Unbothered

“Unbothered” is a quintessential braggadocious anthem where Ski Mask The Slump God celebrates his success, wealth, and carefree attitude. The overarching meaning of the song revolves around a state of being completely unconcerned with negativity, haters, or the consequences of his lavish lifestyle. The title itself is a declaration of his emotional state. Lyrically, the song is a tapestry of witty punchlines, pop culture references, and vivid imagery that all serve to build a persona of untouchable confidence. He boasts about his expensive clothes (“Fendi on my collar”), his wealth (“I’m a real rich prick”), and his sexual prowess. The repeated phrase “They feel me like braille” suggests that his presence and impact are so significant they are palpable. The line “I don’t fuck with 12, ‘cause that is a L” is a common refrain in hip-hop, expressing a distrust and avoidance of the police, where '12' is slang for law enforcement and 'L' signifies a loss. Ultimately, the song is a powerful assertion of self-assurance and a celebration of living life on one's own terms, free from the judgment of others.

The song's narrative is a whirlwind tour through the opulent and audacious lifestyle of the protagonist, Ski Mask The Slump God. He bursts onto the scene with an assertion of his superior style and wealth, metaphorically described as 'big drip'. His attire is high-end, specifically mentioning Fendi, and he unapologetically owns his affluent status. This confidence extends to his interactions with others, effortlessly dismissing detractors. The lyrics are peppered with vivid, often surreal imagery and pop culture references that paint a picture of a life lived without constraints. He compares his expensive shoes to the color of Pickle Rick, a character from the animated show 'Rick and Morty', and visualizes himself running through the city in a toga eating noodles, a bizarre yet powerful image of nonconformity. There's a constant sense of motion and energy, as he describes himself as 'moving like a lick', implying swift and successful maneuvering. This is further emphasized by his boastful claims about his diamonds and his general state of being 'on a roll like a lobster'.

A significant portion of the narrative is dedicated to his romantic and sexual exploits. He describes his partner in explicit terms, using the metaphor of a whale to denote her sexual arousal. This theme of sexual prowess is intertwined with his declarations of wealth and status, suggesting that one is a direct result of the other. The chorus reinforces his unassailable position, where people can 'feel him like braille', indicating his palpable presence and influence. He also touches upon his disdain for law enforcement, referring to them as '12' and stating that any association with them is a 'loss'. This introduces a note of defiance and a glimpse into a worldview shaped by experiences with authority. The second verse continues the barrage of braggadocio and clever wordplay. He references taking someone's partner to a casual dining restaurant like Denny's, a juxtaposition that highlights his nonchalant dominance. The production of the track is even woven into the lyrics with a shoutout to the producer, Kenny Beats. The imagery remains playful and often absurd, such as spanking a woman like a nanny and carrying a pack on him like a fanny pack. The song concludes by reiterating the central themes of being untouchable, wealthy, and sexually desirable, leaving the listener with a powerful impression of a man who is utterly and completely 'unbothered' by the world around him.

“Unbothered” was released on November 30, 2018, as a track on Ski Mask The Slump God's debut studio album, STOKELEY. The album was released through Republic Records and Victor Victor Worldwide. The song was produced by Kenny Beats, a frequent and notable collaborator with Ski Mask. The songwriting credits belong to Ski Mask The Slump God himself, whose real name is Stokeley Goulbourne, and the producer, Kenneth Blume III (Kenny Beats). The track was recorded by Adrian Lau and mixed by Alex Tumay, with Joe LaPorta handling the mastering. While specific anecdotes about the writing or recording process of “Unbothered” are not widely publicized, it is a clear reflection of Ski Mask's signature style at the time – a playful, energetic, and lyrically dense approach to trap music. The album STOKELEY itself was a significant milestone in Ski Mask's career, peaking at number six on the US Billboard 200 chart.

