Released: 2017
“Condone It” by Drakeo the Ruler featuring G2 is a hip-hop track filled with bravado, warning, and a lifestyle narrative steeped in both luxury and the street hustle. The lyrics offer a window into a life of extravagance balanced by a deep awareness of the inherent dangers, illustrated through powerful imagery and raw confessions.
The recurring hook, “Don’t try to clone us, I don’t condone it,” sets the tone for the song, reinforcing the idea of authenticity and originality in their style and way of life. Drakeo the Ruler warns listeners against attempting to mimic their lifestyle, underscoring the danger and recklessness involved, despite the superficial glamour.
In the opening lines, Drakeo the Ruler expresses a paradox, speaking to God while recognizing his own devilish temptations. The line “Drink so hard, it’s kinda hard to steer the wheel” reflects a lifestyle fueled by indulgence, highlighting the struggles that come with navigating a fast-paced and sometimes out-of-control existence.
As he mentions “Bitch chill, I know they’re behind me,” Drakeo indicates a sense of awareness of being followed, possibly by rivals or law enforcement. This alertness is counterbalanced by the show of wealth when he hangs his wrist out the window, suggesting his diamond-encrusted jewelry shines so brightly it might blind onlookers, literally and figuratively flaunting his success.
Speed is a recurring motif, as evidenced by the lines “I’m goin’ ninety, but we be goin’ to sixty” and “I threw the bitch in sports mode to get me out in a jiffy.” These lines not only illustrate his physical speed but also reflect his fast-paced lifestyle, using luxury car references to signify both urgency and affluence.
When Drakeo raps “Too poured, they say I’m out of control,” he’s alluding to drinking heavily or pouring too much, indicating a wild lifestyle that’s difficult to regulate. Yet, even amidst chaos, he takes pride in the extravagant costs of his possessions, such as a watch or ‘pointer’ that cost thirty thousand, but interestingly “it ain’t even gold,” which speaks to the high-value of less traditional items within hip-hop culture.
The narrative voice shifts slightly with G2’s verse, where he reminisces about his early years in the hustle at fifteen and being influenced by drug lords and prisoners. “Focused, I’m on a mission, I’m only chasing these benjis” reflects a determination to succeed financially, no matter the societal pressures or criminal undertones of his pursuits.
The line “That forty bulging on Timmy, I’m shooting it ’til it’s empty” paints a vivid image of readiness and potential violence, representing protection and power within his environment. This reinforces the seriousness of their claims and lifestyles where weapons are as much a part of the ensemble as the designer clothes and expensive cars.
The recurring theme of not condoning the imitation of their lifestyle reiterates the seriousness behind their words. As G2 mentions being ‘hungry’ and ‘too needy,’ there’s a tangible sense of striving and hustling for more wealth, indicating that while the life may seem enviable, it comes with its own heavy burdens and dangers.
The song wraps up with the repetition of the caution “Please don’t try this at home, I don’t condone it,” which not only reaffirms the dangerous aspects of the lifestyle they lead but also serves as a stark warning to listeners that beneath the glamour and wealth lies a reality not fit for everyone. Historically, Drakeo’s music often paints these raw pictures of street life, set against a backdrop of LA’s complex cultural and socio-economic landscape, which both inspires and traps its youth.
