Make No Sense
YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Song Information
Song Meaning
"Make No Sense" is a raw and introspective track that explores the dualities of YoungBoy Never Broke Again's life. The song's central theme revolves around the paradoxical nature of his existence: achieving immense financial success while remaining deeply rooted in the dangerous environment of his upbringing. The recurring phrase, "it don't make no sense," highlights the illogical yet real situation of being a millionaire who still frequents and identifies with the 'bricks' or impoverished neighborhoods. The lyrics are a testament to his continued adherence to a 'thug persona' and street credibility despite his fame. YoungBoy also touches upon themes of paranoia, trust issues with those around him, and a fierce loyalty to his crew, often referred to as 'slime.' The song serves as a declaration of his authenticity and a refusal to abandon his roots, no matter how much his circumstances have changed.
Lyrics Analysis
The narrative of the song centers on the artist's reflection of his current status, one of immense wealth and success, juxtaposed with his unyielding connection to his past life on the streets. He begins by comparing himself to the rapper Gucci Mane in 2006, a pivotal year for Gucci Mane who saw a murder charge against him dropped, symbolizing a sense of invincibility and triumph over adversity. This sets the tone for a track that is heavily steeped in bravado and an assertion of dominance. He boasts about his expensive jewelry, equating its value to 'four bricks,' a slang term for kilograms of cocaine, thereby directly linking his newfound legitimate wealth to the illicit economy of his past. This creates a powerful and jarring image, highlighting the paradoxes of his life. The central, recurring phrase, 'it don't make no sense,' encapsulates this contradiction. It is illogical, by societal standards, for a millionaire to remain 'posted in the bricks,' or in the low-income, high-crime neighborhoods where he came from. Yet, for him, this duality is his reality.
Throughout the song, there's a palpable sense of paranoia and a deep-seated distrust of those around him. Success has not brought peace of mind; instead, it has intensified the feeling of being a target. He expresses that he is 'not alright' and views even those close to him as potential enemies who might be plotting against him. This paranoia is a direct consequence of his street upbringing, where survival often depends on a constant state of vigilance. Loyalty is a crucial theme, represented by the slang term 'slime,' which refers to a close friend or comrade. He declares his willingness to 'slide for a slime,' meaning he would retaliate or even commit violence to defend his allies. This is further emphasized by a fatalistic outlook, where he speaks of dying and taking his enemies with him. This 'ride or die' mentality is a cornerstone of the street code he still lives by. The mention of '4KTrey' is a direct reference to his crew, with '4K' being associated with his Never Broke Again label and 'Trey' symbolizing loyalty to his friend, NBA 3Three. The song is a complex self-portrait of a young man navigating the treacherous waters of fame and fortune while remaining tethered to the gritty realities that shaped him. It's a raw and unfiltered look into a life where the lines between the past and present, loyalty and betrayal, and wealth and danger are perpetually blurred.
History of Creation
"Make No Sense" is a song by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, featured on his 2019 mixtape, AI YoungBoy 2. The track was produced by Buddah Bless. The song was officially sent to urban contemporary radio on January 14, 2020, as the third single from the mixtape. Before its official release, YoungBoy had previewed the song on an Instagram story in January 2019, and it was previously known by the title "Tina Turner". The mixtape AI YoungBoy 2, which includes "Make No Sense", became YoungBoy's first project to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The songwriters credited for the track are Kentrell Gaulden (YoungBoy Never Broke Again) and Ty-Ron Douglas (Buddah Bless). The official music video for the song was released on January 13, 2020.
Symbolism and Metaphors
The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that paint a picture of YoungBoy's life and mindset.
- Gucci Mane in 2006: The opening line, "I feel like I'm Gucci Mane in 2006," is a significant reference. In 2006, Gucci Mane had a murder charge dropped, an event that solidified his reputation in the streets. By invoking this, YoungBoy aligns himself with Gucci's narrative of overcoming serious legal troubles and emerging with his credibility enhanced.
- Diamonds and Bricks: YoungBoy raps, "All these diamonds dancing on my f*cking neck cost like four bricks." Here, he directly compares the value of his jewelry to 'bricks' of cocaine, a powerful metaphor that juxtaposes his legitimate success with the illicit drug trade. This serves to underscore the extreme nature of his wealth and his connection to street life.
