Released: 2023
“OLD TUNES” by Cochise revolves around themes of self-confidence, material success, and navigating social interactions in the music industry. Through his verses, Cochise blends a sense of braggadocio with introspective moments that reflect his journey from humble beginnings to his current status as a successful artist. The song presents a mosaic of aspirations, experiences, and confrontations with people from his past.
The track begins with the refrain, setting the tone for the entire song. When Cochise states “Yo Cochise, a weh dem a seh?” he uses Jamaican Patois to ask what people are saying, a call-out that hints at dealing with critics or detractors. The use of this specific phrasing might suggest influences from Caribbean culture, perhaps hinting at Cochise’s roots or inspirations.
Cochise’s repeated lines, “Told her I don’t f-” serve to assert his independence, and emphasize his desire to stay focused on his priorities. He wants no part in fighting or dealing with unnecessary drama, as further indicated by “I ain’t with that sauce shit, Tell that boy good night,” effectively dismissing any nonsense that may come his way.
The next part sees Cochise list his ambitions with luxury cars and big aspirations. Lines such as “Might just get the Trackhawk, Might just get the Rover,” express his success and the fruits of his labor. This highlights a classic theme in hip-hop where luxury items become symbols of achievement and hard-earned status. “Might go call the big shots, Might go get a chauffeur,” conveys not just wealth, but a position of influence and autonomy.
Moving on, the lines “Hoes, plenty; Friends, many; Bread, heavy; Benz, Bentley” succinctly capture a world filled with excess and the bountiful life Cochise now leads. It suggests a contrast from his previous circumstances, marked by hardship, as indicated by, “Now they askin’ me for change, but where was you when I had pennies?” The juxtaposition of his past with his present wealth highlights a sense of betrayal or superficial loyalty he faces from others.
“Niggas hate on me all day, but I don’t care ’cause I got hoes,” exemplifies the rapper’s nonchalant attitude towards negativity. Cochise embraces the perks of fame with pride, brushing off criticism. Further, “Like the freezer, I’m bipolar,” adds an unexpected metaphor where Cochise compares his changing circumstances and moods to something erratic, perhaps signaling a reflection on the volatility of fame and emotions.
Cochise’s line “Made my momma rich just off of vocals,” signals a pivotal achievement. It’s a celebration of how far he has come and an ode to fulfilling family dreams. This reveals a personal element, indicating that beneath the surface-level glitz, there’s a deeper, personal success story tied to family aspirations.
As Cochise proceeds with “Off the drink, uh, Drink off the liquor, They know I’m cappin’, I don’t drink, huh,” it suggests a facade of indulgence typical in the music scene. However, he reveals this to be mere posturing, potentially critiquing how artists may adopt false images for public personas, even if it’s not reflective of their real lives.
In the verse “Had to buss out all my Cuban links,” Cochise addresses both style and defense. Busting out jewelry could imply showcasing success but also alludes to standing firm against adversaries in club scenarios. This image of power, “If he try me in this club, he gettin’ beat, oh my God,” emphasizes dominance in his domain, suggesting readiness to confront threats directly.
Closing out with lines about money being his ‘one and only kink,’ Cochise lays bare his relentless pursuit of wealth. The phrase “Shawty spent the night for once, and she got turned thot,” may indicate transient relationships that occur alongside his career’s high-flying lifestyle. Cochise seems to convey an understanding that not all relationships will hold permanence amidst the whirlwind of success.
Overall, “OLD TUNES” stands as a testament to Cochise’s journey and mindset. It combines themes of wealth, growth, and the trials of balancing new-found fame with authentic connections. His reflections point towards the larger narrative in hip-hop of personal evolution against the backdrop of adversity and success, with a particular flair for storytelling unique to Cochise’s artistic identity.
