Released: 2018
Aight, let’s dive into “Pure Cocaine” by Lil Baby, a track that’s a raw reflection of the streets, success, and the hustle. It’s Lil Baby’s lyrical journal of transitioning from the grind of drug dealing to the glittering heights of hip-hop stardom, all while remaining true to his roots. The song’s essence is about the pure hustle – untampered and real, akin to the uncut product in the game.
Opening with “When your wrist like this, you don’t check the forecast / Every day it’s gon’ rain, yeah,” Lil Baby illustrates a lifestyle of wealth so certain, checking whether it’s going to rain or shine is irrelevant. Metaphorically, ‘rain’ here is about the constant flow of money. He flaunts his success, implying that his drug-dealing background (a brick through a brick, referring to moving cocaine) has led to a life where luxury is a constant.
The next lines, “From the streets, but I got a little sense / But I had to go coupe, no brain,” reveal Lil Baby’s self-awareness. He might come from the streets, but he isn’t without wisdom. The “coupe, no brain” bit is a flashy way of saying he’s driving a convertible – a symbol of his success and freedom. However, it also plays into the broader theme of making bold, sometimes reckless decisions, as one might interpret “no brain” to mean. Despite his wealth and status, he promises to stay true to himself and his roots (“Ain’t worried ’bout you, I’ma do what I do / And I do my thing”).
Lil Baby continues to solidify his rags to riches narrative with lines like “Got a quarter million dollars in a book bag / New Era, I’m a dope boy, no cap.” Here, ‘no cap’ serves a dual purpose – affirming his honesty and nodding to his past as a dope boy. The latter verses emphasize how he’s leveraged his craft (rap) to escape the traps of the street life, achieving a level of success where he no longer needs to indulge in illegal activities (“Big dawg status, I ain’t gotta sell drugs”).
By the time the track loops back to its chorus, listeners are fully immersed in Lil Baby’s journey and ethos. The repetition of “When your wrist like this, you don’t check the forecast / Every day it’s gon’ rain, yeah” isn’t just a brag about wealth; it’s a hardened reflection on consistent success and facing life head-on, regardless of the “weather.” It’s pure, just like the cocaine mentioned – unadulterated hustle, success, and authenticity.
So, “Pure Cocaine” ain’t just another trap anthem; it’s Lil Baby’s manifesto. It encapsulates the grind, the decisions made in the face of adversity, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s goals. Through street vernacular and vivid imagery, Lil Baby paints a panorama of his life’s trajectory from the lows of street hustling to the highs of hip-hop royalty. It’s a testament to where he’s from, where he’s at, and, most importantly, the unfiltered reality of his journey.
