Released: 2018 • Features: Drake
“Going Bad” is a high-energy track by Meek Mill and Drake celebrating their riches, influence, and clout. They use the song to reflect on their journey from the bottom to the top of the music game, and the challenges that come with staying there. Both artists drop lines about their lifestyle, financial success, and distrust towards those who claim to know them or be on their side while subtly hinting at the struggles they’ve faced.
Drake starts off with a confident declaration of his achievements: “I got more slaps than The Beatles”. In hip-hop vernacular, a ‘slap’ is a hit song, so he’s saying his hit track record could rival legendary bands like The Beatles. The use of “Don Corleone” is a reference to the ‘Godfather’ franchise, positioning himself as a powerful figure in the industry. Both “smokin’ legal” and “Foreign shit runnin’ on diesel, dawg” are nods to Drake’s Canadian roots, where marijuana is legal, and high-end, diesel-run cars are a symbol of wealth.
The line “Don’t just say you’re down, you gotta show me” comes off as a statement about loyalty and the importance of showing action before words. Drake’s line “I ain’t grow up playin’ ball” highlights his unconventional route to fame. He didn’t come up through traditional channels, but he’s here to show how it’s done.
On to Meek’s verse, which is laced with references to wealth, luxury, and status. “I could fit like 80 racks in my Amiris” is a symbol of his success – Amiris being a high-end fashion brand, and ‘racks’ referring to thousands of dollars. When he says “Richard Mille cost a Lambo”, he’s talking about a Richard Mille watch, which can cost as much as a Lamborghini. Moreover, he calls out the fake personas in the music industry with “You ain’t livin’ that shit you say, yeah, we know that’s cap”. Here ‘cap’ is slang for lie.
The chorus, “it’s just a lil’ 10-piece for her”, references both artists’ wealth. A ’10-piece’ could mean dropping a dime or $10k on a lady, just for fun. When Meek says, “still goin’ bad on ’em anyway”, he means he’s still hustling, still flexing on his enemies despite everything he’s achieved.
“Going Bad” is a celebration of two artists at the peak of their game, praising their wins, acknowledging their struggles, and still hungry for more. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, the top might not be as lonely if you have a solid crew and a strong mindset.
