Released: 2015
“R.I.C.O.” by Meek Mill featuring Drake delves into themes of success, loyalty, and the consequences of illegal activities. The song is named after the RICO Act, a federal law targeting organized crime and racketeering. The artists weave their personal triumphs and adversities with a cautionary narrative about staying within the legal boundaries, highlighting the precariousness of their high-profile lives.
The song begins with Drake establishing a tone of confidence and luxury. When he mentions, “Views,” he’s referencing his 2016 album, which further reflects his consistent focus on achievement and success. As he progresses into his verse, he acknowledges a shift from old habits to new opportunities, suggesting a continuous balance between past and present influences in his life. Drake boasts about the effortless nature of attracting women and success, underlining his stature in the music industry. “Old ways, new women, gotta keep a balance” speaks to the changes in his life due to fame and fortune.
In a clever twist of words, Drake remarks about how often he’s been “counted out,” highlighting the skepticism he faced. Yet now, with wealth so immense, even his accountant struggles to keep up. “Funny how now my accountant is havin’ trouble tryna count it” portrays his monetary success as overwhelming. It juxtaposes his early struggles with his current state, adding depth to his rise to prominence.
He confronts critics and naysayers head-on, acknowledging those who feel entitled to a part of his success with “To the people that think that I owe you shit, Payback’s a bitch and you know that shit.” Here, Drake sets a clear boundary against those expecting favors or feeling slighted, marking a narrative of self-reliance and detachment from negativity. The term “wastemen” refers to people who are perceived as being lazy or unambitious.
Drake proceeds to detail his approach towards loyalty and financial independence, with mentions of his roots and identity, saying “My dad is from Memphis, and I am the king” drawing a comparison to Elvis Presley and asserting his influence and self-proclaimed royalty in the music industry. The mention of Graceland further emphasizes his cultural impact.
As the song transitions into Meek Mill’s verse, it introduces the idea of being on the radar of legal authorities with “We might just get hit with the R.I.C.O.” Meek uses sports metaphors and his connection to his hometown, Philadelphia, represented by “birds like we play for the Eagles,” to emphasize the idea of constantly being on the move and potentially under scrutiny.
Meek’s narrative intertwines themes of achieving dreams and proving doubters wrong, much like Drake’s, when he boasts about earning more in a day than others might in a year, defying teachers who underestimated him. “For my teachers that said I wouldn’t make it here, I spend a day what you make a year” serves as an ultimate rebuttal to doubt and skepticism, showcasing his hard-earned success.
Violence and survival instincts play a central role in Meek’s verse. The reference to “choppers” and “violence” underscores a past fraught with danger and the hustle mentality necessary for survival. However, he also stresses a loyalty to his crew and roots by discussing splitting money “equal” and not “double crossing” his “peoples,” which alludes to a code of honor and fairness.
Meek also touches upon the FBI’s constant surveillance and the pressure that comes with fame, noting “I can hear echoes from feds on this beat from informants,” adding a layer of paranoia and tension that often accompanies high-profile lifestyles in the rap industry. This brings to light the constant scrutiny artists face from authorities and adversaries alike.
In conclusion, “R.I.C.O.” highlights both Drake’s and Meek Mill’s paths to success, painted against the backdrop of challenges, critiques, and potential pitfalls of fame. The RICO law theme is interwoven throughout the song, reminding listeners of the consequences of illegal activities and the importance of staying true to one’s path amidst adversities. It’s a raw testament to their resilience, determination, and awareness of the fine line between triumph and tribulation.
