Element

"Element" by Pop Smoke is a multi-faceted track that functions as a bold declaration of his identity, lifestyle, and worldview. At its core, the song is an anthem of bravado, where Pop Smoke lays out the core components of his 'element'—the environment and mindset in which he thrives. The lyrical content oscillates between the gritty realism of Brooklyn street life and the opulent fantasy of a rising rap star. This duality is central to the song's meaning, capturing a life lived on the precipice between two worlds.

On one level, the song is a celebration of success and materialism. Pop Smoke meticulously lists luxury items like Christian Louboutin footwear, Lamborghini and Ferrari cars, and high-end watches from AP to Patek Philippe. This is not mere bragging; it serves as a metric of his growth and a symbol of his journey from humble beginnings to international fame. The line "'Member my pockets flat, now they chunky" encapsulates this rags-to-riches narrative. His focus on money over emotional connection ("I'd rather have my money green like kiwi") is portrayed as a survival mechanism and a commitment to financial independence, a hustle-over-heartbreak mentality.

Simultaneously, "Element" is a powerful cultural statement. The opening line, "I like dark skins, love her melanin," is a direct and unambiguous celebration of Black beauty, challenging mainstream standards that often marginalize darker-skinned women. In the context of the song, this preference is presented as just as integral to his identity as his designer clothes and street credentials. The track is also an assertion of authenticity and street credibility. Pop Smoke's persona is that of a "cold-hearted" Brooklyn native who doesn't trust easily and is quick to resort to violence if disrespected. This tough-guy image is a cornerstone of the Brooklyn drill scene he helped popularize.

The narrative of "Element" is a raw and unfiltered monologue from the perspective of a young man deeply entrenched in the realities of street life while simultaneously indulging in the trappings of newfound fame and wealth. He begins by asserting his identity and preferences, stating a clear attraction to Black women, specifically celebrating their dark skin and melanin. This isn't just a preference but a statement of cultural pride. He immediately pivots to his lavish lifestyle, clad in expensive Christian Louboutin shoes and ordering thirty bottles of high-end Clase Azul tequila, signaling that extravagance is his new normal. The artist chronicles his ascent through material possessions, mentioning his switch from a Lamborghini to a Ferrari and upgrading his watch from an Audemars Piguet to a Patek Philippe, with VVS diamond settings. These aren't just flexes; they are markers of his journey and success.

He openly defines himself as a "gangsta" who still enjoys partying, admitting to using Percocet to "go retarded," a slang term for letting loose without inhibition. His Brooklyn roots are a source of pride and a key part of his cold-hearted persona, a necessary trait for survival in his environment. The song delves into his interactions with women, drawing a parallel between his desire for a "bad gyal" like Rihanna and his current partner, who is equally wild and "freaky." There's a transactional and cautious nature to these relationships. He boasts about his sexual prowess but also expresses a deep-seated distrust, noting that he never gets too attached because women can be "leeches." His focus remains on financial gain over emotional entanglement, preferring his money "green like kiwi."

A significant portion of the song is dedicated to establishing his dominance and authenticity in the streets. He dismisses other men as "cappin'" (lying) and warns of violent repercussions for any sign of disrespect. He's not just a talker; he's ready to "make a call for war" and let bullets fly. This aggression is contrasted with his success, as he laughs at his rivals ('opps') whom he has surpassed. He reflects on his past when his pockets were empty and how they are now "chunky" with cash. He doesn't see himself as a conventional pretty boy but knows he has a rugged appeal. A crucial theme is loyalty; while he is guarded, he pledges to protect a woman if she proves to be a "real one." The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central themes: the celebration of Black women, the ostentatious display of wealth, and the unapologetic embrace of his gangster-party lifestyle, all of which are fundamental to his "element."

"Element" was released on February 7, 2020, as a track on Pop Smoke's second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2. The mixtape debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, marking Pop Smoke's first top-10 project in the United States. The song was recorded in 2019 and 2020 during the sessions for the mixtape. The official lyric video for "Element" was released on February 16, 2020.

The track was written by Pop Smoke, whose real name is Bashar Barakah Jackson, and the producer, Yosief Tafari, professionally known as YozBeatz. YozBeatz is credited as the producer and programmer for the song. The engineering team included Jess Jackson, who served as the mastering and mixing engineer, Sage Skofield as the assistant mixing engineer, and Corey "Cutz" Nutile as the recording engineer. Tragically, just twelve days after the release of Meet the Woo 2, on February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was murdered during a home invasion in Los Angeles, making the mixtape and its songs part of his final works released during his lifetime.

The rhyme and rhythm in "Element" are defining features of Pop Smoke's drill style, creating a hypnotic and aggressive feel.

• Rhyme Scheme: The song largely employs a free-flowing structure with frequent use of couplets (AABB) and internal rhymes, rather than a strict, complex rhyme scheme. For example, in the lines, "I can't fuck with broke bitches, they be creepy / She be actin' up, she always tryna leave me / But she a bad gyal, and she freaky," he strings together a series of rhymes to build momentum.
• Types of Rhyme: He often uses slant rhymes (e.g., 'leaches'/'peaches'/'need it') and assonance to connect lines, giving him more lyrical flexibility. This is common in drill music, where flow and delivery are prioritized over perfect rhymes.
• Rhythmic Structure: The lyrical rhythm is intrinsically tied to the syncopated drill beat, which is typically around 140-145 BPM. Pop Smoke's flow is characterized by a unique cadence where he often places emphasis slightly off the beat, creating a laid-back yet menacing feel. His bars are often concise and punchy, landing with the hard-hitting snares and deep 808 bass slides that are trademarks of the genre. The hi-hat patterns are complex and syncopated, differing from traditional trap by using a more stuttered, galloping rhythm which Pop Smoke's vocal delivery navigates skillfully. This interplay between his raspy, deep voice and the skittish beat is a cornerstone of the song's energy.

