21

"21" by Polo G is a multi-layered song that serves as both a celebration of his 21st birthday and a poignant reflection on his life, success, and the trauma he has endured. The title itself is significant, not only marking his age at the time of the song's release but also tragically referencing the age at which his friend and fellow rapper, Juice WRLD, died from a drug overdose. This duality is central to the song's meaning, as Polo G navigates the transition from a life of street violence and poverty in Chicago to fame and wealth in the music industry.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his past, characterized by violence ("Decorate your block with red tape, foenem slidin' every day") and drug dealing. It's a raw depiction of a reality where survival is a daily struggle. However, the song is also a testament to his resilience and ambition. He contrasts his past struggles with his current success ("It's a hunnid bands in the safe, now I got expensive taste"), but this success is not without its own set of challenges and anxieties. The song explores themes of loyalty to his long-time friends and the psychological toll of his experiences.

A significant theme is the impact of Juice WRLD's death. The line, "Can't relapse off these drugs, man, R.I.P. to Juice / We was tweakin' off them Percs, I popped my last one with you," is a powerful and personal admission of his own struggles with addiction and how his friend's death served as a wake-up-call. This adds a layer of vulnerability and emotional depth to the track. Ultimately, "21" is an introspective anthem about overcoming adversity, the complexities of newfound fame, and honoring the memory of a lost friend while striving for a better future.

The song opens with a stark depiction of a violent, crime-ridden neighborhood where police tape is a common sight and the threat of violence is constant. The narrator describes his past involvement in drug dealing, a life he was conditioned into from a young age. Now, however, he has achieved significant financial success, evidenced by a safe full of money and a taste for expensive designer clothing like Mike Amiri jeans. Despite this newfound wealth, he remains relentlessly driven, committed to his grind without taking any breaks, his ultimate goal being to reach the pinnacle of success and stay there.

He then reflects on the precariousness of his life, driving recklessly and contemplating the dark thoughts that could lead him to lose his sanity. A pivotal moment of reflection comes with the memory of his friend, Juice WRLD, whose death from a drug overdose serves as a stark warning and a motivation to avoid relapsing into his own past drug use. He recalls sharing Percocets with Juice, a memory now tinged with sorrow. This experience has solidified his loyalty to his original crew, valuing their tight bond over seeking new alliances. The narrative shifts back to the ever-present threat of violence, describing his crew as ready for any confrontation, armed and dangerous. He juxtaposes this harsh reality with a sense of pride and achievement, celebrating his 21st birthday as a milestone of survival and success.

The second verse delves deeper into his journey from the dangerous streets, referred to as "the trenches," to his current status as a significant figure in the music industry. He sees his past life as something he had to escape, recognizing that complacency in such an environment often leads to death. He describes his hometown as a place where life is cheap and death is almost a competition. His survival depended on his reliance on his firearm. He also touches upon the systemic issues faced by his community, where his friends fight street wars without any of the recognition or benefits of soldiers. The verse ends with a reaffirmation of his roots in a tough neighborhood that raises hardened individuals, and how the losses he's endured have fueled his music, creating what he calls "gang blues." He contrasts his authenticity and continuous growth with others who are easily impressed by superficial achievements.

"21" is a song by American rapper Polo G, whose real name is Taurus Tremani Bartlett. It was released on May 15, 2020, as part of his second studio album, "The Goat". The album itself was highly anticipated, following his successful debut album "Die a Legend". "The Goat" was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

The song was produced by Keanu Beats and Khaled Rohaim. Lyrically, "21" was written as a reflection of Polo G's life as he turned 21. It was also created in honor of his close friend, Juice WRLD, who passed away in December 2019 at the age of 21 from a drug overdose. Polo G has spoken about how Juice WRLD's death deeply affected him and influenced his decision to cut back on his own drug use. The song's creation was part of a broader project, "The Goat," where Polo G aimed to deliver more powerful and heartfelt material, moving from mourning his fallen friends and family in his previous work to celebrating life and legacy.

The official music video for "21" was directed by Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade and was released on June 15, 2020. The video is notable for being shot in a single take with no cuts, a creative choice that Bennett highlighted on his Instagram. The video's narrative and visuals complement the song's themes, depicting Polo G navigating various threatening scenarios.

The rhyme and rhythm of Polo G's "21" are integral to the song's structure and its raw, narrative-driven style. The song does not adhere to a strict, traditional rhyme scheme like AABB or ABAB, but rather employs a more fluid and conversational free verse approach, which is common in contemporary hip-hop.

Rhyme Scheme and Types of Rhymes:

• Polo G frequently uses slant rhymes (or near rhymes) and assonance to connect lines, giving his flow a more natural and less forced feel. For example, in the lines, "Swervin' on the E-Way, I don't care if I crash in this coupe / Shit I'm thinkin' 'bout too real, might lose my mind in this coupe," "coupe" is a perfect rhyme with itself, but the preceding words contribute to the overall musicality.
• Internal rhymes are also present, adding to the lyrical complexity.

Rhythm and Pacing:

• The song's tempo is moderate, allowing Polo G's lyrics to be clearly understood. The rhythm of his vocal delivery is often syncopated against the beat, creating a dynamic interplay between the lyrics and the instrumental.
• The pacing of his flow varies throughout the song. He can deliver lines with a rapid-fire succession, reflecting the urgency and danger of his past, and then slow down for more introspective and emotional moments. This variation in pacing helps to maintain the listener's engagement and emphasizes the emotional shifts in the narrative.
• The 808-heavy beat provides a strong, rhythmic foundation that drives the song forward. The rhythm of the beat is relatively consistent, which allows Polo G's vocal rhythm to be the primary source of variation and interest.

