Released: 2021
Pop Smoke’s ‘Run Down,’ featuring OnPointLikeOP and G Herbo, paints a vivid picture of the life in the streets, focusing on themes of violence, pride, and success despite hardships. It taps into the world of hustling, territorial battles, and rising to affluence while holding onto the gritty roots from which these artists emerged. The song blends the fierce bravado typical of drill music with reflections on achieving greater heights in life and career.
The song kicks off with a hype, raw energy that’s hallmark of Pop Smoke’s style. The ‘Woo back, baby, run down, chase ’em’ lines act as a recurring hook that sets the tone of the track. This hook essentially embodies the spirit of aggression and dominance, emphasizing taking charge in the face of adversaries, whether in real-life scenarios or symbolic rivals in the industry.
The term ‘Perky’ is a street slang for Percocet, a prescription painkiller often abused recreationally, adding a layer of edgy bravado to Pop Smoke’s lyrics. By claiming ‘off the Perky, boy, I’m dangerous,’ he’s projecting an image of unpredictability and fearlessness, painting himself as someone you wouldn’t want to mess with.
Riding in the ‘double R,’ referring to a Rolls Royce, symbolizes affluence and the success that comes with hard-earned fame. The imagery of the car ‘look[ing] like a spaceship’ suggests an otherworldly level of wealth and success that once seemed unattainable. This vivid imagery highlights the stark contrast between the luxury lifestyle he now leads and his rough upbringing.
Pop Smoke doesn’t shy away from the realities of street life, alluding to the notorious ‘rakes’ — a symbol of gang affiliation. The act of ‘droppin’ the rakes’ is both a callout and a power move against rivals, showing allegiance to his own crew. There’s a continual cycle of tension, territorialism, and defiance that paints a gritty backdrop against the song’s glamor.
The verse ‘In my Ruth’s Chris from Chick-fil-A’ is a nod to his elevated status. Transitioning from humble meals to high-end dining symbolizes upward mobility, both in lifestyle and status. It’s a reflection on growth, using culinary metaphors to show how far he’s come, ultimately eating at ‘Mastro’s for the steak,’ which denotes another upscale restaurant, solidifying his position in a new social echelon.
G Herbo’s verse keeps the energy amped up, peppering in his own unique flair. Lines like ‘Chain make ’em say “Woo” like Pop Smoke’ pay homage to the track’s primary artist and celebrate the legacy Pop Smoke left behind. It’s a moment that also underlines the unity within their group while making a larger statement on collective power.
There’s a palpable sense of loyalty and fraternity amongst the artists and their affiliations. When the term ‘Woo’ is invoked, it refers to Pop Smoke’s own group, which is integral to his identity. It’s more than just a moniker; it’s a banner under which he operates and protects those around him, with his untimely death giving this element even more poignancy.
Colloquial terms such as ‘opp,’ short for opposition or rival gang member, make frequent appearances. They hint at the ever-present undercurrent of conflict and competition that exists in the urban backdrop they hail from. The vivid portrayals of standing one’s ground are almost militaristic in nature, where every encounter can quickly escalate into a serious showdown.
In the outro, G Herbo brings an image-heavy style that serves to solidify the track’s dominant themes. References to cultural touchstones and real-world elements, such as Amazon Prime for speedy actions, provide a contemporary layer to the dialogue of the streets. This effectively blurs the lines between real-life events and metaphors, emphasizing the pervasive impact of their music and presence.
Ultimately, ‘Run Down’ stands as a testament to the blend of danger and success, struggle and triumph, deeply rooted in the reality of its artists’ backgrounds. It captures the essence of drill music with Pop Smoke’s unmistakable voice carrying the narrative forward. The song continues to remind listeners of the razor-thin line between hustle and the high life, underscoring that, even amidst chaos, resilience leads to transformation.