The rhyme scheme in “Unbothered” is intricate and dynamic, showcasing Ski Mask The Slump God's lyrical dexterity. He frequently uses multi-syllabic rhymes and internal rhymes, which create a complex and engaging listening experience. The rhythm of his vocal delivery is a defining feature of the track. He often raps in a fast-paced, almost breathless manner, with his flow weaving in and out of the beat's pocket. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The tempo of the song is upbeat, driving the energetic and confident mood. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is crucial to the song's impact. Ski Mask's vocal patterns sometimes sync perfectly with the beat, while at other times they deliberately push against it, adding a layer of rhythmic tension and release. The chorus features a more structured and repetitive rhyme and rhythm, making it a memorable and catchy hook that contrasts with the more free-flowing verses.

Ski Mask The Slump God is known for his unique and energetic vocal delivery, which is a key stylistic technique in “Unbothered.” His flow is rapid-fire and often off-kilter, creating a sense of playful chaos that matches the song's lyrical content. He employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and consonance, which contribute to the song's rhythmic and memorable quality. The lyrics are packed with clever punchlines and witty wordplay, such as the line “Caution, you might need emergency kit,” which plays on the idea of him being “too much sauce.” Musically, the song is built around a hard-hitting trap beat produced by Kenny Beats, characterized by heavy 808s and a catchy, repetitive melodic element. The production is clean and allows Ski Mask's vocals to be the central focus. The use of ad-libs is another significant stylistic choice, adding to the song's energetic and hype atmosphere. Overall, the combination of Ski Mask's distinctive vocal performance, clever lyricism, and the vibrant production of Kenny Beats results in a song that is both technically impressive and highly entertaining.

“Unbothered” is a standout track from Ski Mask The Slump God’s debut studio album, STOKELEY, which was a commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard 200 chart. The song itself did not chart as a single, but it has remained a fan favorite and is representative of the sound that brought Ski Mask to prominence within the SoundCloud rap scene. The track's playful yet aggressive energy and its clever, pop-culture-laden lyrics have had a notable influence on a subgenre of hip-hop that values wit and technical skill alongside hard-hitting beats. The collaboration with producer Kenny Beats on this track and others on the album helped to solidify both of their reputations in the hip-hop world. While there are no widely known cover versions of “Unbothered,” its memorable lines and energetic beat have made it a popular sound on social media platforms like TikTok. Within Ski Mask's discography, “Unbothered” is a prime example of the unique style and charisma that have earned him a dedicated fanbase and a respected place in contemporary rap.

“Unbothered” is rich with symbolism and metaphors that contribute to its boastful and carefree tone. The central metaphor is the title itself, representing a state of imperviousness to external pressures and negativity. The recurring line “They feel me like braille” is a powerful simile that symbolizes his tangible and undeniable impact and presence. Another significant metaphor is “she wet like a whale,” which, while crude, is a hyperbolic expression of sexual excitement and his desirability. The reference to “12” (police) and associating them with an “L” (loss) symbolizes a rejection of authority and the potential negative consequences of encountering law enforcement. Pop culture references also function as a form of metaphorical shorthand. For instance, comparing his expensive shoes to “Pickle Rick” from the show *Rick and Morty* not only highlights his wealth but also aligns him with the show's chaotic and intelligent humor. The imagery of running through the city “in a toga eating noodles” symbolizes a complete disregard for societal norms and an embrace of his own eccentric and carefree lifestyle. These literary devices work together to create a vivid and multi-layered picture of Ski Mask's persona.

The most prominent recurring phrase in “Unbothered” is the chorus, which features the lines “They feel me like braille” and “She wet like a whale.” The repetition of these phrases reinforces the central themes of the song: his undeniable presence and his sexual magnetism. The line “I don’t fuck with 12, ‘cause that is a L” also appears in the chorus, emphasizing his anti-authoritarian stance. The ad-lib “wet” is used frequently throughout the song, often after a boastful line, to add emphasis and a humorous, almost onomatopoeic effect. The producer tag “Whoa, Kenny” is another recurring element that has become iconic in songs produced by Kenny Beats. While not a lyrical motif from Ski Mask himself, its presence is a significant part of the song's sonic identity. These recurring elements provide structure to the song and make it more memorable, while also continuously reinforcing its core message of unapologetic confidence.