wokeuplikethis*

The core meaning of "wokeuplikethis*" revolves around the theme of originality and the frustration of being imitated. Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert use the song as a platform to call out other artists who they feel are copying their distinct style, from their sound and flow to their fashion sense. The recurring line, "Woke up to n****s soundin' like me," is a direct address to these so-called "copycats." Beyond this central theme, the song is a celebration of their success and rise to fame. The lyrics are filled with boasts about wealth, luxury items like expensive watches and cars, and their appeal to women. There are also numerous references to drug use, particularly lean, which is presented as a part of their rockstar lifestyle. The song can be seen as a statement of their influence and pioneering role in the trap and mumble rap subgenres of the late 2010s. They position themselves as trendsetters who are constantly innovating, leaving their imitators to pick up on their old styles.

The song opens with Lil Uzi Vert repeatedly declaring himself a "rockstar," setting a tone of confident self-assertion. Playboi Carti then takes over, describing the experience of waking up to find other artists adopting his style and sound. This central theme of being copied is the song's primary refrain and is woven throughout. Carti's verses are a boastful celebration of his success and the lifestyle that comes with it. He flaunts his wealth through mentions of expensive jewelry, luxury cars, and his ability to spend large sums of money without a second thought. There's a palpable sense of bravado as he talks about his interactions with women, suggesting they are drawn to his fame and status. He also alludes to a life of danger and being prepared for conflict, though he presents himself as too refined to engage in physical altercations anymore. Lil Uzi Vert's verse mirrors Carti's, as he too addresses the copycat rappers. He highlights his own rise to fame and the perks that accompany it, such as his drug use, which he mentions casually. Uzi reinforces the idea that he and Carti are trendsetters who are unbothered by those who imitate them, as they are already on to the next new thing. He also touches on his appeal to women and his disregard for his detractors. The narrative culminates in a shared expression of their unique position in the music industry, where their influence is so significant that they are constantly being emulated. The song is less of a linear story and more of a snapshot of a particular moment in their careers, characterized by a mix of frustration and pride at being the blueprint for a new wave of artists. The recurring line, "Woke up to n****s soundin' like me," serves as both a complaint and a boast, encapsulating the complex feelings of being a pioneer.

"wokeuplikethis*" was officially released on April 7, 2017, as the second single from Playboi Carti's self-titled debut commercial mixtape. However, it had premiered on SoundCloud a month earlier, on March 10, 2017. The song was written by Playboi Carti (Jordan Carter), Lil Uzi Vert (Symere Woods), and the producer Pi'erre Bourne (Jordan Jenks). The track was recorded on February 14, 2017, at Means Street Studios. According to Carti, he and Pi'erre Bourne had recently met, and there was a mutual excitement to collaborate. Pi'erre Bourne reportedly created the beat while riding in an Uber. Carti heard the beat through an Instagram post and was immediately drawn to it. The recording process for the song, and the mixtape as a whole, was described as spontaneous and focused on capturing a raw vibe rather than meticulous planning. Carti has stated that he freestyled his verse in about two takes. The song is one of several collaborations between Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert, who were frequent creative partners during this period. The music video was released on August 9, 2017, and was directed by JMP.

The rhyme scheme in "wokeuplikethis*" is relatively straightforward and follows a loose structure, which is typical of the mumble rap subgenre. The focus is more on the flow and the overall rhythmic feel than on complex rhyming patterns. Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert often use simple end rhymes and internal rhymes to create a catchy, melodic effect. The rhythm is driven by the trap beat produced by Pi'erre Bourne, which has a tempo of approximately 78 beats per minute. This moderate tempo allows for a laid-back yet energetic vocal delivery. The song is in a 4/4 time signature, which is standard for most popular music, including hip-hop. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is a key feature of the song. The rappers' flows often weave in and out of the beat, creating a sense of syncopation and rhythmic complexity that adds to the song's hypnotic quality.

"wokeuplikethis*" is a prime example of Playboi Carti's minimalist approach to rap, often referred to as "mumble rap." His vocal delivery is characterized by a relaxed, almost nonchalant flow, where the vibe and melody take precedence over complex lyricism. A key stylistic choice is the extensive use of ad-libs, which are not just background embellishments but a central part of the song's texture and catchiness. Repetition is another crucial technique; the chorus, with its simple and direct message, is drilled into the listener's head, making it highly memorable. The production by Pi'erre Bourne is also minimalistic, featuring a simple, infectious synth melody and a booming 808 bassline, which is characteristic of the trap genre. Lyrically, the song employs a braggadocious and confrontational tone, a common trope in hip-hop. The collaboration with Lil Uzi Vert provides a dynamic contrast in vocal styles while maintaining a cohesive, energetic feel.

"wokeuplikethis*" was a significant track in solidifying Playboi Carti's place as a major figure in the SoundCloud rap scene of the mid-to-late 2010s. The song, along with "Magnolia," was a breakout hit from his debut mixtape and garnered him mainstream attention. It peaked at number 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has since been certified double-platinum in the United States. The track is considered one of the defining songs of the mumble rap era and has been praised for its minimalist production and Carti's unique vocal style. Its influence can be seen in the wave of artists who adopted a similar ad-lib-heavy, melodic, and fashion-forward approach to hip-hop. The song's music video, which features Carti and Lil Uzi Vert in a stylized prison setting, also received significant attention. "wokeuplikethis*" remains a fan favorite and a key track in both Playboi Carti's and Lil Uzi Vert's discographies, representing a pivotal moment in their careers and in the evolution of modern trap music.

The most significant symbolic element in "wokeuplikethis*" is the act of "waking up" to find others imitating them. This isn't a literal awakening but a metaphorical realization of their pervasive influence on the rap scene. It symbolizes their status as trendsetters and pioneers whose style is so sought-after that it's being replicated by their peers. Lil Uzi Vert's opening declaration of being a "rockstar" is another key metaphor. It encapsulates a lifestyle of fame, excess, and a rebellious attitude that both he and Carti embody throughout the song. This is further reinforced by references to drugs, luxury goods, and their nonchalant demeanor. The mention of a "draco" (a type of firearm) being a "Spike Lee" is a metaphor comparing the act of shooting to filmmaking, suggesting a dramatic and cinematic quality to the violence they are prepared for, even if they'd rather avoid it.

The most prominent recurring phrase in the song is the chorus: "Woke up to n****s talkin' like me, talk / Woke up to n****s soundin' like me, talk." This line is repeated multiple times by Playboi Carti and serves as the song's central thesis, highlighting the theme of imitation. Lil Uzi Vert's opening ad-lib, "I'm a rockstar," is another recurring motif that establishes the song's tone of bravado and carefree indulgence. The repetition of these phrases makes them incredibly catchy and reinforces the song's core message and attitude. The concept of being a trendsetter and having others copy their style is the overarching lyrical motif that ties the entire song together. Additionally, there are recurring themes of wealth and luxury, with mentions of expensive items and spending large amounts of money, which serve to underscore their success.