Released: 2022 • Features: 21 Savage, Young Nudy
“Umbrella” is a quintessential Metro Boomin production, featuring 21 Savage and Young Nudy delivering hard-hitting verses full of raw aggression and street-smart charisma. The track showcases tales of violence, street cred, and money – hallmarks of trap music.
The chorus, “Wet em’ umbrella (yeah) / Clutching glizzies with the fellas (yeah)…” utilizes the symbol of the umbrella as protection from metaphorical bullets (threats or problems). “Glizzies” is slang for guns, pointing to their readiness to handle any threat or problem that comes their way. The mention of “money” and “violence” going together indicates the often inseparable association between wealth and violence in the streets.
Both 21 Savage and Young Nudy use a mix of braggadocio and dark humor to paint pictures of their rise from rough neighborhoods to the top of the rap game. They discuss controversial topics like gang violence with an unfiltered perspective, reflective of their experiences on the streets. For instance, in lines like “Give me more shooters I need it / Give me mo plates, know we greedy / We catching bodies we feigning / They catching bodies they dreaming,” ‘catching bodies’ is a street term for killing people, indicating their alleged involvement in such activities.
Towards the end, the lyrics turn towards their success and wealth. “Came from the bottom, nigga I done reached a lot of goals / Reach for my chain you get a lot of holes / Big 4L get em gone like adios”, 21 Savage reminisces about his past, celebrates his progress, and warns anyone who might be tempted to cross him. “Big 4L,” an abbreviation for the gang term “4 Life,” denotes loyalty and allegiance to one’s crew or gang. Metro Boomin uses this term in the song to emphasize their strong bond and loyalty to each other.
Throughout the track, 21 Savage’s cold and remorseless lyrics shed light on the stark reality of street life. While Nudy’s flow is more energetic, it matches with the vibe of the song, creating a gritty and uncompromising track that reminds listeners of the harsh realities many people face daily.
Overall, “Umbrella” is a raw and unfiltered depiction of the underbelly of urban life and the resilience it takes to rise from such circumstances. Its theme, reinforced by its haunting beat and uncompromising lyrics, provides a harsh reflection of the struggles faced by those brought up in harsh environments where violence is often the norm.
