Tommy Lee (feat. Post Malone)

"Tommy Lee" is a celebratory anthem about achieving a lavish and carefree lifestyle, akin to that of a quintessential rockstar. The song's title directly references the Mötley Crüe drummer, Tommy Lee, who is emblematic of a hedonistic, rebellious, and unapologetically wild rockstar persona. Tyla Yaweh explained that he was inspired by Lee's attitude of not caring what others think, stating, "Tommy Lee just doesn't give a fuck and I love that." The core message is one of living life to the fullest, indulging in the fruits of success—such as stretch limousines, designer clothes, and constant parties—and dismissing critics and envious onlookers.

The lyrics serve as a chronicle of their success, contrasting their reality with those who only "talk" about making profits but never do. It's a statement of arrival, where they are no longer just aspiring but are fully immersed in a world of wealth and status. The song also touches on the harder edges of this lifestyle, with references to legal troubles ("My lawyer said we beat the case") and the need for protection ("That 45 will make u invisible"). However, these darker elements are framed as part of the triumphant narrative, obstacles that have been overcome on the path to celebration. Ultimately, the song is an ode to positive energy, success, and the freedom that comes with fame and fortune in the modern music industry.

The song paints a vivid picture of a life defined by opulence, success, and a carefree, rebellious attitude, directly comparing this existence to that of a rockstar. The narrative begins by addressing detractors and those who merely talk about success without achieving it. The protagonist contrasts this by highlighting his own tangible wealth and status, treating romantic partners as options and dismissing anyone who steps out of line. The core of the story is the recurring celebration of the “rockstar” lifestyle, characterized by pulling up in stretch limousines and wearing expensive designer clothing, specifically Chanel (“double C’s on my feet”). To even look at him, he suggests, costs a fee, emphasizing his elevated status.

The narrative delves into specific symbols of this high life. There are mentions of legal victories, with a lawyer confirming they've beaten a case, leading to a life of constant celebration. This success is attributed to patience and divine favor. The lyrics describe indulgent interactions and the business of distributing 'work,' all while accumulating vast amounts of money. A significant part of the story involves a tribute to the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, changing hair color to “Nipsey Blue,” and a warning to rivals that physical altercations will be met with serious consequences, referencing a .45 caliber gun that can make someone “invisible.”

Post Malone's verse continues this narrative of extravagant living and a formidable presence. He arrives with a “drum,” a double entendre referring to both a drum magazine for a firearm and a nod to the song's namesake, Tommy Lee. He boasts a million-dollar watch (“Milli’ on the wrist”) yet claims to wear no other flashy jewelry, suggesting an effortless wealth. He describes a life of constant movement and luxury, hopping off a private plane directly into a high-end car. He references his Bugatti and a Rolls-Royce with privacy curtains, underscoring a life shielded from the public eye. The verse also touches on the hedonistic side of this lifestyle, mentioning running out of substances, constant partying, finishing entire bottles of alcohol, and the chaotic energy of it all. Despite the glamour, there's an underlying acknowledgment of the hardness of this life and a plea not to be saved from it, embracing the wild ride. The story concludes by reinforcing the central theme: a continuous, unapologetic celebration of living like a rockstar, filled with wealth, luxury, and an unbothered attitude towards the jealousy and empty talk of others.

"Tommy Lee" was released on June 12, 2020, as a collaboration between Tyla Yaweh and his friend and mentor, Post Malone. Tyla Yaweh had the song for a while before presenting it to Post Malone while they were on tour together. The recording session was a spontaneous and fun affair, fueled by beers in a studio. Post Malone's verse was reportedly completed in about 30 minutes in a hotel in Washington, D.C.

The track was written by Tyla Yaweh (Tyler Brown) and Post Malone (Austin Post), alongside the producers: Trevon Campbell (XL), RVNES (Jacob Deimler), and Pearl Lion (Jared Scharff). The production features a minimalist trap beat with a distinctive fluttery acoustic guitar figure.

Before the song's official release, Post Malone sent a demo to Tommy Lee himself, who loved it. Lee later clarified that he did not play drums on the original version of the track but was heavily involved in a subsequent rock-oriented remix. This remix, released on July 10, 2020, featured Lee on drums and Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 on guitar and bass, transforming the track into a heavier song. Another remix featuring SAINt JHN was released in August 2020.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Tommy Lee" are central to its trap and pop-rap aesthetic, creating a smooth, flowing, and catchy experience. The song maintains a mid-tempo pace, driven by a classic trap beat with prominent, skittering hi-hats and a deep 808 bass line. This rhythmic foundation provides a consistent and hypnotic pulse for the artists' vocal delivery.

The vocal rhythm is characterized by a melodic cadence that often syncopates with the underlying beat. Both Tyla Yaweh and Post Malone employ a conversational, laid-back flow that effortlessly rides over the instrumental. This style, often referred to as "melodic rap," prioritizes melody and vibe over complex, rigid rhyme schemes.

The rhyme scheme is generally loose and incorporates various types of rhymes to maintain interest:

• Perfect Rhymes: The song uses simple, effective perfect rhymes in its hook, such as "fee" and "feet."
• Slant Rhymes: More frequently, the artists use slant rhymes (or near rhymes) to allow for more lyrical flexibility, such as rhyming "profit" with "option" and "pocket."
• Internal Rhymes: There are instances of internal rhymes within lines that add to the song's lyrical density and flow, enhancing its musicality.