- 'Slime': The recurring use of the word 'slime' is a slang term for a close friend or compatriot, symbolizing deep loyalty and a familial bond within his circle.
- '4KTrey': This is a reference to his crew, with '4K' representing his Never Broke Again label and 'Trey' signifying loyalty to his associate, NBA 3Three.
Emotional Background
The predominant emotional tone of "Make No Sense" is a mixture of defiance, aggression, and underlying paranoia. The bravado in the lyrics, where YoungBoy boasts about his wealth and toughness, creates a defiant and confident atmosphere. This is musically supported by the hard-hitting trap beat and his energetic vocal performance. However, beneath this surface of confidence, there are clear expressions of paranoia and distrust, as he mentions seeing those around him as potential enemies. This creates a sense of tension and unease, reflecting the constant threat of danger that accompanies his lifestyle. There is also a strong sense of loyalty and brotherhood conveyed through his references to his 'slimes.' Overall, the emotional landscape of the song is complex, portraying a young man who is simultaneously celebrating his success and grappling with the perils and psychological burdens of his past and present reality.
Cultural Influence
"Make No Sense" was a significant track from YoungBoy Never Broke Again's first number-one album, AI YoungBoy 2, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart. The song itself peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA in the United States. It also received a Silver certification in the United Kingdom and a Gold certification in New Zealand. The song's success contributed to solidifying YoungBoy's status as one of the most popular and streamed artists, particularly on platforms like YouTube. The music video for "Make No Sense" garnered significant attention upon its release. The track is often cited as a quintessential YoungBoy song, encapsulating the themes and sound that have defined his career. Its influence is seen in its popularity within the hip-hop community and its frequent mention in discussions about YoungBoy's most impactful work.
Rhyme and Rhythm
"Make No Sense" follows a rhythmic structure typical of the trap genre, characterized by its fast tempo and prominent use of hi-hats and 808 bass. The song's rhythm is driving and energetic, complementing YoungBoy's aggressive vocal delivery. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal but relies heavily on internal and slant rhymes to create a fluid and continuous flow. The lyrical rhythm often plays off the musical rhythm, with YoungBoy's cadence accentuating the beat. The repetition of the hook, with its simple yet effective rhyme, makes it highly memorable and contributes to the song's overall catchy nature. The interplay between his melodic, sometimes sung, delivery and his more straightforward rapping adds a dynamic layer to the song's rhythmic texture.
Stylistic Techniques
"Make No Sense" showcases YoungBoy's signature melodic and aggressive style. Musically, the track is built on a foundation of a strong bassline, clapping drums, and a distinct piano riff, creating a fast-paced tempo that is characteristic of his work. His vocal delivery is energetic and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and authenticity. Lyrically, the song employs a direct and unfiltered narrative voice. The use of slang and street terminology like 'bricks', 'slime', and '4KTrey' grounds the song in a specific cultural context and enhances its realism. The recurring rhetorical statement "it don't make no sense" acts as a literary device to emphasize the central theme of contradiction in his life. The song's structure is relatively formulaic for a trap song, relying on a catchy, repetitive hook and verses that deliver boastful and introspective lines.
Emotions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning behind the song 'Make No Sense'?
The song is about the contradictions in YoungBoy Never Broke Again's life, highlighting his immense wealth and success while still being deeply connected to his dangerous and impoverished roots. The title reflects the illogical nature of being a millionaire who still identifies with the 'bricks' or his old neighborhood.
What does 'I feel like I'm Gucci Mane in 2006' mean?
This line references a time when rapper Gucci Mane had a murder charge against him dropped. YoungBoy uses this to express a feeling of invincibility and having overcome significant obstacles, much like Gucci Mane did in that year.
Who produced 'Make No Sense'?
The song was produced by Buddah Bless, an Atlanta-native producer.
When was 'Make No Sense' released?
The song was part of the album 'AI YoungBoy 2', released on October 11, 2019, and it was sent to radio as a single on January 14, 2020.
What is '4KTrey' that YoungBoy mentions in the song?
‘4KTrey’ is a reference to his crew and label. '4K' is associated with Never Broke Again, and 'Trey' is a symbol of loyalty to his friend, NBA 3Three.
How did 'Make No Sense' perform on the charts?
The song peaked at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.