Released: 2019
Label: Republic Records
Featuring: Juice WRLD
“We Love You Tecca,” the debut mixtape by Lil Tecca, hit the hip-hop scene in 2019 like a force of nature, propelling the then-17-year-old rapper to immediate stardom. Home to a score of tracks, each seething with vibrant energy and undeniable hooks, Lil Tecca’s defined and daring style solidified his stance as a disruptor in the rap game. From the chart-topping single, “Ransom,” to the introspective “Count Me Out,” Tecca demonstrated versatility and a novel perspective on hip-hop narratives. His collaborative remix featuring Juice WRLD added yet another exhilarating layer to this transformative mixtape.
In this incisive breakdown, we’re delving head-first into the lyrical prowess of Lil Tecca, slicing through rhyme schemes, picking apart metaphors, and dissecting narrative threads stretched across nineteen tracks. We’re peeling back the vibrant exterior of spirited tracks like “Sidenote” and “DUI,” to reveal the beating heart beneath; the tales of ambition, triumph, and tribulation that form the vital essence of Tecca’s artistry. There’s a profound reflection of teenage experience, a glimpse into the mindset of a rising star navigating fame’s tumultuous terrain.
So let’s get into it. From “Ransom” to “Ransom (with Juice WRLD) – Remix,” here are the breaking down the lyrics on ‘We Love You Tecca’ by ‘Lil Tecca.
1. Ransom
The lyrics are a commentary on his quick rise from obscurity to the limelight. With lines like “I know I’m ’bout to blow-oh-whoa-oh, I ain’t dumb. They try to take my flow, I take they – for ransom”, he highlights his awareness of those trying to exploit his success while asserting control. The colour symbolism of “black” and “white” could be seen as a reference to making choices, the juxtaposition of luxury brands indicating his newfound wealth. The “two twin Glocks” and “two twin opps” lines underscore the threats and rivalries inherent in his position. Tecca’s flexing and candid revelations paints a multilayered picture of his new reality in the rap game. On the whole, “Ransom” showcases Lil Tecca’s burgeoning confidence as a young artist navigating the unpredictable rap seas.
2. Shots
The lyrics got this fly connection twixt IRL and URL where Tecca’s ‘shottas’ are the metaphor for his ambition and potential danger that lays posed to those who step to him. He’s ’bout the moolah, but ain’t about the beef, and ain’t afraid to draw boundaries. His savage line, “Married to the money, I can’t cheat with no hoe,” reflects his unwavering dedication to the grind. Internet threats, real-life confrontations, and his constant pursuit of the guap, whether he likes it or not, it’s all part of Tecca’s fast-paced reality. Shot-for-shot, “Shots” fires on all cylinders, embodying Tecca’s signature digital age aggression wrapped around a beat that slaps.
3. Sidenote
His lines, “Ha, fuck your opinion, that’s a side note/Your main bitch, that’s my side ho”, are a clear jab at those who discredit his rising status in the game. Through his words, Tecca paints a vivid picture of his life, the hustle, the focus on his bag, and the determination to rise above the negativity. The track sees Tecca reflecting on those who used to overlook him but now want a piece of his fame and success, asserting his dominance with a dismissive attitude. The lyrics also allude to his unique fashion sense (mixing BAPE with VLONE) and his proficiency in the money game, all signifiers of his status in the hip-hop ecosystem. Despite the in-your-face boasts, “Sidenote” ultimately serves as a reflection on Tecca’s journey and the obstacles he’s overcome.
4. Did It Again
This track is layered with lyrics such as “You steady watchin’ all the winnin’ niggas, you gon’ lose,” using braggadocio as his weapon of choice. He informs those watching from the sidelines that their voyeurism will lead to their downfall, illustrating how sly victory can slip through the hands of naysayers. Not only does Tecca spit a mouthful about his success, but he also paints an image of an enviable lifestyle; jetting to France, cruising in a Benz, and running the game while others snooze. One can’t help but feel the young artist’s impatience for being undervalued when he muses, “I don’t gotta prove.” With “Did It Again,” Tecca delivers not just a strong verse but a message that he’s here to stay, win, and pave his own path in this hip-hop game.
