Untouchable

"Untouchable" by YoungBoy Never Broke Again is a powerful anthem of triumph over adversity, loyalty, and the celebration of newfound success. Released shortly after he was freed from jail in May 2017, the song serves as a personal testimony to his journey. The lyrical narrative delves into his past struggles, including poverty, hunger, and legal troubles ("Just a few days ago, I was locked up in them chains"). It highlights his perseverance and the intense motivation to succeed for his family, particularly to make up for the pain he caused his mother ("I gotta make up for all them nights that my Momma cried"). The core message revolves around loyalty to his crew ("Never change on my gang, yeah, I'm stuck with my niggas"), emphasizing that his success is a shared victory. The term "untouchable" signifies not just his rise in the music industry but a state of being protected and powerful due to his wealth, success, and the unbreakable bond with his team. It's a declaration that he has overcome the hardships that once confined him and is now in a position of strength and invincibility.

The song chronicles a journey from hardship to triumph, beginning with a reflection on moments of near-surrender. The narrator recalls wanting to give up numerous times but held onto the belief that his moment to shine would arrive. This determination is fueled by a deep desire to vindicate the suffering of his mother, prompting him to put everything on the line. He recounts dropping out of school to chase his dream, a path fraught with challenges that he needed to prove he could overcome. This period was marked by genuine struggle, including nights without food and dealing with insincere people who smiled to his face without understanding his painful experiences. Now, having achieved success, his focus is on his next strategic move. His motivation remains rooted in family, specifically his mother and younger brother, and he feels a responsibility to stay grounded and avoid foolish mistakes. The chorus serves as a powerful declaration of loyalty to his crew. He emphasizes that they started with nothing and rose together, and his bond with them is unbreakable, regardless of right or wrong. This new status of being “untouchable” is a collective achievement, an invitation for his loyal friends to share in the wealth and security he has earned. The transformation in his life is stark. He reminisces about being incarcerated just days prior, contrasting it with his current reality of riding in a Maybach and hearing fans scream his name in public. He expresses gratitude towards his supporters, acknowledging their role in his journey. The lyrics convey a sense of caution, a promise not to jeopardize his newfound success and lose everything again. He dedicates his achievement to his family and fans, asserting that their love and support are what truly matter. The song is a testament to his resilience, a celebration of his rise from the bottom, and a pledge of unwavering allegiance to those who stood by him through it all.

"Untouchable" was released on May 30, 2017, just a week after YoungBoy Never Broke Again (then 17 years old) was released from jail on May 22, 2017. He had been incarcerated for his alleged role in a drive-by shooting and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. The song was the first he released following his six-month prison term. In an interview, YoungBoy stated that "Untouchable" was the last song he recorded before being incarcerated and the first one he recorded upon his release, bridging a pivotal and turbulent period in his life. The track was produced by D. Brooks Exclusive. The accompanying music video, directed by David G, was filmed on the very first day of his freedom. It captures the raw emotion of his release, featuring scenes of him reuniting with family and friends, celebrating at a hotel pool party, and traveling from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. The video famously opens with a FaceTime call from fellow rapper Meek Mill, who advises YoungBoy to leave his hometown of Baton Rouge to avoid further trouble.

The song uses several powerful symbols and metaphors to convey its message:

• "Untouchable": The title itself is the central metaphor, representing a state of invincibility achieved through success and loyalty. It signifies being beyond the reach of past hardships, enemies, and the systemic issues that led to his incarceration. It's a declaration of power and security.
• Chains: The literal chains of incarceration ("Just a few days ago, I was locked up in them chains") symbolize his past struggles and lack of freedom. This is directly contrasted with his new life, representing a complete transformation from confinement to liberation.
• Maybach: The luxury car serves as a potent symbol of his newfound wealth and success. It's a tangible marker of his ascent from poverty ("whole lot of nights I went to sleep and I ain't had no food") to a life of affluence.
• Leaving Baton Rouge: While prompted by Meek Mill's advice in the music video, the idea of leaving his hometown symbolizes a transition from a dangerous, limiting environment to a broader world of opportunity and success, a move from the "gritty hustle to a place of success and fulfillment."

