Released: 2019 • Features: Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj
In a nutshell, “Hot Girl Summer” by Megan Thee Stallion, featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, is a fierce and unapologetic ode to female empowerment, individuality, and sexual freedom. It’s an anthem for women to unshackle themselves from societal norms, embrace their sexuality, and live their best lives—be their authentic selves, guilt-free.
Megan Thee Stallion kicks off the track by identifying herself and all women with the phrase “real ass bitch give a fuck ’bout a nigga,” which means a genuine, confident woman who doesn’t rely on a man for validation or support. The phrase “it is what it is, that’s a five-star dick” refers to a man who is exceptional in bed, but Megan emphasizes that this doesn’t mean she’ll compromise her independence.
A key phrase is “Hot girl summer so you know she got it lit.” The term “hot girl summer” went viral as a call-to-arms for women to embrace their confidence, and the “lit” refers to the exciting, unbothered lifestyle they should embody. Megan also warns potential suitors that they can’t control her, with lines like “Ain’t no taming me, I love my niggas equally,” emphasizing her non-commitment and equality in her relationships.
Nicki Minaj also raps about her independence and success. “Who a hotter B? Who got a lot of D?” is a testament to her appeal and desirability. Nicki cleverly incorporates wordplay and puns, for instance, “And when we say it’s ‘Hot girl summer’, we ain’t talking ’bout degrees” — a double entendre referring to both the heat of the season and her levels of success.
Throughout the entire song, an overarching theme is the power dynamic between women and men, and the idea of flipping expected gender roles. Megan sings “real ass nigga give a fuck about a bitch” to equate the independence she proclaimed for women, signifying men should also own their worth independently of women. These powerful statements assert a woman’s right to be in control, both in her personal space and in her relationships.
Highly influenced by the crowded summer of 2019, the song sends a powerful message that women can, and should, live their lives on their own terms. The persistent hook— “Hot girl summer so you know she got it lit” — serves as a constant reminder of this liberation anthem’s core message.
