Pop Out (feat. Lil Tjay)

"Pop Out" is a raw and unfiltered depiction of the transition from a life of street-level danger to mainstream rap stardom. The phrase 'pop out' serves as the central theme, meaning to show up unexpectedly and assert dominance, often with the threat of violence. The song juxtaposes the artists' past struggles with poverty and gang affiliation against their current success, characterized by wealth, women, and fame. It's a declaration of arrival and a warning to rivals. The lyrics are unapologetically aggressive, detailing robbery and violence not as a distant memory but as a present-day reality and readiness. Polo G and Lil Tjay use the track to establish their street credibility while simultaneously celebrating their hard-won luxury, creating a narrative that is both a testament to their resilience and a cautionary tale about the life they came from.

The song chronicles the artists' ascent from a life of poverty and street violence to one of fame and luxury. The narrative begins with a bold declaration of their current status, where they can 'pop out'—or appear suddenly and assertively—at any event with their crew. This isn't a friendly visit; it's a warning of potential robbery and violence, emphasizing a ruthless demeanor that was necessary for survival. The lyrics paint a stark picture of their past, marked by hardship and animosity, where they had nothing and were surrounded by danger. Polo G reflects on this transformation, noting that while he now enjoys the spoils of success—like luxury cars, expensive jewelry, and the attention of women—he remains unchangeably shaped by his past. He mentions his 'killers' who are ready to act on his behalf, allowing him to travel and live a rapper's lifestyle. The imagery of packing 'rocks and condoms' for a flight to California next to 'blue face' bills illustrates the duality of his new life, where luxury and danger coexist.

Lil Tjay's verse adds another layer to this narrative, touching on the personal losses and moral compromises that came with his lifestyle. He mourns a brother who was killed shortly after graduating, a poignant moment that highlights the tragic reality behind the bravado. He speaks of making choices he regrets and the constant threat of violence that has surrounded him. There's a sense of gratitude for having survived it all, crediting a higher power for sparing his life. His verse reinforces the theme of loyalty and readiness to retaliate, stating he can call on Polo G to swiftly deal with enemies. The song consistently juxtaposes the grim realities of their origins with the flossy, braggadocious elements of their current success. It's a testament to their resilience, serving as both a celebration of making it out of difficult circumstances and a cautionary tale about the unshakeable nature of one's past and the violence that fueled their rise.

"Pop Out" was released as a single on February 1, 2019, and was the breakout hit for both Chicago rapper Polo G and Bronx artist Lil Tjay. The music video, directed by Ryan Lynch, was released earlier on January 13, 2019, and quickly gained traction. The beat was created by producers JD On Tha Track from Brazil and Iceberg from North Dakota, who collaborated online. Iceberg created a piano loop and added a guitar melody before sending it to JD, who then added the drums, including the snares, claps, and bouncing hi-hats that give the track its energy. The producers felt the beat was perfect for artists like Polo G and Lil Tjay. An A&R from Columbia Records, the label both artists were signed to, passed the beat to them. According to Lil Tjay, they went through about 50 beats that day before choosing this one. Tjay also mentioned in an interview that he didn't initially foresee the song becoming as massive as it did. The song's viral success on platforms like YouTube and TikTok propelled both artists into the mainstream, marking their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song is rich with street-level symbolism and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of the artists' lifestyle and mindset.

• "Pop Out": This central phrase is a metaphor for a sudden, intimidating, and powerful appearance. It's not just arriving at a party but making a disruptive entrance to assert dominance and presence.
• "Tuck ya chain": This is a direct and symbolic command representing a robbery. The chain symbolizes wealth and status, and the act of tucking it is an admission of fear and submission in the face of a greater threat.
• "Shots hit your brain": This graphic line serves as a metaphor for ultimate ruthlessness and precision in conflict, indicating that their violence is not for warning but is lethal and final.
• "G-Fazos": This is slang for all-white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, a staple in streetwear. By mentioning them, Polo G grounds his narrative in a specific, recognizable cultural context.
• "Diamonds in the rolly, they in HD like it's Blu-ray": A simile comparing the clarity and quality of his diamonds to high-definition video, a boast about the expense and brilliance of his jewelry.
• "Balling should make the cover 2K": A metaphor comparing his level of success and dominance in life to that of an elite basketball player worthy of being on the cover of the popular NBA 2K video game.

