convey emotion, similar to artists like Alicia Keys. His vocal delivery is noted for being authentic and emotive, which helps to make the narrative of struggle and success feel genuine. Lyrically, the song uses vivid imagery and specific cultural references (e.g., Nipsey Hussle, luxury brands) to paint a clear picture of his life. The use of slang and wordplay, such as the "dojo/dough-jo" line, adds a layer of cleverness to the lyrics.

What is the song 'Ballin'' about?

'Ballin'' by Mustard and Roddy Ricch is a 'rags to riches' anthem. It celebrates their journey from poverty and hardship to achieving wealth and success in the music industry, while also reflecting on the struggles they overcame.

What does the line 'I put the new Forgis on the Jeep' mean?

This opening line signifies a lifestyle of luxury. 'Forgis' refers to Forgiato, a brand of expensive, custom-made car wheels. Putting them on a Jeep is a status symbol, immediately communicating the artist's newfound wealth and success.

What sample is used in Mustard's 'Ballin'?

The intro and beat of 'Ballin'' prominently feature a sample from the 1997 song 'Get It Together' by the American R&B girl group 702. The use of this sample contributes to the track's smooth, soulful feel.

When was 'Ballin'' by Mustard and Roddy Ricch released?

The song was officially released as a single on August 20, 2019. It was part of Mustard's third studio album, 'Perfect Ten', which was released earlier on June 28, 2019.

Who produced the song 'Ballin''?

The song was produced by Mustard himself, alongside co-producers Justus West and Gylttryp.

What is the meaning of 'trappin' 'til the bloody bottoms is underneath'?

This line has a dual meaning. On one hand, it refers to working relentlessly ('trapping') until one can afford Christian Louboutin shoes, known for their iconic red ('bloody') soles. On the other, it can be a more literal, grim depiction of the dangers of street life.

How did 'Ballin'' impact Roddy Ricch's career?

The song was a major catalyst for Roddy Ricch's career. It became his biggest hit at the time, earned him his first-ever Grammy nomination, and significantly raised his profile, establishing him as a major new voice in hip-hop.