Released: 2017 • Features: Lil Uzi Vert
“Bad and Boujee” by Migos, features Lil Uzi Vert and it is a masterstroke in 21st-century trap music, shedding light on the trio’s rise from obscurity to prominence. This joint is a microcosm of the Migos universe – heavy with Atlanta slang, alluding to their rough beginnings, underpinned by themes of affluence, resilience, and hedonism.
The track’s chorus, delivered by Quavo, relates a tale of overcoming adversity (“We came from nothin’ to somethin’ nigga”) and depicts their new luxe lifestyle; “bad and boujee” refers to a woman who is street-smart (“bad”) and sophisticated (“boujee”), mirroring their journey from the streets to the glitz.
When they’re “cookin’ up dope with an Uzi”, it’s a metaphor for their lethal and aggressive lyrical prowess, not literal criminal activity.
The chorus also showcases their readiness to protect these hard-earned lifestyles — “We got 30’s and 100 rounds too” — a reference to being armed, indicative of the violent reality they emerged from.
Quavo’s verse is slick with street swagger, boasting of his wealth (“rackaids on rackaids”) and his ability to steal your girl, underlining his newfound power and status. When he references Rick the Ruler and the Rollie, he’s bragging about his high-end jewelry, another symbol of wealth. His reference to “dabbin’ on ’em like the usual” hints at the dance craze they popularized; Migos’ cultural influence runs deep.
Offset, too, takes a victory lap of sorts in his verse, detailing high-end possessions (like the Rolls Royce Ghost) to show how far they’ve come. His line, “Courtside with a bad bitch,” reflects their shift from street-corner hustling to court-side hobnobbing.
When he says, “I’m not stupid so I keep the Uzi”, he’s not just flexing gun-talk but emphasizing staying guarded against potential threats in their new lifestyle.
Lil Uzi Vert, in his verse, brings a playful shift to the song with references to his hedonistic lifestyle and stage antics. “Run with the sack, call me Boobie” speaks to hustling, while “When I’m on stage, show me boobies” shows his rockstar persona. He also references social media’s influence on the scene with lines “They bustin’ for Instagram, get your clout up”.
All in all, “Bad and Boujee” serves as a testament to Migos’ transition from the streets to the stardom. Still, it signals they haven’t forgotten their roots and are always prepared for the perils that come along with their newfound positions.
