Released: 2015
Tory Lanez’s track “Diego” features themes of power, wealth, and ambition. Throughout the song, Lanez crafts a persona likened to “Tony Montana”—a character synonymous with drug trade success and power from the classic film “Scarface.” The song flaunts luxury, bravado, and control over his environment, and touches on the artist’s rapid rise and financial successes.
Starting with the introductory lines, Lanez paints a picture of entering a club with a nonchalant confidence, where he and his companions are all donning high-end fashion—Margiela shoes, which symbolize status and luxury. “Guiseppe Gaines on CSI” is a flex, connecting high fashion with popular media to show he’s a cut above. His reference to “Fargo” is a nod to his alter-ego “Fargo,” further emphasizing his artistic persona and uniqueness.
The recurring hook mentions “movin’ Diego,” which implies dealing with drugs, akin to drug lord figures. The repeated name “Tony Montana” underscores this comparison and conveys Lanez’s claim of authority and influence, reminiscent of the character from “Scarface.” “.30 on my hip” references carrying a .30 caliber handgun for protection, reinforcing the tough, untouchable image he presents. Lanez often notes “I just made 100, I need 8 more,” indicating he’s close to achieving significant financial milestones but has bigger ambitions yet.
Lanez asserts his mastery in both the literal and metaphorical kitchen, whipping the dough—a double entendre for cooking and making money through illegal trades, “droppin’ like Mitch,” which references Mitch Porter from “Paid in Full,” another movie that depicts the life of drug dealers. The scale metaphor is vividly visualized as “popping like a fish,” implying success and quick returns from his efforts.
Throughout the song, the artist constantly reminds listeners of his likeness to “Tony Montana,” illustrating that even in his rise to the top, he avoids the prying eyes of media (“duckin’ & dodgin’ the camera”). By alluding to Hydro, a type of potent marijuana, he adds layers of depth, blending the lavish lifestyle with elements of the underground economy.
In another verse, Lanez’s portrayal as Tony Montana is paired with yet another subtle mention of dealing when he talks about connecting with “the plug,” a common slang term for a drug supplier. His reflection on his new partner from Italy, reinforces the notion of a global reach in his ventures, suggesting that his influence isn’t just local, but international.
“Just call up the plug and tell him I’ll be out there nigga” not only emphasizes the transnational theme but further elevates his status to that of someone who’s deeply entrenched and active in global dealings. By highlighting his disinterest in showcasing wealth on Instagram, Lanez projects a seasoned persona, not one that’s caught up in the superficialities of social media.
Towards the end of the track, Lanez expresses his and his associates’ success, calling out that they “got a check,” slang for substantial financial gains, or “got a tech,” referring to a TEC-9 gun, pointing to readiness to defend their territory. Lanez calls himself a “young rich nigga,” making it clear that despite his age, he’s reached levels of wealth that are enviable, which is often a cause of jealousy among his peers.
As the track concludes, Lanez shifts focus to the geographical setting, emphasizing his roots from Toronto (“T.O”), acknowledging his local origins while reflecting on his growing power and influence. The verse reinforces Lanez’s evolution into a business-savvy and streetwise individual who navigates between opulence and street credibility with ease.
In essence, “Diego” by Tory Lanez is more than just a display of opulence and bravado; it’s a vivid portrayal of an artist who identifies himself as a formidable, globally minded figure reminiscent of pop culture’s most iconic and ruthless character, Tony Montana. The song reflects both the risks and rewards that come with pursuing power, cleverly interweaving Lanez’s narrative with elements of film, culture, and urban life.
