Released: 2017
A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s “Drowning” is all about flaunting success and wealth while reflecting on the come-up. Both he and Kodak Black paint pictures of their lavish lifestyles, with a focus on their icy jewelry and the journey from the projects to stardom.
The opening lines repeat “I’m drownin'”, setting a tone that emphasizes being overwhelmed by wealth. The phrase “wrist so icy, wonder why she like me, bitch, I’m drownin'” parallels the allure of expensive jewelry with the artist’s magnetism. Buying a Cuban link chain and dipping it in a fountain underscores excess and opulence. The constant “bust down” references allude to fully iced-out watches and chains, which light up any room.
He rolls with his squad everywhere, never without them, and the line “If they don’t let us in they might throw shots at the bouncer” hints at the volatility of street life that continues even amidst success. Actavis medicine, a reference to lean, speaks to the drug culture prevalent in the scene. Calling his boy “Wayne” indicating he’s a shooter, further reinforces street loyalty.
“Pick up the ladder, put it in the gun, make the nine stretch” is a clever way of saying he’s got extended magazines. Coming from Highbridge, a neighborhood in the Bronx, they carried a gritty attitude. The goal of winning a Grammy and moving his family out of the projects highlights ambition and success despite the odds. Transforming from residents in the projects to making music projects encapsulates the rags-to-riches story.
Kodak Black jumps in, acknowledging his attitude by saying “Nigga with attitude, but I ain’t from Compton” which nods to N.W.A. He’s dressed in Ralph Lauren, like Carlton Banks from “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The line “put a nigga on a carton” indicates his notoriety for violence. His presence is undeniable, reflected in lines like, “pull up in a ‘Rari”, “I’m in the Yo like Gotti”, and being “Polo’d down like Carlton”, displaying his high-end lifestyle.
Kodak’s mention of being Haitian with “shottas”, and riding with a chopper daily, shows he’s still connected to his roots and dangers he faced. The haters don’t want to see him succeed, but he’s determined to prosper. “In the cut like I’m a barber” implies he’s low-key but ready, and despite women calling him daddy, he stays clear about relationships.
The repeated verses and chorus hammer home the theme—A Boogie and Kodak are drowning in success, jewelry, and attention. The bust down culture is their badge of honor, a flashy testament to how far they’ve come from the grim realities they faced.
