Released: 2024 • Features: Travis Scott
“GET OFF ME” by Kid Cudi, featuring Travis Scott is an assertive anthem that leverages hip-hop’s bravado to express the duo’s elevated status in the music industry and the expectations that come with it. Riding on a musically textured rhythm, the song is a declaration of independence, a victory chant of sorts for those who have risen above criticism and scrutiny.
The intro sets the tone, proferring that their music has changed the world, akin to magic. There’s a mention of ‘Magic City,’ a popular strip club in Atlanta, known for its influence in hip-hop culture. When they say ‘When wizards collide, things get monumental,’ it’s a metaphor for their collaboration, painting a vivid image of their combined impact on rap music.
The lyrics ‘Bet, a nigga cooler than the motherfuckers talkin’, too flossy’ refers to their elevated status and how they’re unbothered by those speaking of them. In the line ‘What it cost? I’m raw,’ Kid Cudi is showing pride in his raw and unfiltered approach to his craft, unconcerned about the cost.
‘Get off me,’ the song’s title and recurring refrain, can be interpreted as a demand for respect or for people to step back and let them do their thing without interference. ‘Livin’ when I’m zooted so often’ is a reference to being high on marijuana, a common theme in their songs, often linked to creativity and introspection.
The second verse by Travis Scott brings in more elements of their lavish lifestyle with lines such as ‘Green like moss, diamonds hit like Voss, okay.’ The repeated line, ‘She know how I’m gettin’ my piece’ suggests he’s protective of his peace of mind, a necessary element to maintain his creativity.
The song’s bridge ‘Nigga (yeah), we all over (huh), Tell your friends we merc arenas’ is a braggadocio statement underscoring their global success, selling out arenas world-wide. ‘In my backyard, build a boardwalk like Kemah’ is a reference to the famous Kemah boardwalk near Houston, Scott’s home city, highlighting the scale of their success.
Ultimately, “GET OFF ME” offers a glimpse into the artist’s world, touching on themes of their success, experiences, and the simultaneous demand for personal space and respect in their elevated status in the hip-hop industry.
