Released: 2021
Aight, fam, we’re about to dive deep into JPEGMAFIA’s track “HAZARD DUTY PAY!” and let me tell you, this joint is layered like a supreme lasagna. At its core, the song is an introspective examination of JPEGMAFIA’s struggles with success, the authenticity of the hip-hop game, and the personal toll that comes with the territory. It’s about the dangers of the industry, the darkness beneath the shine, and keeping it real when everything else feels fake.
In the first verse, Peggy’s laying down some hard truths. You got cats claiming they know him, but when the night falls — a metaphor for hard times — he questions if they’ll still be around. It’s all about who sticks through the pain, which is a recurring theme in these bars, feel me? When he spits, “Uh, if he fall on that floor, let him go, gone,” he’s saying if someone can’t handle the pressure, they need to bounce, ’cause they ain’t built for this life. That reflection about Champagne staining his heart — that’s the price of indulging in the excesses that come with fame.
He’s coming at the industry next, calling out labels as disposable “burners” and comparing himself to Moses — implying he parts the sea of fakers with his realness. When he says, “Why does your black feel like business to me?” he’s highlighting how the authenticity of black culture is often exploited for profit. “Peggy keep scoring, I feel like the Dream” is both a nod to his success and a slick reference to the basketball legend Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, suggesting he’s dominating the game.
Moving on, JPEGMAFIA ain’t got time for anyone who wasn’t there during the rough patches, and he isn’t afraid to take shots, metaphorically speaking, at the stars. The whole arsenal of “weapons and pussy and cars” is an ironic jab at the stereotypical rapper’s lifestyle. He’s letting the fakes know he sees them biting his style when he mentions, “Now I see my DNA all in y’all beats.”
Peggy then contrasts his genuine hustle with the lack of vision in the game. When he says he’ll die for his pride as opposed to others hiding in gimmicks, he’s stressing the lengths he’ll go for his art, unlike those who rely on superficial tactics. “Glock with a switch, turn a vegan to spinach” — this line’s a cold play on words, implying his lyrics are so hard they could transform even the most peaceful person.
As the song closes, JPEGMAFIA continues the blend of braggadocio and vulnerability. He acknowledges the pain we all feel while pushing the message that it can lead to change. The final hawk-like shout is a unique signature move implying he’s on the lookout, sharp and ready, while demanding respect for his fight in the game.
Throughout “HAZARD DUTY PAY!”, JPEGMAFIA confronts the complexities of his identity as an artist and black man in an industry filled with illusions. It’s a raw take on the push-and-pull between keeping it real and playing the game. The duality of pain both as an obstacle and catalyst for growth resonates deeply, showing us that even in the darkest times, we’re capable of change and resilience. That’s real talk.