Overall, the rhyme and rhythm of "21" contribute to its storytelling effectiveness, creating a flow that is both compelling and emotionally resonant.

Polo G's "21" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to create its impactful and introspective atmosphere.

Musical Techniques:

• 808-Heavy Production: The song's beat is described as "808-heavy," which is characteristic of the trap and drill genres. This provides a dark and menacing sonic backdrop that complements the lyrical content about street life.
• Melodic Flow: Polo G is known for his melodic style of rapping, which is evident in "21". He delivers his lines with a distinct cadence that is both rhythmic and tuneful, making the harsh realities he describes more palatable and memorable for the listener.
• Piano-Driven Beat: While the 808s provide the foundation, the track also features a piano melody, a signature element in many of Polo G's songs. This adds a layer of melancholy and emotional depth to the instrumental.

Literary Techniques:

• Vivid and Explicit Storytelling: Polo G is noted for his ability to paint a clear and detailed picture with his words. Lines like "Decorate your block with red tape" and "hollows spittin' out the Glock" create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
• Metaphor and Symbolism: As discussed in the symbolism section, the song is rich with metaphors, such as comparing the violence in his neighborhood to a contest and his internal struggles to a gunman pursuing him in the music video.
• Allusion: The song contains a significant allusion to his friend and fellow rapper, Juice WRLD, with the line "R.I.P. to Juice". This not only pays tribute to his friend but also grounds the song in a real and tragic event.
• Juxtaposition: The lyrics often juxtapose the harsh realities of his past with the luxuries of his present, highlighting the complex and often conflicting emotions that come with his success.

"21" has had a significant cultural impact, primarily within the context of contemporary hip-hop and for its poignant tribute to the late Juice WRLD. The song is a standout track from Polo G's highly successful sophomore album, "The Goat," which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, marking a major milestone in his career. This commercial success brought widespread attention to "21" and its powerful message.

The song's dedication to Juice WRLD resonated deeply with fans of both artists and the wider hip-hop community. It became an anthem of remembrance, highlighting the tragic consequences of drug addiction within the music industry. Polo G's candid lyrics about his own struggles and his decision to quit using drugs in the wake of his friend's death were praised for their honesty and vulnerability, contributing to ongoing conversations about mental health and substance abuse in hip-hop.

The music video, directed by the influential Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade, also played a crucial role in the song's cultural impact. Bennett's signature creative style and the video's one-take execution garnered significant attention and praise, further elevating the song's profile.

Within Polo G's discography, "21" is considered a fan favorite and a quintessential example of his storytelling ability and melodic style. It solidified his reputation as one of the leading voices of his generation of Chicago rappers, known for his authentic and emotionally resonant music. The song and the album it's on have been recognized for their contribution to the modern Chicago drill and melodic rap scenes.

"21" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen the song's narrative about survival, trauma, and self-conflict.

The Music Video's Intruder: The music video, directed by Cole Bennett, features a hooded gunman who relentlessly pursues and shoots at Polo G. At the end of the video, the shooter is revealed to be Polo G himself. This is a powerful symbol of internal conflict, suggesting that the biggest threats he faces are from his own demons, past traumas, and self-destructive tendencies. His ability to dodge the bullets throughout the video can be interpreted as him overcoming these personal battles.

The Number 21: The title of the song, "21," is a primary symbol. It represents Polo G's age at the time of the song's release, a milestone of his success. However, it is also a somber tribute to his friend Juice WRLD, who was 21 when he died. This dual symbolism encapsulates the song's themes of celebrating life while mourning loss.

"Decorate your block with red tape": This opening line is a stark metaphor for the violence in his community, where crime scenes are a regular occurrence. The word "decorate" is used ironically to highlight the grim reality of street life.

"Gang blues": Polo G uses this phrase to describe the music born from his experiences of loss and hardship in the streets. It metaphorically connects the pain and sorrow of his past to the creation of his art.

Dumping the Pill Bottle: In the music video, there's a scene where Polo G is seen dumping a bottle of pills. This act symbolizes his struggle with and decision to overcome his addiction to prescription drugs like Xanax and Percocet, a battle he became more determined to win after the death of Juice WRLD.

"21" by Polo G features several recurring phrases and motifs that reinforce the song's central themes of street life, success, and remembrance.

The Chorus: The most prominent recurring element is the chorus:

"Decorate your block with red tape, foenem slidin' every day
Bunch o' hollows spittin' out the Glock
I've been servin' fiends all day, out there posted with the gang
Nigga, we was taught to get it off the block
It's a hunnid bands in the safe, now I got expensive taste
Mike Amiri jeans, fill 'em up with knots
I been on my grind every day, don't believe in takin' breaks
I ain't stoppin' 'til we chillin' at the top"

This chorus is repeated multiple times and serves as the song's anchor. Its repetition drills home the stark contrast between Polo G's past life of crime and his current success. The first half depicts the violence and hardship of his upbringing, while the second half details his newfound wealth and relentless ambition. This recurring juxtaposition is central to the song's narrative.

Motif of Violence and Firearms: References to guns and violence are a recurring motif throughout the song, with phrases like "hollows spittin' out the Glock," "plenty guns," and "livin' by the gun." This motif underscores the constant threat of danger that defined his past and continues to linger in his memory.

Tribute to Juice WRLD: The memory of Juice WRLD is a poignant recurring motif. The direct mention "R.I.P. to Juice" and the line about popping his last Percocet with him are repeated in the first verse. In the music video, images of Juice WRLD are shown on a television screen, further emphasizing his importance to Polo G and the song's dedication to him.