Released: 2018 • Features: Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert
“Life Goes On” is an introspective track by Lil Baby featuring Gunna and Lil Uzi Vert that dives deep into the artists’ experiences with success, their gritty backgrounds, and the complications of their romantic relationships. It presents a fascinating insider’s view of the fast-paced, high stakes, and emotionally complex world of those who have climbed to the top of the hip-hop industry.
We kick it off with Lil Baby’s verses, a vivid representation of his life in the spotlight. When he raps about the “Trackhawk Jeep” going “too fast” without a “seatbelt,” he’s metaphorically addressing the whirlwind nature of fame, advancing too quickly to brace for what’s ahead. Lil Baby also touches on his wealth, as seen in lines like “Lamborghini, I don’t want no Porsches” and “One more year, I’ma make it to Forbes’ List.” Yet, he remains grounded in his roots, shown by “They love me in the Bay like E-40,” a nod to revered Bay Area rapper, E-40.
The chorus feels like a raw confession of Lil Baby’s struggles with romance amidst his growing fame. The constant touring and temptation make it challenging for him to be faithful or settle down. “I know these niggas’d be happy if I let you go” suggests the artist is aware of his competition waiting to swoop in, adding another dimension to the pressures of his lifestyle.
Gunna’s verse then smoothens out the track with his flow. The “Yellow AP on all of my hoes” and “ice on my wrist, it was swole,” are testament to his luxurious lifestyle, branded by high-end watches and jewelry. However, like Lil Baby, Gunna’s new reality comes with challenges – “All of these drugs in my body / I gotta pay somebody keep checkin’ my pulse” is a stark confession about the pressures of fame, hinting at substance use to cope.
Finally, Lil Uzi Vert brings his distinct touch to the track. His verse encapsulates his struggles in juggling relationships: “Man this shit crazy, different city with some different hoes.” He also references his success and the peril that comes with it: “They would love me in a casket, I can’t have it.” It’s a striking statement on the reality many successful rappers face, their successes marred by threats to their lives.
In “Life Goes On,” the artists paint a picture of what it’s like to navigate success in the hip-hop industry – the fast cars, the wealth, the women, but also its dark underbelly. It’s a testament to the duality of fame – a life that’s glamorous on the surface but fraught with personal complications beneath.
