Everyday We Lit (feat. PnB Rock)

Everyday We Lit is a quintessential "rag-to-riches" anthem that celebrates the transition from struggle to success. The central theme is not just the acquisition of wealth, but the relief and euphoria that comes with escaping poverty. The phrase "Everyday We Lit" serves as a mantra for this new reality; where life was once a daily battle for survival, it is now a perpetual celebration.

The song emphasizes the concept of being "self-made." PnB Rock's hook repeatedly stresses, "Did it on my own," highlighting the independence and grit required to succeed in the music industry without initial handouts. The lyrics create a sharp dichotomy between the past and the present. The "past" is characterized by being "down" and "broke," creating a feeling of cold isolation. The "present" is defined by warmth, shine (jewelry), and community (the crew being "lit" together).

Implicitly, the song addresses the disconnect between the artist and those who haven't experienced his specific struggle. The repeated line "You can't relate" suggests that this level of celebration is only understood by those who have endured the corresponding level of hardship. It validates the lavish spending (cars, watches) not merely as materialism, but as a necessary proof of survival and victory over the odds.

The song opens with an instantly recognizable, melodic hook delivered by PnB Rock that serves as the track's emotional core. He passionately declares that he rose from absolutely nothing, emphasizing his self-made status. He invites the listener to witness the physical proof of his success—specifically the jewelry on his neck and wrist—while admitting that he never truly expected his life to turn out this lavish. This realization of wealth leads to the titular declaration: now that they are getting rich, every single day is a celebration ("lit").

YFN Lucci follows with verses that detail the specifics of this transformation. He speaks on his ambition to acquire high-end luxury items, specifically mentioning a desire for a Vacheron watch to wear on his arm. He shares intimate moments of triumph, such as counting fifty thousand dollars with his mother, symbolizing that his success is a family victory. He contrasts his current reality of foreign cars and glowing chains with his humble beginnings, urging listeners to look at where he came from to appreciate where he is now.

The lyrics also touch on the isolation that comes with success. Lucci notes that others "can't relate" to his lifestyle or his struggle. There is a recurring reflection on the contrast between the low points—described as being cold and lonely when one is down—and the current high points. The song maintains a defiant tone against doubters, asserting that because they endured the struggle ("the mud"), they have earned the right to celebrate excessively every day.

"Everyday We Lit" was originally released on December 16, 2016, as a single, later serving as the lead track for YFN Lucci's debut EP, Long Live Nut (2017). The song was produced by June James, who provided the upbeat, piano-driven instrumental that perfectly complemented the melodic styles of both artists. The collaboration arose organically; Lucci and PnB Rock were in the studio vibing to beats when they came across James's track. According to Lucci, the chemistry was instant, and they recorded the song swiftly, feeding off each other's energy without overthinking the writing process.

The EP title, Long Live Nut, adds a layer of poignancy to the track's celebration. It is dedicated to Lucci's mentor, Nut, who was killed before seeing Lucci's rise to stardom. Thus, the celebration in "Everyday We Lit" can be seen as living out the dreams that his mentor could not. The song slowly gained traction, eventually becoming a sleeper hit that dominated radio waves well into the summer of 2017.

The song utilizes a straightforward AABB and AAAA rhyme scheme in the hook to maximize catchiness. PnB Rock rhymes "shit" with "wrist," "this," and "lit," creating a repetitive, hypnotic effect that makes the chorus easy to memorize and sing along to. This use of monorhyme is a common pop-rap technique to build an earworm.

Rhythmically, the track is set in 4/4 time with a tempo of approximately 156 BPM (beats per minute), giving it a fast-paced, energetic feel typical of upbeat trap music. The vocals often syncopate against the steady pulse of the piano, creating a bounce that encourages movement. The contrast between the rapid-fire delivery of some verse lines and the elongated notes of the chorus ("Everyday we liiiiiit") provides dynamic variety.

The song creates its infectious vibe through a blend of melodic rap and sing-rap delivery. PnB Rock's contribution on the hook is crucial; his higher-register, auto-tuned crooning creates a soaring, anthem-like quality that contrasts with YFN Lucci's slightly grittier, yet still melodic, verses.

Musically, June James employs a bright, driving piano melody that remains constant throughout the track. This is layered over snappy, energetic trap percussion (hi-hat rolls and 808 bass). The arrangement is relatively sparse, allowing the vocals to take center stage. The technique of call-and-response is implied in the structure, where the hook invites the listener to join in the declaration of being "lit." The flow is relentless but catchy, utilizing a triplet flow (common in modern trap) that propels the song forward.

"Everyday We Lit" became YFN Lucci's signature song and his highest-charting single, peaking at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100. It played a significant role in solidifying his place in the Atlanta hip-hop scene and brought PnB Rock to a wider mainstream audience. The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

Culturally, it became a summer anthem in 2017, widely played in clubs, on radio, and at sporting events. It was notably featured in the season premiere of HBO's Hard Knocks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, underscoring its status as a "hype" song for athletes and competitors. The song's legacy is tied to the era of "melodic trap" that dominated the late 2010s, influencing how artists blended singing and rapping to create radio-friendly street hits.

The lyrics rely heavily on symbols of status to represent internal emotional states:

• "Lit": While superficially meaning intoxicated or partying, in this context, it functions as a metaphor for a state of permanent grace and happiness. It symbolizes the light at the end of the tunnel.
• The Vacheron (Watch): Lucci references wanting a "Vacheron" (often misheard as "Vodka Ron"). This high-end Swiss watch symbolizes the ultimate tier of success—transcending simple wealth to reach elite status.
• "The Mud": A common motif in Southern hip-hop, "the mud" represents the messy, difficult, and impoverished conditions of the streets from which they emerged.
• Cold vs. Hot: The lyrics contrast the "cold" of being broke ("colder than a bear/bitch") with the "heat" or "light" of success. This thermal metaphor underscores the physical comfort that money has brought them.

The phrase "Everyday we lit" is the central motif, repeated incessantly to drill the message of consistent, unwavering success into the listener's mind. It acts as an affirmation.

Another key recurring phrase is "You can't relate." This serves as a boundary line, separating the artists (and their fans who understand the struggle) from outsiders. It reinforces the exclusivity of their experience. The motif of "Check out my..." (neck, wrist) recurs as a directive for the audience to witness the physical evidence of their change in fortune.