Released: 2018 • Features: Drake
Migos’ song “Walk It Talk It,” featuring Drake, is an assertive anthem that unrolls the red carpet for the culture of authenticity and bragging rights in the hip-hop industry. The primary message revolves around the notion of backing up one’s bold claims (to “walk it, like I talk it”), but also delves into themes of wealth, social status, and personal integrity.
The constant repetition of “Walk it, like I talk it” is more than just a catchy hook; it encapsulates the enduring ethos of street credibility in hip-hop. It demands consistency between one’s words (talk it) and actions (walk it). This isn’t just idle boasting – Migos and Drake are asserting their authenticity and challenging others to match their game.
Moving to the verse rapped by Quavo, it’s a showcase of wealth and accomplishment, but also a suggestion of deceit among artists who don’t live the life they rap about. He mentions his ‘Plain Jane’ Rolex, a symbol of understated luxury, contrasting the notion that some artists “buy their fame”. Quavo also references possible backstabbing with “you ain’t straight with the gang”, commenting on disloyalty in the industry.
Drake’s verse then claims he’s above petty beefs and calls out rappers who fabricate their success. He slams them for portraying themselves as living in mansions when their real homes look more like “the trap”. He also invokes the bond he shares with Migos, going back to their early days in the “Versace bando”, a reference to their breakout hit “Versace” and the trap house (bando).
Offset, in his verse, talks about his success and how he’s multiplied his earnings, thus walking his talk. His lines “I put a lab in my loft / She cook up, and jab with the folk” possibly references the cooking of drugs in a lab set up in his loft, taking the audience back to his days dealing drugs before he found fame, thus maintaining his authenticity.
Finally, Takeoff’s verse continues the motif of wealth, success and authenticity, with the line “Walking like I talk a nigga done bought it”, once again reinforcing their commitment to backing up their words with actions. His closing lines “I get a rebound, ain’t talking ’bout Spalding”, cleverly use basketball jargon to indicate his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
In summary, “Walk It Talk It” is a bold declaration of authenticity and a critique of artificiality in the industry. It’s Migos and Drake firmly asserting their position in the hip-hop game while challenging others to back up their words with actions.
