Released: 2025
“PHILLY” by Playboi Carti featuring Travis Scott is an embodiment of hedonistic indulgence, capturing the quintessential lavish lifestyle and materialism that permeates much of hip-hop culture. Through their verses, the artists paint a picture of extravagant possessions, opulent living, and the constant pursuit of pleasure, creating an audio tapestry that’s as rhythmic as it is lavish.
The hook of “PHILLY” kicks off with the repetitive and catchy chant about newness – ‘brand-new ass and brand-new nose,’ setting the tone for the entire song. This repetition emphasizes the obsession with the fresh and novel, both in personal appearance and lifestyle upgrades, a theme deeply entrenched in hip-hop culture. This part of the song doesn’t just repeat; it celebrates transformation, physical alteration, and the hustle that bankrolls it all.
Playboi Carti opens the first verse with descriptions that tie in with wealth and status. Phrases like ‘Lambo’ truck or SRT’ immediately project an image of financial prosperity and power, marking territory in the competitive world of hip-hop. These luxury car references serve not only as a status symbol but as an expression of dominance and superiority within the artist’s realm.
As the verse continues, the vivid imagery unfolds: from red cups to drugs – ‘She off that white, I’m rollin’ green.’ Here, Carti hints at substance use that frequently symbolizes the indulgent lifestyle of fame and the euphoria, and chaos that comes with it. ‘Seeing red’ not only refers to the liquid in his cup but also conveys a heightened, perhaps reckless emotional state.
The collaboration also touches on geographic diversity in lifestyle through references like ‘Philly bitch, keep it a bean’ and ‘Atlanta bitch, a magic sheep.’ ‘Keeping it a bean’ is slang for being honest, while ‘magic sheep’ hints at exotic and magical qualities, aligning with the Southern glam and magic synonymous with Atlanta’s cultural scene.
Travis Scott’s input is synonymous with his artistic style, merging psychedelic imagery with luxurious excess. When he references making hip-hop ‘look like rock,’ it’s an acknowledgment of his unique influence and blending of genres. His mention of turning rocks to snot is a clever wordplay – ‘rock’ being slang for cocaine, showing a raw glimpse into the transformation power and influence within the industry.
Moreover, Travis delivers lines like ‘Blowin’ gas by the crop’ as an allusion to marijuana, presenting a laid-back lifestyle punctuated by intense creativity and production. His mentions of ‘ice’ (jewelry) add layers of wealth display while retaining his image of someone who enjoys life’s opulent aspects to the fullest.
Throughout, there is a brash acknowledgment of crime-infused bravado, with lines about ‘blickies’ (guns) and attempts at taking down rivals (‘placing one in your head’). These lines reinforce a violent streak that occasionally surfaces in hip-hop as an art form, underscoring real-life stakes and dangers.
The chorus repeats and hammers home the song’s fixation with renewal and high-life materialism. As it closes out, the celebratory shout-out to Philly reflects a nod to both personal connections and regional pride. Playboi Carti acknowledges those who represent or support him in Philadelphia, strengthening the narrative of hip-hop’s connected and geographically diverse community.
Overall, “PHILLY” is not just a display of luxury and newness but also a candid depiction of the dichotomy within hip-hop – from flaunting excess and prestige to glimpses of underlying struggles and truths. Playboi Carti and Travis Scott blend these themes seamlessly, crafting a song that captivates with its bold energy and unapologetic display of the life they live and observe.