5. Out Of Luck
The teenage phenom maneuvers through the disdain and dismissal thrown his way, laying bare the reality for an internet age rapper. He paints a picture of his rise from obscurity to a lavish lifestyle, underscored by lines like “Wonder why some goofy nigga on the internet richer than them with brace teeth.” The lyric encapsulates the bafflement of his detractors and the silent satisfaction of his success. Tecca drills down on the realness of his grind, his distaste for the club scene, and the fickle nature of relationships when fame is introduced. The refrain of, “Say you want me, then you out of luck, Baby girl, you out of luck” becomes a catchphrase for defining one’s own worth, not letting others dictate your destiny. It’s a bold proclamation, a testament to Tecca’s self-assured mindset, and a genuine reflection of his experiences.
6. Left, Right
He flexes his success with lines like “B.B. Simon on my waist dancin’, yeah, I’m a star.” He’s self-aware, as he acknowledges his rise to stardom hasn’t happened overnight, instead attributing it to his patience and talent. Yet, he maintains his street cred, with references to his early life and environment, reminding listeners of his roots and realness. He also effortlessly incorporates references to pop culture, like Call of Duty, further securing his relatability amongst a younger demographic. The recurrent line “I’m the reason why your nigga left right, he left, right” stands as a testament to his confidence and the effect of his ascendant status in the game. Lil Tecca, through “Left, Right,” vividly paints his reality in a manner that reinforces his aura as the new-age hip-hop phenomenon.
7. Bossanova
The lyrics revolve around the themes of love, betrayal, and affinity for wealth. Evoking his nuanced relationship with women, Tecca alternates between romantically intrigued and bitterly disappointed. There’s a remarkable contrast between his stated need for emotional singlehood and the recurring impacts of infidelity that shatter his trust. This dissonance is captured in his line, “How you say that you love me and fuck on my team?” His other references to wealth show his relentless pursuit of the bag no matter the hurdles. In the line “Put me in Olympics, I run to that sack,” Tecca paints a vivid tableau of his commitment to chasing financial success. Overall, “Bossanova” is a vibrant portrayal of a young rapper’s navigation through love, loyalty, and lucre in the gritty world of hip-hop.
8. Amigo
The lyrics have Tecca spinning lines about his increasing fame and how it’s shifting his relationships, both friend and foe. His unapologetic narrative of success and rejection foreshadows the game’s ruthless nature, capturing the essence of the come-up story with lines like “Remember when I wanna link, they ain’t wanna show up / Funny how they hit my jack, see a nigga blowin’ up.” The sharpness of his lines and the triple-cold lyricism reveal a young rapper unafraid to challenge the status quo in hip-hop, belting out experiences laced with hard-hitting realities. The Queens rapper gives us an audacious bop that finds him at his cocksure best, confidently strutting his credentials and dismissing his doubters.
9. Glo Up
With the repeating refrain, “And it took a lot to glow,” Tecca’s conversing with his own transformation, acknowledging the grueling grind it took to elevate his game. He also highlights the inevitable flip side of success – the dissolution of friendships, signaled by the lines, “I swear, I lost lot of friends (Lot of friends)/I thought they was part of me.” At its core, “Glo Up” is more than just a flex track – it’s a grounded examination of the nuanced realities of fame and success in the rap game. Tecca’s narrative is clear – yes, he’s living the high life, but that glow didn’t come for free, and it certainly wasn’t without its costs.
10. Phenom
The Queens MC uses snappy wordplay to reflect his reality, dealing with fame while maintaining authenticity. In Tecca’s world, the mud is thick, but it’s just another barrier on the road to being a phenom, as he said, “Mud got me feelin’ like a phenom”. He speaks about dealing with gossip-mongers while constantly leveling up in the rap game. He even references his single-minded focus on success, brushing off the haters with the line: “I don’t hear no haters lately ’cause a nigga on top, uh.” “Phenom” is a snapshot of Tecca in his element, flexing his compelling storytelling and staking his claim in hip-hop’s ever-vibrant landscape.
11. Weatherman
The lyrics find Tecca navigating the treacherous terrain of fame, loyalty, and relationships, dropping lines that reveal a profound self-awareness. A line that hits hard, “Bitch, I’m on top, I can’t settle with settlements,” echoes not only his refusal to compromise his position but also speaks volumes about his ambition. The phrase “Get her wet, now I feel like the weatherman” integrates clever humor with self-assurance, demonstrating Tecca’s adeptness at metaphorical lyricism. Meanwhile, “Men in Black so I know I can’t let ’em in” offers a layered reference to the popular sci-fi franchise and reinforces the theme of caution in allowing close associations. Far from being just another teenage rapper, “Weatherman” underscores Lil Tecca’s lyrical prowess and potential longevity in the game.
