New Freezer (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

“New Freezer” is an unapologetic ode to materialism, success, and the spoils of fame in the modern hip-hop landscape. The central theme revolves around the concept of a “new freezer,” a slang term for new, expensive, diamond-laden jewelry. Rich The Kid explained that the term refers to getting new “ice,” such as a new watch or chain, that is exceptionally shiny and valuable. This metaphor extends throughout the song to represent the “cold” and dazzling nature of their newfound wealth. The lyrics are a celebration of a lavish lifestyle, filled with luxury cars, designer brands (like Audemars Piguet), and the power and attraction that come with financial success. The song's narrative is one of constant upward mobility and indulgence, as depicted through lines about flying on private jets to secure more money. It's a direct and unfiltered expression of bravado and the enjoyment of the fruits of their labor in the music industry.

The song is a bombastic celebration of a lavish and hedonistic lifestyle, centered around the acquisition of wealth, luxury items, and the attention of women. The narrative, primarily driven by Rich The Kid and amplified by Kendrick Lamar, is a vivid portrayal of their opulent reality. It kicks off with the core theme: the idea of a “new freezer,” which is a metaphor for expensive, diamond-encrusted jewelry that is so dazzlingly brilliant it resembles ice. This central image is immediately tied to newfound success and its perks, as the artists boast about attracting women who are captivated by their expensive accessories, like an Audemars Piguet (AP) watch. The lyrics paint a picture of a life in constant motion, jet-setting from one financial gain to another—literally hopping off a jet and immediately securing another check. This relentless pursuit of money is a recurring motif, emphasizing a mindset where wealth accumulation is paramount.

The song delves into specific symbols of this high life. There are references to high-end foreign cars, like a Maserati, and the reckless abandon with which they are enjoyed. The artists also allude to their influence and trendsetting power within the culture, claiming they “put the world on the wave” but remain unconcerned with others copying their style because their financial success sets them apart. Women in the song are often depicted as foreign and exotic, requiring visas, further highlighting the artists' global reach and desirability. These women are portrayed as being enthralled by the rappers' status and wealth, willing to do anything for them. The lyrics are unapologetically explicit in this regard, describing sexual encounters in luxurious settings like movie theaters with reclining seats.

Kendrick Lamar's verse adds another layer of dynamic energy and lyrical complexity. He enters with a powerful and aggressive delivery, matching the song's boastful tone. He visualizes his luxury car with “peanut butter insides” and a “cocaine white” exterior, a striking image of wealth. His verse reinforces the theme of extravagant spending and the surreal nature of their success. He talks about receiving huge advances and contemplates how to even spend such vast amounts of money, humorously mentioning needing to consult with his business-savvy alter ego. His lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and a confident swagger that complements Rich The Kid's straightforward, hook-driven style. Throughout the track, there's a strong sense of invincibility and a carefree attitude fueled by financial freedom. The recurring phrase “don't give a fuck 'cause I'm paid” serves as the song's mantra, encapsulating a belief that their wealth insulates them from criticism and consequences.

The creation of “New Freezer” was a story of spontaneity and a fortuitous meeting. Rich The Kid initially recorded the song at Quad Studios in New York. He was in a session with A$AP Ferg, and after Ferg left, Rich continued working. Producer Ben Jayne, who was also in the studio, played a beat that instantly inspired Rich, who came up with the hook “New freezer! New bitch wanna f—k on my AP!” on the spot. The original version of the song featured verses from A$AP Ferg and MadeinTYO.

The pivotal moment came later at Interscope Studios in Los Angeles, where Rich The Kid was working on his album. His A&R, Manny Smith, introduced him to Kendrick Lamar, who was recording in an adjacent studio. Rich played a couple of tracks for Kendrick, and upon hearing “New Freezer,” Lamar was immediately impressed and asked to be on the song. However, Kendrick had one condition: that it would only be him and Rich The Kid on the final version. Rich, understanding the massive opportunity, agreed. A$AP Ferg was understanding and encouraged Rich to seize the career-changing collaboration. Rich described hearing Kendrick's verse for the first time as a “life-changing” and ecstatic moment, noting how different and aggressive Kendrick's energy was on the track. The song was officially released on September 26, 2017, as the lead single from Rich The Kid's debut album, The World Is Yours.

The rhyme and rhythm of “New Freezer” are characteristic of the trap genre, prioritizing flow and cadence over complex lyrical structures.

