Released: 2023
“CBTD” by Chinese Kitty featuring DJ Drama is a braggadocious hip-hop track centered around themes of power, independence, and dealing with the nosiness of others. Kitty exudes confidence and assertiveness, rebuffing critics and flaunting her success and high standards, all while using clever wordplay to address her detractors.
The song kicks off with DJ Drama’s voice setting a theatrical tone with the ad-lib “Dramatic, nigga.” His introduction, typical in hip-hop for building anticipation, emphasizes the importance and drama that surrounds the release of this track. Drama often acts as a hypeman, hyping up listeners with lines like “Coke Boy, baby,” making references to affiliations or aspirations tied to the Cocaine City street brand and the lifestyle it represents.
In the opening verse, Chinese Kitty uses vivid metaphors, equating people trying to exploit her to food being eaten, which signifies their disposability and her ability to conquer obstacles effortlessly. She calls out people who gossip about her private life, dismissing them as irrelevant. Her lines “I got niggas in my business and they ain’t payin’ me nothin'” underscores her distaste for busybodies not contributing to her wealth, which is a prevalent concern among celebrities dealing with unwanted attention.
The recurring theme in the hook reflects on rumors about her romantic life sparked by a simple photo, underscoring how society often sensationalizes minor interactions. Kitty uses the phrase “Call y’all niggas 12 ’cause y’all ship it by the dozen,” with “12” being slang for police, to insinuate that people spreading rumors act like informants, exacerbating her frustrations with their unwarranted meddling.
Throughout the song, Kitty doesn’t just fend off negativity but also highlights her luxurious lifestyle and the influence she wields. In lines like “I’m a big stepper, check getter, fuck better, neck better,” she flaunts her superiority in terms of personal success, sexuality, and attractiveness, elements that define her confidence and power in a competitive industry.
Kitty also underscores her appeal and autonomy through expressions like “I got my foot up on the jet and he gon’ eat it ’til we land,” indicating a life of opulence and pleasure. This isn’t just a testament to her independence but also an unabashed proclamation of sexual freedom, a narrative common among empowered female artists in hip-hop today.
As the song progresses, she remains unbothered by haters and stresses her indifference toward critics who scrutinize her. Her declaration “A bad bitch is not concerned about the shit that you do” indicates her unwavering self-assuredness. By adopting the “bad bitch” persona, Kitty aligns herself with a bold, empowered image of women taking control over their narrative.
A notable line, “I need a rich nigga who gon’ front me all them bills,” paints Kitty as a woman who knows her worth and sets high standards, demanding the best from potential suitors. Her references to designer brands like Giuseppe and Chanel, further underscore the high-maintenance lifestyle she’s come to expect.
DJ Drama, towards the end, reprises his hypeman role, keeping the energy high with mentions of “Gangsta Grillz” and “Coke Boys 6,” effectively linking the track back to broader hip-hop movements and collaborations. This touch keeps the song firmly grounded within its genre while giving nods to loyal fans.
“CBTD” stands as a strong statement by Chinese Kitty. The track’s playful arrogance is amplified by DJ Drama’s presence, reinforcing its theme of defying haters and basking in one’s success and riches. Chinese Kitty portrays a fierce persona that stands against scrutiny while maintaining a luxurious, carefree lifestyle, making “CBTD” a significant entry into her discography.
