Released: 2025
In Playboi Carti’s track “HBA,” we find ourselves enveloped in a haze of luxurious yet turbulent indulgence, portraying themes of fame, self-identity, and defiance. The lyrics swirl around an introspective exploration of his high-flying lifestyle, tainted with a rebellious and carefree attitude, which in turn juxtaposes with his acknowledgment of the darker elements of success and existential realization.
The repeated line “You gotta get high like this” is essentially an invitation into Carti’s world of extravagance and high stakes, both literally and metaphorically. It’s an evocative declaration that getting high – possibly in the sense of experiencing life at its highest peaks – is integral to understanding and partaking in his reality. He intertwines the notion of ‘high’ with both the usage of substances and the euphoria of living on the edge.
When Carti declares, “I’m fuckin’ these bitches, alright, I’m havin’ my way,” he’s signaling his domination over his circumstances, emphasizing the unfiltered, hedonistic aspect of his lifestyle. It’s not just a brag; it’s an assertion of autonomy and a peek into the libertine reality that accompanies his stardom. Meanwhile, the tightness of his fingers and his open eyes are metaphorical, expressing a sense of heightened awareness and grip on his surreal life, despite his seemingly erratic behavior.
The reflection on his youth, where he mentions being “seventeen on the mic,” speaks to the raw ambition and early success in his career, aiming to carve out a unique identity distinct from those like Michael Jackson – a legend. “Tryna be Carti, not Mike” encapsulates a rebellion against traditional pathways and expectations, underscoring a determination to establish a separate legacy. The phrase “I’m a gigolo, ho, I bite” furthers the portrayal of a raw, almost predatory, self-assertive persona.
In Carti’s expression “Some niggas still thinkin’ they faster than me,” he stakes his claim in the hip-hop hierarchy. There’s a layer of disdain towards those who underestimate his speed, skill, or success, concluding bluntly with a stark reminder of their inevitable failure. It reflects a cutthroat nature and dismissiveness towards naysayers, infusing his bravado with an element of fatalism.
Carti doesn’t just dismiss opponents; he does it with nonchalance, claiming he just ‘be pissin.’ It’s a phrase embodying utter disregard for the petty feuds and opposition. The revelation that he’s on others’ moodboards captures his cultural influence – he’s aware that people aspire to emulate his style and demeanor, perhaps with the subtext of saying they follow where he leads.
Buffy the Body, a popular video vixen, serves as a metaphor in his narrative when Carti says, “Buffy the body, my bitch got body.” This alludes to physical allure and a kind of powerful feminine presence, presenting a partner who matches his extravagance. His world, enriched by vivid and extravagant imagery, isn’t just a solitary pursuit but shared with similarly extravagant companions.
“Travel the world” depicts the transient, global lifestyle that Carti leads, perpetually on the move. But there’s a distance there, with the mention of “It’s not my world, it’s Mali world.” Mali, short for ‘molly’ which is slang for the drug MDMA, might hint at his recreational indulgence while on tour, but it also might denote the impermanence and fleeting relationships associated with this lifestyle.
Carti confronts the possibility of conflict with bold, violent imagery: “Put him in a coffin,” underscoring the brutal measures he’ll resort to for resolving disputes. There’s a stark blend of threat and performance in these lines, his braggadocious stance flavored with real menace. The crossing over imagery conveys not only his moves but the very idea of pushing boundaries in his career and life.
Reflecting on fatherhood, “I was 24 when I had lil’ Onyx,” introduces a personal, grounded element in the mix of excess and chaos. Here, Playboi Carti brings a hint of vulnerability and human responsibility, rounding out the image of a man who’s not solely defined by public antics but also by intimate personal milestones. The song culminates with a hopeful note of peace, as he hints at newfound calmness, seeking harmony with “I let the sun lead me home, I let the moon set me up,” portraying an inner quest for balance amidst the madness.
In “HBA,” Carti takes listeners through the kaleidoscope of his life—a blend of revelry, danger, reflection, and the search for meaning amidst the excess. This track becomes more than just a story about a rockstar lifestyle; it becomes a commentary on the hip-hop world, offering both a personal confession and a public statement about his standing and intentions. Playboi Carti encapsulates a unique voice in the modern rap scene, echoing both personal battles and universal themes through a prism of swagger and vulnerability.
