Solid (feat. Drake)

"Solid" is a multi-faceted track that primarily explores the themes of loyalty, authenticity, and the fruits of success in the competitive world of hip-hop. The artists, Drake, Gunna, and Young Thug, each deliver verses that reinforce the central idea of being "solid" – unwavering in their principles, true to their crew, and secure in their accomplishments. The song delves into the complexities of relationships, both personal and professional, highlighting the necessity of a trustworthy inner circle to navigate the pressures of fame. It's a celebration of their journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, marked by lyrical references to immense wealth, luxury brands, and an opulent lifestyle. Furthermore, the song touches upon themes of trust and distrust in romantic relationships, with Drake, in particular, rapping about a partner's questionable honesty. Ultimately, "Solid" serves as an anthem of self-assurance and a testament to the artists' dedication to their craft and their commitment to remaining genuine in a world often characterized by superficiality.

The song narrates tales of loyalty, success, and the complexities of relationships from the perspectives of Drake, Gunna, and Young Thug. It opens with Drake seeking refuge and support from a romantic partner in London. He reflects on her past, noting the stark difference between the stories she told him about a former lover and the truth he eventually learned. The immense size of his home is used as a metaphor for the emotional distance he feels. Drake then transitions to his verse, where he details a woman's desire for a dangerous and materialistic lifestyle, wanting a 'demon' and a 'ring'. He acknowledges her value, calling her a 'diamond', but also observes her guarded nature. He boasts about his financial stability and how others change their public image while he remains authentic and powerful, comparing his movements to a military operation.

Gunna's post-chorus reinforces the central theme of being 'solid' – unshakable and loyal. He boasts about his fearlessness, his luxurious Phantom cars, and the strong bonds of his friendships. His verse continues this celebration of success, mentioning his high-end vehicles and the excitement his return to the music scene generates. He speaks of leaving a woman delighted, referencing the luxury brand Chrome Hearts and his 'Midas touch'. He contrasts his crew's genuine success, achieved from humble beginnings, with the envy of others. They enjoy their wealth publicly, shopping in London, fully aware that they are a topic of conversation.

Young Thug closes the track with a powerful verse about his untouchable status and immense wealth. He describes his diamond-encrusted watches and dismisses any threats, stating he can halt his rivals' progress. He boasts of counting millions in cash and having influence over powerful figures. Thug contrasts his significant wealth, mentioning putting 'mac and cheese' (large sums of money) in his pockets and owning a multi-million dollar watch, with the insignificant achievements of his detractors, telling them their 'buzz was too little'. His verse is a final, emphatic statement of dominance and the 'solid' foundation of his success and lifestyle.

"Solid" was released on April 16, 2021, as a track on the Young Stoner Life (YSL) compilation album, Slime Language 2. The song features YSL artists Young Thug and Gunna, along with a prominent feature from Canadian rapper Drake. Interestingly, the song was not originally intended for the YSL project. In an interview, Gunna revealed that Drake had initially sent him the song for his own album, Certified Lover Boy. Due to the postponement of Drake's album, Gunna persuaded him to allow the track to be included on Slime Language 2. Subsequently, Young Thug added his verse to complete the collaboration. This marked the fourth collaboration between Drake and Young Thug. The production of the track is credited to Wheezy, OZ, Foreign Teck, and Elyas. A team of songwriters contributed to the lyrics, including Jeffery Williams (Young Thug), Sergio Kitchens (Gunna), Aubrey Graham (Drake), Ozan Yıldırım (OZ), Wesley Glass (Wheezy), Michael Hernandez (Foreign Teck), and Elias Sticken (Elyas).