The emotional atmosphere of "Pop Out" is a complex mixture of aggression, triumph, and underlying tension. The dominant tone is one of defiance and confidence, created by the assertive vocal deliveries and the hard-hitting beat. This reflects the artists' celebration of overcoming adversity and achieving a high level of success. However, there's a palpable sense of danger and menace woven throughout the lyrics, which detail robbery and violence with a casual coolness. This creates a tense and intimidating atmosphere. A deeper, more somber emotion emerges in Lil Tjay's verse, particularly with the line, "Lost my brother, seen him die and I just seen him graduate," which introduces a feeling of genuine pain and loss amidst the bravado. This brief moment of vulnerability provides a glimpse into the tragic emotional background that fuels their hardened exterior, making the song a mix of triumphant flexing and a somber reflection of a violent reality.

"Pop Out" was a massive cultural success that served as the commercial breakthrough for both Polo G and Lil Tjay. The song peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking the first chart appearance for both artists. It became a viral sensation, particularly on TikTok, where its catchy and aggressive chorus was used in over two million videos, significantly boosting its popularity and chart performance. The song has been certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA, signifying sales and streaming equivalents of over eight million units in the US. Critical reception was positive, with Billboard magazine calling it a "hard-nosed anthem" and ranking it among the best songs of 2019. The success of "Pop Out" was instrumental in solidifying the wave of melodic drill music from Chicago, influencing the sound of mainstream hip-hop. The track's popularity also led to an official sequel, "Pop Out Again," featuring Lil Baby and Gunna, which was included on Polo G's debut album, "Die a Legend".

The song's rhyme and rhythm are key to its energetic and compelling feel. The track is set to an up-tempo trap beat, driving a sense of urgency. Polo G and Lil Tjay utilize relatively straightforward rhyme schemes, often relying on couplets (AABB) and consistent end rhymes to create a catchy, memorable flow that is easy to follow. For instance, in the chorus, 'gang' rhymes with 'chain' and 'change' with 'brain'. This simplicity makes the hook incredibly effective and contributes to its viral nature. The lyrical rhythm often syncopates with the complex hi-hat patterns and the heavy 808 bass hits, creating a dynamic interplay between the vocals and the instrumental. The rappers' flows are fluid, speeding up and slowing down to add emphasis to certain lines and enhance the storytelling aspect of their verses. This rhythmic dexterity keeps the track engaging despite the repetitive structure.

"Pop Out" is defined by its blend of melodic and aggressive musical and lyrical styles, characteristic of the modern drill and trap scenes.

• Musical Style: The production, by JD On Tha Track and Iceberg, is built around a melancholic yet catchy piano loop, which contrasts with the hard-hitting 808 bass and fast-paced hi-hats of a typical trap/drill beat. This juxtaposition creates a tone that is simultaneously somber and energetic.
• Vocal Delivery: Polo G employs a melodic yet assertive flow, delivering rhymes that are both sung and rapped, a signature of his style that separates him from more traditional drill artists. Lil Tjay complements this with his higher-pitched, auto-tune inflected melodic delivery, which was a rising trend at the time.
• Lyrical Content: The lyrics are characterized by vivid, often violent, storytelling and braggadocio. The narrative voice is direct and unapologetic, using street slang and specific cultural references to build authenticity.
• Song Structure: The song follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, with the highly repetitive and memorable chorus acting as the track's anchor and central message. The repetition of "we pop out at your party" makes it an effective hook.

What is the song 'Pop Out' by Polo G about?

'Pop Out' is about the artists' rise from poverty and street violence to fame and wealth. The title refers to showing up unexpectedly to assert dominance, often with the threat of violence. The song juxtaposes their harsh past with their current lavish lifestyle.

Who produced Polo G's 'Pop Out'?

The song was produced by the collaborative effort of two producers: JD On Tha Track and Iceberg. Iceberg created the initial piano and guitar melody, and JD On Tha Track added the drums and arranged the beat.

What was the peak chart position for 'Pop Out'?

"Pop Out" by Polo G and Lil Tjay peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was the first charting single for both artists.

What does the lyric 'shots hit your brain' signify in 'Pop Out'?

The line 'We ain't aimin' for your body, shots hit your brain' is a declaration of lethal intent and ruthlessness. It signifies that their aggression is not for show or intimidation but is precise and deadly, underscoring the severe realities of the street life they depict.

How did the collaboration between Polo G and Lil Tjay for 'Pop Out' happen?

Both artists were newly signed to Columbia Records and had mutual respect for each other's music. The label facilitated the collaboration. According to Lil Tjay, they listened to around 50 beats in the studio before selecting the one for 'Pop Out'.

How many times has 'Pop Out' been certified Platinum?

As of August 2023, "Pop Out" has been certified 8x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing 8 million equivalent units sold in the United States.