Released: 2017
Kodak Black’s “6th Sense” is a braggadocious and introspective track where the rapper juggles his street past, current wealth, and turbulent relationships. The lyrics focus heavily on his quest for money and the constant interplay between financial success and romantic entanglements, all delivered with a nonchalant yet calculated attitude. This song weaves through his complex lifestyle and how he navigates his desires, doubts, and loyalties.
The hook in “6th Sense” repeats a dichotomy of priorities: while the woman desires love and affection, Kodak is clear that his focus is solely on money. This repetition not only emphasizes the transactional nature of relationships in his world but also showcases the disparity between his aspirations and the desires of those around him. By continually affirming “All I want is money, all she want is me,” Kodak lays bare a self-aware acknowledgment of his own perceived selfishness.
Starting with “I’m in London, got my beat from London,” Kodak kicks off with a reference to his international influence and global success. The subsequent lines, “Every time I like a bit’ I find out she a nat / Somebody call the vet, my dog turned out to be a rat,” speak to betrayals and deception in personal relationships, comparing his supposed allies to untrustworthy creatures. This imagery is visceral and reflects his wariness in personal connections.
When Kodak describes himself as a “slick pimp” with a “sixth sense,” he boasts of his streetwise intuition. The clever play on words continues with “Hoe you ain’t a dime, you just six cents,” reducing a woman to mere pocket change while suggesting a keen awareness and dismissive attitude towards her value in his life. The expression cleverly juxtaposes the number six in “sixth sense” and “six cents,” underscoring a sharp, unforgiving judgment.
In one of the verses, Kodak contrasts his lifestyle and relationships with drug references: “I be on them beans, she be on codiene.” Here, ‘beans’ often refer to ecstasy pills, while ‘codeine’ is associated with a prescription pain reliever that’s often misused. These references suggest a hedonistic lifestyle marked by escapism, where he uses substances as a coping mechanism for the pressures and complexities he faces.
The second verse dives deeper into Kodak’s internal conflicts about settling down. “I want to settle down, well maybe I ain’t ready / Bae, I’m living reckless, and I’m thuggin’ heavy.” These lines reveal a sense of instability and the struggle between a yearning for a conventional life and the relentless pull of the streets. Kodak candidly exposes his emotional turbulence and inability to commit fully to a domestic life.
Kodak acknowledges the seductive power of the street life with, “In love with the skreets, and I’m in too deep / I be tryna leave, it keep control of me.” Here, he paints a picture of an inextricable bond with his origins, recognizing how the allure of the streets remains overpowering. His admittance that “It got my heart, got my mind, it got my physique” suggests a comprehensive dominance of this lifestyle over his entire being.
The lyrics also reflect a sense of bravado and streetwise wisdom as Kodak addresses potential exploiters: “I ask God to give me wisdom, help me spot a leech / I be talking money, tell that hoe ‘kapeesh’.” By requesting divine guidance to detect people who may try to use him, Kodak portrays a wary awareness of false friendships and romantic interests. His straightforward, dismissive tone underscores a practical approach to life, keeping personal interests paramount.
Throughout the track, Kodak maintains a self-image of a successful, hardened figure, constantly aware of his journey from past struggles to present affluence: “I’m a seven figure nigga, remember when I had six / Even though I’m rich, can’t forget that I was hitting licks.” These lines serve as a testament to his hustle, detailing a rise from committing petty crimes (‘hitting licks’) to achieving financial stability and success.
Concluding, “6th Sense” illustrates Kodak Black’s ongoing negotiation between his material aspirations and personal entanglements. His reflection on the challenges of trust, love, and loyalty creates a nuanced portrait of a man who, despite having attained wealth, continues to grapple with inner conflicts and the pervasive influence of his past. In doing so, he gives listeners insight into the contradictions and complexities of his world, remaining honest about his motivations and shortcomings.
