No Type

"No Type" by Rae Sremmurd is a braggadocious anthem centered on themes of wealth, hedonism, and attraction. The core meaning, as stated in the hook, is "I ain't got no type / Bad bitches is the only thing that I like." As Swae Lee explained, this means they aren't picky about women based on race or specific physical features; their only criterion is that the woman is a "bad bitch," which he defines as a general trait of being fine or attractive. The song essentially redefines the idea of a "type" from a set of physical attributes to a category of overall appeal and confidence. Beyond this, the song is a celebration of the duo's newfound success and financial freedom. Lyrics like "I ain't check the price / I make my own money so I spend it how I like" showcase a carefree attitude towards money, using it as a tool to enable their party-centric lifestyle. It's a declaration of living life unapologetically, rejecting societal norms and expectations, as emphasized by the line, "And let my momma tell it, nigga, I ain't living right."

The song's narrative is a straightforward and unapologetic celebration of a hedonistic lifestyle, financial success, and a particular preference in romantic partners. The artists, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, declare that they don't adhere to a specific "type" when it comes to women. However, this is immediately clarified with the assertion that "bad bitches is the only thing that I like." This paradoxical statement suggests that their "type" isn't defined by conventional categories like race or physical build, but rather by a certain quality of attractiveness and confidence, which they label as "bad bitch."

Throughout the song, they paint a picture of their life, which revolves around constant partying ("cups with the ice and we do this every night"), reckless spending, and an overflow of wealth. They boast about not needing to check the price of items because they make their own money and can spend it however they please. This financial freedom is a cornerstone of their identity and lifestyle, enabling their carefree existence. The lyrics are filled with imagery of luxury and extravagance, such as chopping the top off a Porsche, which is metaphorically described as a "headless horse," and wearing multiple chains.

The duo contrasts their vibrant, successful life with those they perceive as having "no life" or those who pretend to be successful ("flex"). They question the authenticity of others who try to portray a lavish lifestyle without the means to back it up. The rappers highlight their own authenticity by mentioning their access to models who are eager to be with them, referencing a desire to live a bachelor lifestyle like a celebrity. Slim Jxmmi's verse reinforces these themes, emphasizing a life of sinning every night, push-start cars, and unlimited spending by simply swiping a card. He echoes the sentiment of not having a type, stating he just likes what he likes and doesn't second-guess his desires. The overall message is one of ultimate self-confidence, living life on one's own terms, fueled by success and an attraction to a specific kind of confident, attractive woman, which to them, transcends typical classifications.

"No Type" was released on September 15, 2014, as the second single from Rae Sremmurd's debut album, SremmLife. The song was recorded in 2014 at Ear Druma Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The track was primarily produced by hitmaker Mike WiLL Made-It, with co-production credits going to one-half of the duo, Swae Lee. The songwriting credits belong to both members of Rae Sremmurd, Aaquil "Slim Jxmmi" Brown and Khalif "Swae Lee" Brown, along with Michael "Mike WiLL Made-It" Williams II. Swae Lee reportedly created the initial beat. The song came about simply from Swae Lee's perspective of liking "all the pretty girls" and not wanting to break any hearts by having a specific type. The duo was signed to Mike WiLL Made-It's label, EarDrummers Entertainment (Rae Sremmurd is "Ear Drummers" spelled backward), and "No Type" followed their breakout hit "No Flex Zone," solidifying their arrival in the mainstream. The track's success was significant, becoming a cultural touchstone of 2014 and helping to establish the duo's fun-loving, party-centric musical style.

