First Day Out

First Day Out serves as a classic example of the specific hip-hop subgenre known as the "First Day Out" track. These songs are traditionally released immediately after an artist's release from incarceration to capitalize on the buzz surrounding their freedom and to reassert their relevance in the music scene and the streets.

The explicit meaning revolves around ItzLilDrench's return to society. He wastes no time in re-establishing his presence, flexing his connections, and issuing warnings to "opps" (opposition) who may have prayed for his downfall. The lyrics are a checklist of street priorities: securing weapons for protection and retaliation, reconnecting with his crew, and making money.

Implicitly, the song explores the cycle of the justice system and street life. Instead of rehabilitation, the "box" serves as a pause button; the artist emerges not reformed, but harder and more eager to jump back into the chaotic lifestyle that likely led to his incarceration in the first place. The mention of "switches" and specific violence suggests a refusal to back down, positioning the artist as a fearless figure who accepts the risks of his environment.

The song opens with a declaration of immediate return to the streets, setting a tone of urgency and confrontation. The narrator describes the feeling of being fresh out of "the box" (prison), emphasizing that there is no time for adjustment—only immediate action. He recounts contacting his associates the moment he is free, signaling that his network is still active and loyal.

A significant portion of the verses focuses on rearming and preparing for conflict. The lyrics vividly describe being inside a vehicle equipped with "switches" (modified firearms) and other heavy weaponry, highlighting a readiness for violence against enemies who may have thought he was out of the picture. There is a strong sense of reclaiming territory and status, with the narrator dismissing rivals as "broke" or "scared."

The narrative weaves through themes of loyalty and betrayal, mentioning specific associates like "Lo" who are "locked" in with him. He mocks those who fake their street credibility or rely on "performing" rather than living the lifestyle. The song concludes with a reiteration of his dominance, warning that despite his time away, his capacity for violence and money-making has not diminished, but rather intensified.

First Day Out was released on December 29, 2024 (or late December 2024), distributed by Studio Of Legends in partnership with 10K Projects. The track features the Toronto-based rapper ItzLilDrench. It was recorded as part of Studio Of Legends' "Open Mic" series, which functions similarly to platforms like Colors or Kenny Allstar, providing a stage for rising underground talent to perform high-quality freestyles.

The production credits include Moneydifferent and Studio Of Legends, with engineering, mixing, and mastering handled by Hitman. The song's creation is directly tied to the "First Day Out" trope popularized by artists like Tee Grizzley and Gucci Mane, where the authenticity of the track relies on the artist having recently been released from custody. ItzLilDrench uses this platform to maintain momentum in the competitive Toronto and underground drill scenes.

The song utilizes a AABB and sometimes AAAA mono-rhyme scheme common in Drill music, where the same end-sound is hammered home repeatedly to build tension (e.g., rhyming "shit," "lit," "stick," "lick").

The rhythm is heavily syncopated. ItzLilDrench raps slightly ahead of the beat in some sections to create a sense of urgency, then falls back into the pocket. The meter is not strict; it follows the natural, conversational cadence of a threat or a boast, which enhances the "freestyle" aesthetic of the Open Mic format.

Musical Techniques: The track features a quintessential Drill beat characteristically dark and ominous. It employs sliding 808 basslines, skittering hi-hats, and a sparse melody that leaves room for the vocal performance. The flow is rapid-fire and aggressive, typical of the genre.

Literary Techniques:
- Hyperbole: Exaggerating the violence and the amount of weaponry ("two switches," "bullets going in and out") to build a larger-than-life persona.
- Enjambment: The rapper often runs lines together without pausing at the end of the bar, creating a breathless, urgent feel that mimics the rush of adrenaline upon release.
- Direct Address: The lyrics frequently use "you," directly challenging the listener or specific enemies, making the song feel like a personal confrontation.

While ItzLilDrench is a rising artist, this track contributes to the growing Toronto Drill scene, which often intersects with the styles of Chicago and UK Drill. The song is part of the broader "First Day Out" tradition in hip-hop, a subgenre where artists prove their authenticity by recording immediately after prison release.

By releasing through Studio Of Legends, a platform known for showcasing underground talent, the song helps cement the channel's reputation as a tastemaker for gritty, authentic street music. It highlights the continued relevance of the "Open Mic" format in the digital age for breaking new artists.

The lyrics employ specific street vernacular that serves as both literal description and symbolic imagery:

• The Box: Represents the prison cell or the justice system as a confining container. Breaking out of "the box" symbolizes a rebirth or an unleashing of suppressed energy.
• Switches: Refers to illegal modifications for Glock handguns that make them fully automatic. Symbolically, this represents excessive power and a disregard for the law, emphasizing the artist's danger level.
• EMT / Ambulances: Used as harbingers of violence. The arrival of an EMT isn't a symbol of safety, but a confirmation that the artist has successfully inflicted damage on an enemy.
• The Beach: A metaphor for relaxation or being "outside" and free, contrasted sharply with the "box" he just left.

"First Day Out": While not always repeated as a lyric, the concept frames the entire song. Phrases like "fresh out" and "back at the jail" (referencing the risk of returning) serve as a structural anchor.

"Switches" and "Sticks": The recurring mention of specific firearms acts as a motif for power and protection. It reminds the listener constantly of the potential for violence.

"Opps" / Enemies: The constant reference to anonymous enemies ("he," "they") creates a paranoid, "us-vs-them" atmosphere that drives the song's emotional engine.