12. DUI
The Queens-born rapper lays out his rapid rise to stardom amid tales of mischievous exploits. He openly contrasts hedonistic party lifestyle and the darker tangents of fame and peer pressure. The standout line – “Drive off the Wock’, he just caught a DUI” – is a stark reminder of the challenges and pitfalls of the life he’s now navigating as a young, successful artist in the hyper-visible world of rap stardom. “DUI” is a representation of Tecca’s narrative that combines his newfound fame and the vices that come with it. The song captures Tecca’s particular brand of rap, being both a product of hip-hop’s new wave and a unique addition to it through his distinctive lyrical style and storytelling.
13. Love Me
Despite his rise to stardom, Tecca remains relatable through his refreshing honesty and the paradox of wanting love but dodging it due to a self-awareness of his own flaws.
14. Molly Girl
His lyrics are a testament to his prowess as a young lyricist in the game. Tecca’s vivid storylines are reinforced by a hook that narrates a dalliance with a woman named Molly, a presumed metaphor for dealing with addiction, yet maintaining an assertive stance – “Don’t talk to me, You’re not my woman.” The song’s got an addictive beat and a melody that’ll stay with you, but it’s the lyrics that invite you for a second listen, a peek into Tecca’s world.
15. The Score
His lyrical skill shines as he navigates the fickle and often deceptive nature of relationships in the industry, with a recurring theme of authenticity vs pretense. “Only fuck with real niggas, never fake niggas”, Tecca emphasizes, a line that underscores his refusal to engage with anything but authentic connections. He’s aware of the snakes in the grass, those posing as friends but ready to switch up when it serves them. His perspective on romantic relationships isn’t much rosier, painting a damaging picture of betrayal and disloyalty. Despite the potential pitfalls, Tecca asserts his resilience, “I could never fall, but you would never know”, confident that he’ll withstand whatever comes his way. This intense interplay between vulnerability and defiance weaves an intricate narrative throughout the song underpinning the hard realities of Tecca’s world.
16. Senorita
The hook – “Lately niggas been worried ’bout Tecca, nigga” – operates as a boastful anthem, invalidating the detractors questioning his quick ascent. Tecca’s lyrics illustrate his self-belief, and his ability to transform adversity into opportunity. His verse, “I evolve from human to gold, like caterpillar” is a striking analogy and showcases his transformation, further stressing that regardless of the challenges, his evolution is inevitable. Yet he acknowledges the downsides of fame with lines like “They look up to me, I’m only sixteen”, signaling the burden of expectations. With clever wordplay and raw confessions, “Senorita” is an audacious testament to Tecca’s undeniable talent, resilience, and growing influence in the hip-hop quadrant.
17. Count Me Out
Through the chorus and verses, Tecca’s message remains consistent – he’s experienced a shift in both attention and respect since his success. He expresses his disillusionment with fake love, reflected in lines like “I love all my bitches ’cause they love the whole crew” – a nod to those drawn solely to his newfound status. He’s brazen about the materialistic pleasures that come with success but critiques those who doubted him saying, “Niggas used to doubt me every day, that’s why I’m cocky.” It’s a powerfully defiant line, asserting his self-assuredness was born from overcoming those who tried to belittle him. Ultimately, “Count Me Out” is a defiant declaration from Lil Tecca, marking his refusal to be undermined anymore.
18. Ransom – Remix
Features: Juice WRLD
The lyrics are a raw testament to ambition, defiance, and the allure of luxury, underpinned by a narrative of rags-to-riches. Reflecting the paradoxes of newfound fame and fortune, Tecca often switches from detailing his flashy lifestyle to addressing those who didn’t believe in him, as well as the dangers of his past life. A standout line is when Tecca warns his detractors with the heavy-hitting verse, “They try to take my flow, I take they ass for ransom”, asserting his control over his artistic identity and success. Meanwhile, Juice WRLD delivers darkly nihilistic bars that add depth to the track, reinforcing its overall vibe of triumph tinged with an undercurrent of danger and loss.
