Released: 2023
Kodak Black’s song “Came Thru Flushin'” tells a vivid tale of transformation from having nothing to having wealth and status. It’s a reflection on his rise from hardship, addressing loyalty, fame, and the pressures that come with success. The song is layered with introspective lines about how past struggles shape present circumstances, with a nod to the fast-paced, dangerous life he’s navigated.
The hook, “I came here with nothin’, now, I got that money, now, they know me / Came through flushin’, I put the bustin’ on the Rollie,” immediately sets the tone. It speaks to his transformation, going from poverty to a life of opulence, highlighted by buying a luxury watch, a Rolex, colloquially called “Rollie.” The term “came through flushin'” refers to flaunting or showcasing this newfound success.
In the first verse, Kodak references various aspects of street life and his determination. The line “Them niggas say fuck me, I swear to God that was my whodie” is about betrayal, possibly by those he considered close friends or allies. A “whodie” is a term for a close friend. He continues to express how he’s ready to handle confrontations and conflict, asserting his toughness and readiness for battle with phrases like “These niggas want beef, and I got that heat for whoever want it.” “Heat” is slang for a gun, highlighting the ever-present threat of violence.
Throughout the verse, Kodak mentions substances like “lean,” a codeine-based drink, and “beans,” which typically refer to ecstasy or MDMA, showcasing his coping mechanisms with fame and lifestyle pressures. Lines such as “Stick in my jeans, I’m on a bean” underscore the blend of street life and fame, illustrating a life in flux between his musical career and old habits.
The phrase “Shorty, she nice, but that bitch ain’t right, she fuckin’ got four leg” is a classic depiction of betrayal, possibly by a romantic interest. In slang, “four leg” may imply disloyalty or promiscuity. Here, Kodak is critiquing a woman’s faithfulness, or lack thereof, juxtaposing charm with treachery.
Further into the verse, Kodak raps about his ascension and the consequent challenges with “Pulled up in a Viper, I was on a bike, I was on a go ped.” The transformation from riding bikes and go-peds, cheaper means of transportation, to luxury vehicles like the Dodge Viper reflects his economic climb. He stresses how fame has altered relationships, sometimes for the worse, such as former idols or influences who now regard him differently, seen in the line “Shit turned around, and niggas I use to look up to say they don’t like me no more.”
The song doesn’t shy away from its introspective undercurrents, tackling themes of paranoia and mental health. Kodak’s repetition of “I don’t know what’s wrong with me” throughout suggests a search for understanding his actions and feelings amidst chaos. It reflects a battle with inner demons and the intoxicating allure of substances that seem to compound these struggles.
Kodak further expounds on systemic challenges, saying “The judge throwing numbers he’s giving Boas like it’s rocky”. This line likely comments on the criminal justice system’s harsh sentences. “Boas” here probably refers to excessive time handed out by judges, making a poignant note on racial and systemic biases that disproportionately affect people of color.
As the song closes, there’s an acknowledgment of past hardships in “Came from the struggle where you don’t make it out lightly”. He recognizes the near impossibility of his success given his background, touching on how he’s defied odds. Despite newfound success, the chorus circles back to a place of confusion and survival, maintaining a grounded view amidst wealth and fame.
In conclusion, “Came Thru Flushin'” is a gritty and raw examination of Kodak Black’s journey. It paints a portrait of a man who has achieved much but continues to wrestle with internal and external conflicts. The lyrical content dives deep into issues of loyalty, betrayal, fame, and personal identity, wrapped up in a portrayal of modern-day challenges faced by someone who emerged from adversity to stand at the pinnacle of the hip-hop world. Kodak’s storytelling in this track continues the legacy of hip-hop as a medium for articulating struggle and triumph.
