Baby (Lil Baby feat. DaBaby)

The song "Baby" is a quintessential braggadocio trap anthem that sees both Lil Baby and DaBaby celebrating their success, wealth, and status in the hip-hop world. The title itself is a playful nod to their similar stage names, creating an instantly memorable collaboration. Lyrically, the song revolves around themes of rising from a difficult past to a life of luxury. Both artists detail their journey from the streets to the top of the charts, contrasting their former lives with their current opulent lifestyles filled with money, jewelry, and women. Lil Baby's verses touch on his past struggles, including dealing with untrustworthy associates and life in the projects, while asserting his current millionaire status. DaBaby complements this with his characteristic high-energy and boastful bars about his fame, sexual prowess, and the spoils of his success. The repetition of the word "baby" throughout the song (reportedly 37 times) serves as a powerful and catchy motif, reinforcing their individual brands and the central theme of their collaborative identity on this track.

The narrative of the song, split between Lil Baby and DaBaby, is a vivid depiction of their ascent from street life to stardom. Lil Baby opens by painting a picture of his past, a world filled with betrayal and danger. He recounts a close partner turning into an informant ("rat") and the constant threat of violence that necessitated being armed. He contrasts this gritty reality with his newfound success, mentioning the ability to lease a helicopter—a symbol of his elevated status. He asserts that despite his millions, he remains connected to his roots in the projects, suggesting an authenticity that wealth hasn't diluted. The chorus, a repetitive and infectious chant of "Baby," reinforces his identity and brand, highlighting his current standing in the rap game. He mentions his crew, his children, and his past as a drug dealer, presenting a multifaceted persona that is part rapper, part businessman, and still deeply tied to the street ethos. He sees himself as a real and influential figure, comparing his role to that of a preacher to his people.

DaBaby's verse continues the theme of a luxurious and hedonistic lifestyle, but with his own distinct, high-energy swagger. He boasts about his appeal to women and his unapologetic promiscuity. His lines are filled with imagery of wealth, from private planes with Wi-Fi to getting his wrist 'iced out' by celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang. A key theme in his verse is the contrast between his public image and his dangerous reality. The record label's CEO might want him to put the guns away, but he makes it clear that he's not to be trifled with ("you play with Baby, Baby beat him, cut up"). He projects an image of a CEO himself, shaking up the industry like Diddy. The opulence is overt, with references to Mardi Gras-like scenes of women flashing him. Yet, he also grounds his narrative in a tough-guy persona, stating the only time he's on his knees is for a specific sexual act, a crude assertion of his dominance. Throughout his verse, DaBaby's charismatic and often humorous delivery amplifies the braggadocio, creating a portrait of a rapper who is enjoying the spoils of his success without forgetting the aggressive posture required to achieve and maintain it.

"Baby" was released on July 17, 2019, as a lead single from the Quality Control compilation album, Quality Control: Control the Streets, Volume 2. The song was produced by the Atlanta-based producer Wheezy, known for his work with artists like Future, Young Thug, and Meek Mill. The collaboration was highly anticipated due to the rappers' similar monikers and their simultaneous rise to mainstream fame in the late 2010s. This track marked the third time the two artists had worked together, following Lil Baby's feature on the remix of DaBaby's "Today" and their guest verses on Jamz's "Baby Shower". According to Quality Control's CEO, the idea for the song was initiated by Lil Baby, who had the song for a while before its release. The music video, directed by DAPS, was released on August 13, 2019, and features the two rappers in scenes inspired by the iconic 1983 film Scarface, further amplifying the song's themes of power and a high-stakes lifestyle.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Baby" are central to its trap aesthetic. The song is set to a common time signature with a tempo typical of modern hip-hop, creating a head-nodding groove. The production by Wheezy features prominent, syncopated hi-hats, a heavy 808 bass line, and a recurring synth melody that drives the track forward. Lil Baby employs a conversational, melodic flow with an intricate but not overly complex rhyme scheme, often using couplets and internal rhymes to tell his story. His delivery is laid-back yet confident. In contrast, DaBaby's rhythm is more aggressive and percussive. He uses a staccato flow with sharp, punctuated rhymes that often fall squarely on the beat, emphasizing his punchlines. His verse creates a sense of forward momentum and energy. The rhyme scheme for both artists is largely based on end rhymes, but they also incorporate slant rhymes and assonance to maintain flow and interest. The most significant rhythmic element is the recurring chant of "Baby" in the hook, which acts as a rhythmic and lyrical anchor for the entire song.