"Element" showcases Pop Smoke's signature style, which was instrumental in popularizing the Brooklyn drill scene.

• Vocal Delivery: His vocal performance is the most prominent feature—a deep, raspy, and often menacing growl that sounds both effortless and intimidating. This unique timbre adds a layer of gravitas and authenticity to his claims of being a "cold-hearted" gangster. His delivery is fluid yet percussive, often weaving between the complex rhythms of the drill beat.
• Musical Arrangement: The production by YozBeatz is characteristic of UK and Brooklyn drill. It features a dark, ominous melody, likely on a piano or synth, over a bed of sliding 808 basslines and skittering, syncopated hi-hat patterns. The tempo is typically around 140-145 BPM. This aggressive and minimalist instrumentation creates a tense, high-energy atmosphere that perfectly complements Pop Smoke's delivery.
• Ad-libs: Pop Smoke's use of ad-libs like his signature growls and the repeated "Woo" is a key stylistic element. These are not just background noise but integral parts of the track that punctuate his lines, add emphasis, and reinforce his brand and gang affiliation.
• Lyrical Voice: The song is delivered from a first-person narrative perspective that is direct, unfiltered, and confident. He uses declarative statements ("I'm a gangsta, but I like to party") and vivid imagery ("Bullets blastin'") to build a powerful and consistent persona.
• Juxtaposition: A key technique is the juxtaposition of gritty street violence with high-fashion luxury. Lines about potential violence ("Disrespect me and see what happen") are placed alongside descriptions of designer clothes and expensive cars, creating a compelling portrait of his dual existence.

"Element" was released on Pop Smoke's highly influential second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, which was instrumental in pushing the Brooklyn drill sound into the American mainstream. The mixtape debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Pop Smoke's status as a rising star. While not released as a standalone single, "Element" became a fan favorite and a key track that exemplified his unique style—a blend of UK drill's gritty sonics with New York swag.

The song, and the mixtape as a whole, had a significant cultural impact. Pop Smoke's distinct gravelly voice, ad-libs, and menacing delivery became iconic in a very short time. After his untimely death just 12 days after the mixtape's release, his music took on a legendary status. The official lyric video for "Element" has garnered over 110 million views on YouTube as of mid-2024, attesting to its enduring popularity. The song's explicit celebration of dark-skinned Black women was also noted as a culturally significant statement against colorism within popular media.

Pop Smoke's style on tracks like "Element" has heavily influenced a new wave of American drill rappers, particularly in New York, with artists like Fivio Foreign and 22Gz continuing to build on the sound he pioneered. The song remains a staple in playlists celebrating drill music and is frequently cited as a prime example of Pop Smoke's raw talent and charismatic presence.

"Element" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate Pop Smoke's journey and mindset.

• Luxury Goods as Milestones: The constant references to high-end brands are more than just flexing. When he raps, "I had the Lambo', switched to the 'Rari" and "Traded the AP, told my jeweler, 'Patek it'", these items symbolize his upward trajectory. They are not just possessions but tangible proof of his evolution from the streets to stardom, each upgrade marking a new level of success.
• Color Imagery: The lyric "I'd rather have my money green like kiwi" uses the color green as a straightforward symbol for wealth, but the simile adds a layer of sensory detail. It contrasts with his preference for "dark skins" and "melanin," grounding his material aspirations in a simultaneous appreciation for his cultural identity.
• "The Woo": Throughout his music, including the ad-libs and mixtape titles (Meet the Woo), "Woo" is a significant motif. It's a slang term for his gang affiliation and a broader representation of his crew and movement from Canarsie, Brooklyn. It symbolizes loyalty, identity, and a specific street ethos that is central to his persona.
• Pop Culture References: The line "I have her hangin' off the rod like she Mimi" is a clever and witty pop culture reference to Mariah Carey's acrobatic vocal style, using it as a metaphor for a sexual position. This demonstrates a cleverness in his lyricism beyond the typical gangster rap tropes. Similarly, comparing his swagger to Justin Bieber ("I soar like Justin Bieber, please believe me") is an ironic and confident boast, juxtaposing his hardcore image with a mainstream pop icon to emphasize his own star power.

"Element" features several recurring motifs and phrases that are central to Pop Smoke's musical identity.

• The Chorus: The song's chorus is a powerful, recurring motif that encapsulates the track's entire theme: "I might just hit it raw, hol' on / That's not my element / I like dark skins, love her melanin / Huh, Christian Louboutin, when I'm steppin' in / Thirty bottles of Azul, tell 'em send 'em in". This hook is repeated multiple times, drilling the core ideas of luxury, female preference, and cautious hedonism into the listener's mind. Each element mentioned is a pillar of his persona.
• "Woo": While not explicitly in the lyrics of "Element," the "Woo" is an ever-present part of Pop Smoke's music, often appearing in ad-libs. It refers to his identity and gang affiliation from Canarsie, Brooklyn. The producer tag "Yoz, what you tellin' me?" which opens the track, and the overall sound are intrinsically linked to the "Woo" movement he championed.
• Brooklyn Identity: The declaration "I'm a Brooklyn nigga, I'm cold-hearted" is a recurring motif in his work, grounding his identity in his origins. This line serves as both a proud statement of where he comes from and a justification for his tough demeanor.
• Material Upgrades: The motif of trading up luxury items, such as the Lambo for a 'Rari and an AP watch for a Patek Philippe, appears as a narrative of his continuous ascent in the world of fame and fortune. It's a recurring theme that signifies growth and success.