Released: 2018
“New Hunnids” by Young Scooter, featuring Yung Bans and Gunna, primarily celebrates financial success and the lifestyle it affords. The lyrics convey a sense of wealth, power, and luxury, with references to stacks of money and high-end fashion. There’s an emphasis on the artists’ rise from street hustling to legitimate fame and fortune, marking their transition and the ongoing allure of their lifestyle.
The song’s hook repeatedly focuses on the accumulation of ‘new hundreds,’ which refers to hundred-dollar bills. This recurring theme underscores the notion of having a surplus of cash, particularly fresh, untouched money as opposed to older savings stored away, symbolizing ongoing and ever-increasing wealth. The phrase “count up” further highlights this act of gathering money.
In Young Scooter’s first verse, the narrative begins with a mention of ‘new hundreds’ again, paired with street life symbols like a trap kitchen—a term that references a place where drugs are manufactured or dealt. His lines speak to both the street and luxury lifestyles, balancing the gritty elements of trap culture with the refined image he presents through fashion and material wealth.
“Blue hundreds” are mentioned in conjunction with not being ‘crippin’—a nod to the blue-inked new $100 bills and distinguishing his financial status from gang affiliation (Crips being a predominantly blue-affiliated gang). The extravagant outfit cost indicates affluence, while his constant preparedness (keeping “sticks,” slang for guns, around him) signals a readiness for danger despite his financial success.
As Gunna takes the verse, his lines illustrate the relentless pursuit of wealth with visceral imagery such as fingers hurting from counting money and expensive jewelry that highlights his status. The repeated question “What’s your net worth?” is a taunt to those who doubt his financial prowess, setting up a dichotomy between his riches and the less fortunate.
Young Scooter jumps back in to emphasize the protective and clandestine measures taken in their lifestyle. There’s a significant focus on maintaining wealth (‘I got them new hundreds’), but also a street wisdom of concealing and securing assets (‘Them old ones in the safe’). It alludes to financial intelligence beyond mere spending.
Yung Bans brings a unique style to the song, referencing his roots in the hustle with his contribution to the track. The language switches to one that connotes both his luxurious lifestyle and the shadier side of street deals. His assertiveness (‘broke bitch better flirt’) contrasts sharply with his abundant, ostentatious lifestyle and represents a fearless declaration of his newfound power and respect.
Scooter’s second verse is rich with braggadocio and self-praise. He narrates his costly fashion tastes (‘spent seventy-five hundred for a coat’) while weaving in lines about cutting off those who can’t match his pace (‘I need distance’). These are reflections of his status and ability to navigate through varying social and economic tiers, continuously focusing on the lucrative lifestyle.
Historically, the artists involved are all noted for their storytelling capabilities and often celebrate triumphs over past hardships in their music. Young Scooter, hailing from Atlanta, uses his voice to resonate the aspirational themes and realities of street life and economic ascension. Yung Bans and Gunna complement this narrative by incorporating their stylistic touches, thereby solidifying their positions in hip-hop culture.
“New Hunnids” serves not only as a statement of material wealth but also a metaphorical reflection on growth and security in the face of adversities. The old money stashed safely suggests learned experiences and smart management of resources, hinting at financial prudence while indulging in present success. Ultimately, it’s a tribute to their journey from survival to success, driven by an insatiable quest for prosperity.