Released: 2020
“Back Board” by Lil Keed featuring Gunna is a testament to the lifestyle of luxury, dominance, and street-savvy wisdom. It dives into themes of success, wealth, indulgence, and street credibility, all while interweaving personal encounters and street-hardened trust issues. Throughout the track, both artists articulate a sense of pride and confidence derived from their backgrounds and the lives they currently lead.
The hook sets the tone for the song, with references to women and wealth. Phrases like “Banging her back like a backbone” metaphorically suggest a deep involvement with women, implying intimacy and control. The mention of “racks in the dashboard” indicates a carefree yet rich lifestyle where money is readily accessible. “New window tint, left it fishbowl” describes the style choice of a car’s transparency, keeping the world on show while displaying their wealth openly. It’s an assertion of transparency mixed with opulence, typical of modern hip-hop flair.
Lil Keed kicks off the verse, laying down his street credentials by referencing his ascent in life, “Yes, I graduated from the streets, yeah, I had to go and put my cap on.” This line is an indication of moving past rough beginnings and achieving something significant. It’s also worth noting that “putting my cap on” plays on the idea of a graduation ceremony, equating his life experiences with an academic accomplishment. The sense of ownership and mastery is a recurring motif as he balances relationships with the unpredictability of street life.
When he says “And she calling me daddy when I’m home,” it echoes a sense of control and power within his personal life, projecting an alpha-male image often embraced in the genre. The consistent reference to women accentuates a dominant lifestyle and success. Meanwhile, the constant interplay between wealth and intimacy serves as a reflection of his priorities.
As Gunna steps in, the track’s pace doesn’t drop. Gunna maintains the lyrical cadence, mixing braggadocio with luxury, especially in lines like “I just landed in her city, tell that lil’ ho I’m ready, just come on.” Here, the city reference and instant readiness imply a life lived at jet speed, continually moving from one place to another, reinforcing the fast-paced nature of a high-rolling life.
The reference to designer brands like “Chrome Heart jeans” and desires like “Chanel from the head to the toe” signifies a typical rap trope of measuring success through material goods. Gunna uses this as a symbol of not just wealth, but a fashion-forward image that separates him from others.
One of the more intriguing parts of Gunna’s verse is his casual mention of violence as in “Nigga ever think ’bout playing with Lil Keed, all the slimes know it’s R.I.P.” It’s a vivid reminder of their connection to the streets and readiness to resort to aggressive measures to maintain respect. This street realism grounds their lifestyle narrative amidst the luxury they depict.
The imagery “Got my Chrome Heart jeans on with a pocket rock” not only reflects style but implies readiness for action, the ‘pocket rock’ likely referring to a firearm, maintaining their stance in the face of potential threats.
The use of language like “plotting on taking” and “riding with a pole” alludes to defense mechanisms in place to protect their wealth and lives. This blend of fashion, luxury, and violence isn’t just bravado but is a depiction of their day-to-day realities as portrayed through hip-hop.
In summary, “Back Board” portrays an unapologetic narrative of street evolution, marked by indulgence, romance, and a lingering connection to street life. The imagery used by Lil Keed and Gunna highlights the contrast and convergence between affluence and the origins that shaped them. It’s a deep dive into the world of hip-hop, where life lessons translate into status symbols and trust becomes a guarded privilege.
