Released: 2018
Label: South Coast Music Group LLC, distributed by Interscope Records
Featuring: Stunna 4 Vegas
“Blank Blank” is the definitive testament of DaBaby’s profound impact on the hip-hop landscape. Dropping in 2018, the raw, unfiltered soul of the Charlotte rapper reverberates across ten tracks, a ruthless inventory of hustles, hard-learned lessons, and the high life. The album, laden with magnanimous strokes of self-assuredness and charismatic storytelling, solidified DaBaby’s status as a force to reckon with in the rap game. From the audacious declaration of the album’s title track to the ruthless self-reflection in “No Tears” and “Milli,” DaBaby navigates the treacherous waters of fame and street life, blending bravado with introspection. Collaborating with Stunna 4 Vegas on “4x,” the album also flaunts the gritty drill aesthetic that marked their rise to dominance. So let’s get into it. From “Next Song” to “Walker Texas Ranger,” here we are breaking down the album “Blank Blank” by “DaBaby”.
1 Next Song
Central to the track is DaBaby’s unapologetic acknowledgment of his past and his unfiltered take on the present—money, fame, and the game’s inherent challenges. One standout line, “Let’s talk ’bout this young nigga that came up from nothing / Now he worth a mu’fucking million,” encapsulates his meteoric rise and undeniable impact on the scene, all delivered with a charismatic flair and infectious beat that has become his trademark.
2 Blank Blank
Marking his territory with the audacious declaration, “That ain’t DaBaby, that’s my baby,” he sets the tone for an anthem that’s all about self-assertion and unshakable self-esteem. DaBaby weaves tales of street life, luxury, and the complexities of relationships with a raw honesty that’s as compelling as it is confrontational. One hard-hitting line encapsulates his fearless approach: “You know I shot your homeboy, Fucked your main bitch, robbed your partner, I did that.” This lyric not only demonstrates his fearlessness in the face of adversity but amplifies the narrative of success against all odds that defines much of his music.
3 21
He marvels at her savagery, juxtaposing her with his other interests, casting a shadow over them with her sheer audacity and appeal. Beyond the bravado and bawdy boasts, there’s an underlying commentary on independence and making it on one’s own terms, highlighted by DaBaby’s refusal to lean on traditional industry supports. It’s a track where swag and self-sufficiency meet, underscored by the assertive line, “Who you know to sign a label deal and still don’t need it?” It encapsulates the essence of DaBaby’s narrative – defiance, dominance, and a dash of introspection.
4 Deserve It
He offers a raw narrative of personal vulnerability, juxtaposed with the cold lessons learned from misplaced trust and generosity. Standing out with its poignant honesty, the line “I should’ve listened up when everybody said, ‘Don’t fuck with everybody’ ‘Cause I gave you my heart, you ain’t deserve it” encapsulates the song’s essence—highlighting the painful realization that not everyone values or respects heartfelt sincerity. DaBaby’s reflections serve as a cautionary tale on the dangers of overextending one’s loyalty, underlined by a gritty beat that further cements the song’s raw, emotive power.
5 4x
Features: Stunna 4 Vegas
They boast about their rise from the streets to the charts, emphasizing their disdain for conventional rules—carrying weapons without licenses and prioritizing loyalty over legality. The line, “I keep a Glock, I ain’t fightin’ you,” speaks volumes of their readiness to defend their status by any means necessary, underlining the ruthlessness that often comes with their territory. This track is a testament to their confidence and dominance in the game, highlighting their journey from obscurity to hip-hop prominence.
6 Milli
Opening up with his ambition locked on making a million, DaBaby recounts a journey that swings from buying bling in Philly to hitting financial lows, all with a sense of unshakable confidence. One standout line, “I went and copped a Cuban from Shyne out in Philly,” encapsulates the grind and the glamour, illustrating his relentless pursuit laced with temporary defeats. The track dives deep into personal anecdotes, showcasing a blend of raw storytelling with a dash of humor, highlighting DaBaby’s knack for painting vivid pictures while keeping his eyes on the prize.
7 No Tears
Balancing between his come-up story and maintaining his grind, he’s unapologetically clear about the sacrifices and the hard-earned lessons along the way. “Wanna cry but ain’t no tears,” he repeats, underscored by his refusal to let pain break his exterior. It’s more than bravado; it’s a declaration of survival, underscoring his journey from hardship to hitting a mill without losing sight of who he is. This line encapsulates the essence of grinding through adversities, embodying the spirit of grit in the face of life’s relentless tests.
8 Best Friend
The track brims with confidence as DaBaby recounts receiving a direct message from the best friend of a rival, a move that is both a power play and a testament to his irresistible allure. Marked by a blend of braggadocio and humor, one standout line shines, “She tried to play hard to get, But I figured her out like a puzzle,” highlighting his assertive, no-nonsense approach to conquests and connections. It’s a potent mix of charisma and candidness, defining the ethos of ‘Blank Blank’.
9 Beeper
Capturing the essence of his grind, with lines like “My trap phone jumpin’ like a beeper, Thumpin’ like a speaker,” he paints a vivid picture of his relentless work ethic and the streetwise savvy that propels him. The song is a testament to his self-assuredness and refusal to conform, highlighted by the boast, “I’m the fuckin’ goat these MFs know it.” Through a blend of braggadocio and raw honesty, DaBaby asserts his dominance in the game, all while navigating the complexities of success and solitude.
10 Walker Texas Ranger
Painting vivid pictures of his hustle, from sticking up rental trucks to rejecting calls from past haters, DaBaby’s flow is relentless. Especially notable is his line, “I’m in the rental truck sticked up like Walker Texas Ranger,” showcasing his readiness for any challenge, paralleling his street smarts with the iconic TV lawman’s resourcefulness. DaBaby doesn’t just navigate the rap game; he maneuvers it with the precision of a seasoned strategist, prioritizing business moves and brushing off distractions with a swagger that’s unmistakably his.
