Released: 2014
“Dis Ain’t Ordinary” by Trouble is a proclamation of living an exceptional lifestyle that sets the artist apart from the ordinary masses. Through a blend of boastful lyrics and vivid imagery, the song explores themes of wealth, success, and individualism. Trouble uses the chorus as a repetitive mantra to hammer home the message that what he’s experiencing is anything but commonplace.
The hook “This ain’t ordinary” is repeated multiple times throughout the song, creating a mantra-like effect. It’s a proclamation of the extraordinary nature of the lifestyle and experiences Trouble enjoys. The repetition reinforces the uniqueness of his experiences, embedding in the listener’s mind the contrast between Trouble’s world and that of the ordinary person.
The first verse opens with Trouble pulling up in a flashy car, a common symbol of wealth and status in hip-hop culture. However, he elevates this idea by driving a “drop top” – a convertible – suggesting freedom and a new era, or “new school.” He immediately sets the scene for an environment where opulence and status reign supreme.
Further in, Trouble uses vivid imagery with the line “my bitch cleaner than all of y’all,” where “cleaner” denotes a sense of purity or high value. His actions lead to financial gains, symbolized by “cash fall” when he raises his hands. It’s not just a boast about financial success but a visual representation of abundance and affluence.
The lines “I’m not ordinary, I’m extraordinary” make it clear that Trouble sees himself on another level. Here, he contrasts his lifestyle preferences with others – choosing California weed over something lesser and valuing abundance over commitment. His perspective implies a preference for living life without limitations, free from the constraints of traditional expectations.
Trouble’s use of language continues with colloquialisms and street slang, like “bust a wide open” and “chasing cherries,” portraying a confident lifestyle that thrives on freedom and indulgence. He’s essentially juxtaposing his fearless approach to life with the ordinary routines others may choose.
Midway, Trouble switches gears and touches on the risks and rewards of living an exceptional life, with mentions of handling business and comparisons to babysitting – indicating responsibilities even amid luxury. There’s an undertone of power, signified by the imagery of “four-fifteens knocking pictures off walls,” a nod to having powerful car audio systems and, by extension, powerful presence.
The following verses layer in metaphors that bolster the idea of extravagance, using “loaves of bread” and “tons of butter” as a clever reference to wealth. He paints a picture of women who flaunt Gucci and live life with flair, a metaphor for living large in the summer. Here, the mundane and the extravagant clash, heightening the listener’s perception of the artist’s larger-than-life existence.
Later, he mixes humor with defiance when mentioning emerging from prison and the admiration he receives, even invoking pop culture with references to Halle Berry. These references further enhance the themes of resilience and magnetic charm that draw people in, creating a juxtaposition between the gritty and glamorous aspects of life.
Trouble closes the song by reiterating his unique style, likening himself to a rarity – “you’re rare dawg.” It’s a reminder to himself and others of his elevated status. The outro becomes an extension of the initial mantra, driving home the belief in his extraordinary reality. It’s not just an expression of material wealth, but a full embrace of his individual identity and a reminder that he transcends the mundane.