The interplay between the relaxed vocal rhythms and the more rigid, driving beat creates a sense of effortless coolness, perfectly mirroring the song's lyrical themes of a carefree, rockstar lifestyle.

"Tommy Lee" employs a blend of musical and literary techniques typical of the melodic trap and pop-rap subgenres.

Musical Techniques:

• Melodic Rap Flow: Both Tyla Yaweh and Post Malone use a sing-song, melodic delivery that blurs the line between rapping and singing. This makes the track highly catchy and accessible, fitting the pop-rap style.
• Trap Production: The song is built on a foundation of trap music, characterized by propulsive 808 bass, crisp hi-hats, and a relatively minimalist instrumental arrangement that allows the vocals to dominate. The use of a clean, acoustic guitar loop provides a melodic counterpoint to the rhythmic elements.
• Ad-libs and Layered Vocals: Throughout the track, ad-libs are used to add energy and emphasize certain phrases. The vocals are often layered with harmonies and effects like reverb and auto-tune to create a polished, atmospheric sound.

Literary Techniques:

• Repetition and a Strong Hook: The chorus, "I'm livin' life like a rockstar, pullin' up, stretch limousines," is highly repetitive and serves as a powerful, memorable hook that anchors the song's theme.
• Double Entendre: As mentioned in the symbolism section, the line "Pull up with the drum" is a clever double entendre, playing on the meanings of a musical instrument and a firearm magazine.
• Braggadocio: The lyrics are filled with braggadocio, a common rhetorical device in hip-hop where the artists boast about their wealth, success, and prowess. Lines like "To look at me, that cost a fee" and "Milli' on the wrist" are prime examples.

"Tommy Lee" marked a significant moment in Tyla Yaweh's career, becoming his first song to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 65. This achievement brought him to a wider audience, solidifying his status as a rising artist to watch in 2020. The song also received a Platinum certification from the RIAA.

The track garnered considerable media attention due to the collaboration with superstar Post Malone and the unique tribute to the Mötley Crüe drummer. Tommy Lee himself reacted positively, expressing that he was honored by the song and calling it "killer." This led to Lee's direct involvement in a popular remix of the track, where he provided a new drum track, further bridging the worlds of hip-hop and rock. This cross-genre collaboration was a notable cultural moment, highlighting the continued influence of rock aesthetics on contemporary hip-hop.

The music video, shot in a pastoral setting in Utah, features Yaweh and Malone riding ATVs and cruising in a limousine, visually defining a new, more rustic version of the "rockstar lifestyle" for a modern audience. The song was also promoted through partnerships with brands like Monster Energy for virtual concerts, reflecting its relevance during the 2020 pandemic era.

The song is built around the central symbol of Tommy Lee, the Mötley Crüe drummer, who represents the ultimate rockstar lifestyle. This isn't just a name-drop; it's a metaphor for a specific brand of fame characterized by excess, rebellion, and a complete disregard for convention. By invoking his name, Yaweh and Malone align themselves with this legacy of hedonism and success.

• "Pull up with the drum like I'm Tommy Lee": This is a key line with a double meaning. On the surface, it's a direct reference to Tommy Lee as a drummer. However, in modern hip-hop slang, "drum" refers to a high-capacity drum magazine for a firearm. This metaphor connects the rockstar image with a sense of danger and power, suggesting they are as disruptive and impactful as both a drum solo and a weapon.
• Stretch Limousines and Designer Clothes ("Double C's"): These are recurring symbols of wealth and elevated status. The stretch limo is a classic image of rockstar arrival, signifying luxury and importance. The "double C's" explicitly refer to the Chanel logo, a direct symbol of high fashion and financial success.
• Making Someone "Invisible": This is a metaphor for the ultimate consequence of conflict in their world. The line, "That 45 will make u invisible," uses the idea of invisibility to represent death or complete removal from the scene, a stark and dark depiction of the power they wield.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus, which acts as the central thesis: "I'm livin' life like a rockstar, pullin' up, stretch limousines." This line is repeated multiple times, cementing the core theme of celebrating a lavish and successful lifestyle. Its repetition makes it the song's primary hook and an easily memorable chant.

Another key recurring phrase is, "To look at me, that cost a fee / Them double C's all on my feet." This couplet reinforces the motifs of high status and wealth. The idea that one's very appearance carries a price tag is a powerful statement of self-worth and exclusivity, while the "double C's" (Chanel) serve as a constant reminder of the luxury that defines their world.

The name "Tommy Lee" itself is a recurring motif. While only mentioned explicitly a few times in the lyrics, his persona and the lifestyle he represents loom over the entire track, providing the thematic framework. Post Malone's line, "Pull up with the drum like I'm Tommy Lee," directly invokes this motif and is one of the most memorable moments in the song.

Finally, the phrase "You always talkin' about it" is repeated to create a contrast between the artists and their detractors. It serves as a recurring dismissal of those who boast without action, highlighting the authenticity of Yaweh and Malone's success.