The song's structure relies on a simple and highly effective rhyme scheme, primarily built around couplets (AA, BB) in the verses and the chorus, which enhances its catchy, sing-along quality. The chorus uses a consistent AABB rhyme scheme: "I ain't got no type (A) / Bad bitches is the only thing that I like (A) / You ain't got no life (B) / Cups with the ice and we do this every night (B)." This straightforward structure makes the hook incredibly memorable. The verses also follow a similar, easy-to-follow pattern, focusing on maintaining flow and energy rather than complex lyrical structures. Rhythmically, the song is built on a syncopated trap beat with a moderate tempo, perfect for clubs and parties. Swae Lee's melodic hook flows smoothly over the beat, while Slim Jxmmi's more percussive, staccato delivery in his verse adds rhythmic variation and intensity. The interplay between their vocal rhythms and the instrumental creates the song's signature bouncy, energetic feel.

"No Type" is defined by its minimalist trap production and the distinct vocal deliveries of Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi.

• Musical Style: The beat, crafted by Mike WiLL Made-It and Swae Lee, is sparse yet bouncy, a hallmark of mid-2010s Atlanta trap. It features a simple, hypnotic melody over deep 808 bass, creating an infectious and danceable foundation. The song is in the key of D Minor.
• Vocal Delivery: Swae Lee's contribution is melodic and sing-songy, delivering the incredibly catchy hook that became the song's signature. His higher-pitched, smooth vocals contrast with Slim Jxmmi's more aggressive, energetic, and shout-like ad-libs and verse, creating a dynamic interplay that defined Rae Sremmurd's sound.
• Lyrical Style: The lyrics are characterized by simple, direct, and braggadocious language. They use straightforward similes like "Extendo long as an extension cord" which, while not complex, are memorable and fit the song's playful tone. The use of ad-libs ("Woo," "Yah") throughout the track adds to the energetic, party-like atmosphere.

"No Type" was a massive commercial success and had a significant cultural impact. It peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 2 on the US Hot Rap Songs chart. The song has been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA, signifying immense popularity and sales. Along with their debut single "No Flex Zone," "No Type" established Rae Sremmurd as major stars in the hip-hop world, known for their fun, energetic party anthems. The music video, which features the duo partying on a beach, has amassed over 900 million views on YouTube, further highlighting its widespread reach. The song became a staple at parties and clubs throughout 2014 and 2015 and was emblematic of a fun, carefree era in hip-hop. Its influence extended to other media, being featured in the TV series Black-ish and the film American Honey. Its success helped launch their debut album SremmLife to a top 5 debut on the Billboard 200.

The lyrics of "No Type" are rich with symbols of wealth and a lavish lifestyle, which function as metaphors for success and status.

• Luxury Cars and Brands: Mentioning a "Porsche" and chopping the top off to create a "headless horse" is a vivid metaphor for extravagant and almost fantastical wealth. It symbolizes a level of success so high it alters reality.
• Money and Spending: The recurring theme of not checking the price and having pockets full of cash ("what you know about a check?") symbolizes financial autonomy and power. It's a direct representation of their success in the music industry, allowing them to live without financial constraints.
• "Bad Bitches": This term itself becomes a symbol. It represents the ultimate reward for their success, a trophy that confirms their status. The rejection of a "type" in favor of this single category suggests that attractiveness and confidence are the only qualities that matter, aligning with the song's materialistic and status-driven themes.
• Headless Horse: The line "Chop the top off the Porsche, that's a headless horse" is a clever piece of imagery. It combines a modern luxury symbol (a convertible Porsche) with a classic, mythical figure (the Headless Horseman), creating a metaphor for their lifestyle being both modernly luxurious and legendary or out-of-this-world.

The most prominent recurring motif in "No Type" is the hook itself: "I ain't got no type / Bad bitches is the only thing that I like." This phrase is repeated throughout the song, acting as its central thesis and a memorable catchphrase that captured the cultural zeitgeist. Its repetition drills the song's core message of prioritizing attractiveness and a confident demeanor over any other classification. Another recurring idea is the theme of uninhibited spending and wealth, seen in phrases like "I ain't check the price" and the general focus on money. The question "What you know about a check?" serves as a challenge to listeners and critics, reinforcing the motif of financial success as a defining characteristic of their lifestyle. The repetition of these ideas creates a powerful anthem of self-confidence, hedonism, and financial independence.