• Rhyme Scheme: The song largely employs a free-flowing rhyme scheme with frequent use of couplets and internal rhymes. The focus is less on a strict, predictable pattern and more on how the rhymes sound over the beat. For instance, in the hook, “freezer” rhymes with “eater” and “-seater.”
• Rhythm and Flow: The rhythm is defined by a syncopated, triplet-heavy flow, often associated with Migos and other Atlanta rappers. This creates a bouncy, infectious cadence that rides the beat's hi-hats. Both Rich The Kid and Kendrick Lamar masterfully play with the rhythm, sometimes rapping slightly ahead of or behind the beat to create tension and release.
• Tempo: The song has an upbeat tempo that drives its energetic and celebratory feel, making it suitable for clubs and parties. The rhythmic interplay between the artists' vocal flows and the instrumental creates a compelling and dynamic listening experience.

“New Freezer” employs several stylistic techniques to achieve its energetic and boastful effect.

• Vocal Delivery: The song is characterized by its high-energy, ad-lib-heavy vocal performances. Rich The Kid utilizes a punchy, rhythmic flow that emphasizes the hooks and catchy phrases. Kendrick Lamar contrasts this with a more aggressive and lyrically dense verse, showcasing his versatility with rapid-fire passages and dynamic shifts in tone.
• Repetitive Hooks: The track relies heavily on repetition, particularly in the chorus (“New freezer, new freezer”). This makes the song incredibly catchy and memorable, a key characteristic of successful trap music.
• Minimalist Production: The beat, produced by Ben Jayne, is a prime example of trap minimalism. It's built around a simple, looping guitar melody (an E minor chord progression), sparse but heavy-hitting 808 bass, and crisp, rhythmic hi-hats. This minimalist approach creates a spacious sonic environment that allows the vocals to be the central focus.
• Ad-libs: Both artists make extensive use of ad-libs (e.g., “yuh,” “what,” “skrrt”) to add energy, punctuate their lines, and enhance the rhythmic texture of the track.

“New Freezer” had a significant cultural impact, solidifying Rich The Kid's position in the mainstream and becoming one of his biggest hits. The song's popularity was bolstered by a viral dance trend, the #NewFreezerChallenge, where fans would post videos of themselves dancing to the track. The feature from Kendrick Lamar, one of the most respected artists in hip-hop, gave the song a considerable boost in credibility and reach. It peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. The song was also performed live at the 2018 Brit Awards, in a memorable performance where Kendrick Lamar stood atop a glass box while Rich The Kid smashed a luxury car. “New Freezer” was the lead single for Rich The Kid's successful debut album, The World Is Yours, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The track remains a staple of its era's trap music and is frequently cited as a highlight of Rich The Kid's career.

The song is built around a central metaphor encapsulated in its title, “New Freezer.”

• New Freezer: This is the most significant metaphor, representing new, diamond-encrusted jewelry. The term “ice” is common slang for diamonds, and a “freezer” elevates this to another level, suggesting an abundance of jewelry so brilliant and cold-looking that it's like a freezer. It symbolizes not just wealth, but a level of success that is overwhelmingly ostentatious and “cold” in its brilliance.
• Peanut Butter Insides / Cocaine White Outside: Used by Kendrick Lamar to describe his car, this is a vivid visual metaphor for luxury. “Peanut butter” refers to a tan or brown leather interior, while “cocaine white” describes a pristine white exterior. This imagery creates a powerful and memorable picture of high-end automotive luxury.
• My Bitch Need a Visa: This line serves as a symbol of status and a global lifestyle. By suggesting his romantic partners are foreign and require a visa, Rich The Kid elevates his own desirability, implying he attracts women from all over the world, which is a testament to his fame and wealth.

Several recurring phrases and motifs anchor “New Freezer” and reinforce its central themes.

• “New freezer”: This is the song's primary motif and hook. Its constant repetition drills the central metaphor of icy, expensive jewelry into the listener's mind, making it the undeniable focal point of the track.
• “My bitch need a visa”: This recurring line emphasizes a lifestyle of international appeal and exoticism, serving as a status symbol.
• “I woke up thinkin' 'bout bands / Hop off a jet to a check when I land”: This couplet, or variations of it, appears multiple times, highlighting the artists' relentless pursuit of wealth and a life of constant financial activity.
• Wealth and Luxury Items: Throughout the song, there are recurring mentions of specific luxury goods like Audemars Piguet watches and Maseratis, which function as motifs for success and high status.