The emotional tone of "Untouchable" is a complex mixture of triumph, relief, and reflection. Having been released from jail just before its creation, the song is imbued with a profound sense of newfound freedom and celebration. There's a palpable joy in the verses describing his success and reunion with loved ones. However, this is underpinned by a deep-seated pain and the memory of hardship. Lines about his mother crying and nights spent hungry infuse the track with a sense of melancholy and the weight of his past. This creates a bittersweet atmosphere; he is celebrating his present success while acknowledging the immense struggle it took to get there. The overall feeling is one of defiant optimism and gratitude—a young man who has been through immense turmoil and is determined to make the most of his second chance, all while staying true to his roots.

"Untouchable" was a significant single in YoungBoy Never Broke Again's career, marking his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 95. It served as the lead single for his popular mixtape AI YoungBoy, which itself was his first project to chart on the Billboard 200. The song solidified his presence in the mainstream hip-hop scene and became a fan favorite, celebrated for its authenticity and triumphant message. The single has been certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its enduring popularity. The music video, with its real-life footage from his first day out of jail, became iconic and has amassed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, contributing significantly to his image as an artist whose music is deeply intertwined with his life. "Untouchable" is often cited as a quintessential YoungBoy track that encapsulates the themes of pain, loyalty, and resilience that define his artistic identity and appeal to his massive, dedicated fanbase.

The song is structured with a consistent, flowing rhythm that aligns with its melodic trap production. YoungBoy employs a conversational and fluid rap flow that rides the beat smoothly. The rhyme scheme is primarily based on couplets (AABB) and near rhymes, which lends a natural, storytelling quality to the verses. For instance, in the opening lines, "times" rhymes with "time," and "cried" rhymes with "line." This straightforward rhyme structure makes the lyrics accessible and impactful. The tempo is moderate, creating a mood that is both reflective and celebratory. The rhythm of his lyrical delivery often syncs directly with the main melodic elements, particularly the piano line, creating a cohesive interplay between the vocals and the instrumental. The chorus features a more rhythmic, chant-like delivery that enhances its anthemic quality, making the phrase "We untouchable" a powerful, recurring hook.

"Untouchable" showcases YoungBoy's signature emotive and raw vocal delivery, which carries the weight of his experiences. Musically, the song is built on a piano-driven, melodic trap beat produced by D. Brooks Exclusive, which provides a somewhat melancholic yet triumphant backdrop for his lyrics. This juxtaposition of a hopeful melody with gritty, autobiographical lyrics is a hallmark of his style. His narrative voice is deeply personal and reflective, drawing the listener into his story of struggle and redemption. Lyrically, he employs direct and earnest storytelling, avoiding overly complex metaphors in favor of straightforward declarations of his reality. The hook is repetitive and anthemic, designed to be memorable and reinforce the central themes of loyalty and invincibility. The vocal performance is notable for its melodic flow, which often blurs the line between rapping and singing, adding to the song's emotional impact.

What is the meaning behind YoungBoy's song 'Untouchable'?

'Untouchable' is about YoungBoy Never Broke Again's triumph over past struggles, including jail time and poverty. It's a celebration of his success, freedom, and an anthem of unwavering loyalty to his friends and family who were with him through difficult times.

When was 'Untouchable' by NBA YoungBoy released?

The song was released on May 30, 2017, shortly after YoungBoy was released from jail. It was the lead single from his 2017 mixtape, 'AI YoungBoy'.

Who produced the song 'Untouchable'?

The track was produced by D. Brooks Exclusive, who created the song's distinctive melodic, piano-led trap beat.

What is the story behind the music video for 'Untouchable'?

The music video for 'Untouchable' was filmed on the first day YoungBoy was released from jail. Directed by David G, it features real footage of him reuniting with his family and friends, and includes a notable FaceTime call with rapper Meek Mill.

What does the line 'I gotta make up for all them nights that my Momma cried' mean?

This line reflects YoungBoy's deep motivation to succeed. It shows his remorse for the pain his past actions and legal troubles caused his mother, and his determination to use his success to provide a better life for her and his family.

How did 'Untouchable' perform on the music charts?

'Untouchable' was YoungBoy Never Broke Again's first song to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 95. It has since been certified double platinum by the RIAA.