"Baby" showcases the distinct yet complementary styles of its two performers, built on a foundation of modern trap music. Musically, the track is driven by a synth-heavy, hard-hitting beat produced by Wheezy, characteristic of the trap genre. The production provides a dynamic backdrop for the rappers' vocal deliveries. Lyrically, both artists employ a narrative voice rooted in their personal experiences, moving from past hardships to present triumphs. Lil Baby utilizes a more melodic flow, rapping from a third-person perspective about his come-up, which contrasts with DaBaby's aggressive, in-your-face delivery. DaBaby's verse is noted for its charismatic and audacious claims, delivered with a punchy rhythm that rides the beat energetically. The song's structure is built around an "infectious hook" that heavily relies on the repetition of the word "baby," making it extremely catchy and memorable. This use of repetition is a key stylistic choice that enhances the song's commercial appeal.

"Baby" made a significant cultural impact upon its release, largely due to the highly anticipated collaboration between two of the hottest rising stars in hip-hop at the time. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at number 11 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was praised by critics, who often highlighted the chemistry between the two artists and specifically lauded DaBaby's energetic verse. The track's music video, with its Scarface theme, also garnered considerable attention, accumulating over 100 million views on YouTube by February 2021. Lil Baby and DaBaby performed the song at the 2019 BET Hip-Hop Awards, where DaBaby also won Best New Artist, solidifying the song's place in the hip-hop zeitgeist of that year. The song's success contributed to the momentum of both artists' careers and is remembered as a key track from the Quality Control: Control the Streets, Volume 2 compilation. Furthermore, Lil Baby's vocals from the chorus were sampled in the 2023 dance track "Baby Again.." by Fred again.., Skrillex, and Four Tet, demonstrating the song's lasting influence.

While not heavily laden with intricate symbolism, "Baby" employs several metaphors and cultural references to underscore its themes of wealth and power.

• The most significant symbolic element is the music video's homage to the film Scarface. By recreating iconic scenes, Lil Baby and DaBaby align themselves with the movie's protagonist, Tony Montana, a character who represents the ultimate rags-to-riches story achieved through illicit and aggressive means. This parallel reinforces their lyrical narratives of overcoming street life to achieve immense success.
• Lil Baby references the late Atlanta rapper Bankroll Fresh, which serves as a tribute and a reminder of the dangers inherent in the street life they've escaped.
• DaBaby's line about shaking the game like "Diddy" is a direct comparison to the music mogul Sean Combs, symbolizing his own ambition and impact as a CEO-like figure in the rap industry.
• The constant references to expensive items like jewelry from Johnny Dang, private planes, and luxury cars serve as straightforward symbols of their wealth and success, a common trope in braggadocio rap.

The most prominent and defining recurring element in the song is the word "Baby." It's used in the title, as the central part of the hook, and is repeated 37 times throughout the track. This repetition serves multiple purposes: it's a clever marketing tool playing on the artists' names, it creates an incredibly catchy and memorable chorus, and it reinforces their brand identity. Beyond the title word, motifs of street credibility and newfound wealth are constant. Lil Baby repeatedly references staying connected to the "project" despite being a "millionaire," a recurring theme in his music that emphasizes authenticity. DaBaby's recurring motifs include his sexual prowess, his readiness for violence ("play with Baby, Baby beat him, cut up"), and his CEO-like status in the rap game. The contrast between their past lives of struggle and their current lives of luxury is a recurring narrative thread woven throughout both of their verses.