"Solid" utilizes a free-flowing rhyme scheme that is characteristic of the trap genre, prioritizing flow and cadence over strict, traditional patterns. The rappers often employ slant rhymes and internal rhymes to create a conversational yet rhythmic effect. For example, in Drake's verse, lines like "I need some head and some moral support from you right away / Since I been makin' donations, see you like United Way" demonstrate this loose rhyming structure. The rhythm is driven by a mid-tempo trap beat with prominent 808s and hi-hats. The vocal deliveries of Drake, Gunna, and Young Thug interact with the instrumental rhythm in unique ways. Drake and Gunna's flows are often more melodic and ride the beat, while Young Thug's delivery is more syncopated and energetic, adding a layer of rhythmic complexity. This interplay between the lyrical and musical rhythms contributes significantly to the song's confident and relaxed vibe.

"Solid" showcases a blend of melodic trap stylings with distinct vocal deliveries from each artist. The song's structure allows each rapper to command a section, creating a dynamic listening experience. Drake opens with his signature melodic flow, which at times emulates Gunna's style, before transitioning into his verse. Gunna follows with a smooth, laid-back delivery that rides the beat effortlessly. Young Thug enters towards the end with a more energetic and eccentric vocal performance, providing a seamless transition. Musically, the track is built on a "chilled-out, melodic" beat, creating a relaxed yet confident atmosphere. Lyrically, the song employs vivid imagery and contemporary slang. The narrative voice shifts between the artists, each offering their perspective on the themes of loyalty and success. The use of ad-libs throughout the track adds to its rhythmic texture and charismatic feel.

"Solid" achieved significant commercial success upon its release, debuting at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number six on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was the highest-charting new entry on the US Rolling Stone Top 100 in its first week, coming in at number three with over 21 million streams. The song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 4, 2021. Critically, "Solid" was well-received, with publications like Billboard calling it a "standout hit" from the Slime Language 2 album. Pitchfork praised the track as being "designed to go off during the summer" and lauded how each rapper commanded their section of the song. The collaboration itself was a significant event in the hip-hop world, bringing together three of the genre's biggest stars. The song further solidified the cultural influence of Young Thug's YSL Records and was a key track in making Slime Language 2 a number-one album on the US Billboard 200.

"Solid" employs a range of symbolism and metaphors to enrich its lyrical themes. Here are some notable examples:

• "Find me somewhere out in London, you know that's the hideaway": London is used here not just as a geographical location but as a symbol of escape and privacy for Drake, a place where he can retreat from the public eye.
• "Since I been makin' donations, see you like United Way": Drake metaphorically compares his generosity towards his romantic interest to the charitable organization United Way, suggesting a one-sided or perhaps insincere relationship dynamic.
• "Walkin' from here to my bedroom, it feel like it's miles away, there's too many rooms": The physical distance within his large house serves as a metaphor for the emotional distance and disconnect he feels in his relationship.
• "She want a demon, yeah": The 'demon' likely refers to the Dodge Demon, a high-performance car, symbolizing a desire for a thrilling, powerful, and perhaps dangerous lifestyle. It can also be interpreted as wanting a man with a certain edge or reputation.
• "The touch is the Midas": Gunna alludes to the mythological King Midas, whose touch turned everything to gold. This metaphor highlights his ability to create success and value in his endeavors.
• "Like Monopoly, goin' broke not an option": This simile compares their financial strategy to the board game Monopoly, emphasizing their mindset of continuous accumulation of wealth and the impossibility of failure.
• "I just put mac and cheese in my pocket": Young Thug uses the slang term "mac and cheese" to refer to a large sum of money, a playful metaphor for his wealth.

The most significant recurring motif in "Solid" is the word "solid" itself and the concept it represents. The post-chorus, delivered by Gunna, emphatically repeats, "all my friendships solid," cementing the central theme of unwavering loyalty and reliability. This idea is reinforced by the song's title and the artists' overall message of authenticity. Another recurring element is the theme of wealth and luxury. Phrases like "big deposits," "whips exotic," and numerous references to high-end brands and expensive items are woven throughout the verses of all three artists. Drake's mention of London as a "hideaway" also appears in both the intro and the chorus, establishing it as a recurring setting and symbol of escape and privacy within the song's narrative. The repetition of these motifs effectively drills the song's core messages of loyalty, success, and opulence into the listener's mind.