Released: 2025
“CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE” is a song that exudes the hedonistic lifestyle associated with fame, money, and power. Featuring artists Playboi Carti, Future, and Travis Scott, the track explores themes of wealth, luxury, and relationships within the music industry. It’s an unapologetic anthem that illustrates the artists’ control over their financial domain and personal relationships.
The hook, dominated by the repetitive chant “Charge them hos a fee,” emphasizes a transactional perspective on relationships. Here, the term ‘hos’ is a derogatory term used for women, and the artists discuss imposing financial expectations in relationships. This can be seen as a metaphor for the commodification of personal connections in the world of excess.
In the opening lines, we hear references to “Wheezy outta here” and “808 Mafia,” signaling the involvement of these well-known producers. They set the tone with their signature sounds, creating a backdrop that complements the lyrics. The use of ‘ski’ is an ad-lib popularized in hip-hop, adding flair and rhythmic enhancement to the track.
Playboi Carti leads the initial verses with references to material wealth, such as the “wide body on the Lambo’ kit.” This line is not only about physical modifications to a luxury car but symbolizes excess and status. Carti juxtaposes this imagery with relationships, hinting at infidelity and a preference for the life of a ‘trapper’ over commitment.
Carti’s lyrics are loaded with hip-hop colloquialisms. When he mentions “rackies,” he’s talking about large amounts of cash, and “trapper” refers to someone involved in drug dealing, further reflecting his priorities and lifestyle choices. The lines “Pimpin’ ain’t dead, they cappin'” address the ongoing practice of exploiting relationships for financial gain, claiming that it’s still prevalent.
Future, in his section, maintains this theme of opulence, highlighting his lavish lifestyle through brand name-drops like Givenchy. The line “He gone off balloon” references getting high on nitrous oxide, which reinforces the escapist nature of his world. “Jumpin’ in Prada” suggests a casual yet luxurious approach to fashion, another emblem of status.
Future’s storytelling involves the model running through his crew, painting a picture of disposability in relationships and excessive partying. The allusion to ‘charging a fee’ reiterates the central theme—everything and everyone has a price in their opulent reality.
Travis Scott’s verse further magnifies this sentiment. Known for his high-energy performances, his lines about spending “12 million on the stage just to rage” reflect his massive success and ability to spend extravagantly. Here, the ‘charge’ is not just a literal financial fee but represents the cost of living a life with unrestrained extravagance.
Travis reinforces the song’s themes by repeating “Charge them hos a fee” and mentions that he’s not concerned with budgeting. Instead, his priorities lie in maintaining the extravagant persona that fans expect, implying that success in the industry necessitates continuous expenditure and consumption.
Overall, “CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE” is a brazen depiction of life at the pinnacle of hip-hop fame. The track echoes a narrative where financial success dominates every aspect of life, often at the expense of meaningful connections. With its driving beat and assertive lyrics, the song acts as both a celebration and critique of this unrestrained lifestyle, illustrating the challenges and freedoms of a life led by money and influence.
