Released: 2023
Rylo Rodriguez’s “Equal Dirt” is an emotional rollercoaster, providing a raw narrative about relationships, betrayal, and personal introspection. In the song, Rylo delves into themes of love and mistrust while navigating his complex emotions about past decisions and ongoing struggles. With a distinctively honest voice, Rylo uses personal experiences to communicate universal themes that resonate with many listeners.
The song opens with Rylo admitting to being at a low point in his life, dealing with a breakup while struggling with substance use. The hook reflects a pivotal moment when he addresses his relief about a past abortion, which signifies both a personal acknowledgment of not being ready for fatherhood and a retrospective gratitude that he didn’t end up bringing a child into the difficult circumstances he faced.
Continuing from the hook, Rylo describes complicated relationship dynamics, sharing details about past infidelities from both sides. The line “I’m dapping up the same n- you was creeping on me with” suggests a certain ironic detachment as he deals with people involved in these betrayals. This imagery paints a picture of a tumultuous environment filled with trust issues and unresolved emotional scars.
The chorus is particularly telling. Here, Rylo wrestles with his thoughts about his former partner’s new life, including her current relationship and pending motherhood. This realization forces Rylo into a deeper state of self-reflection, pondering what he lost and perhaps what he failed to cherish while they were together. It’s an exploration of regret mingled with understanding and acceptance.
A standout part of the verse involves Rylo reflecting on past memories by revisiting old Facebook messages. This evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, a digital footprint of what once was. The past becomes almost tangible, highlighting his struggle to reconcile those memories with his current reality. The verse resonates with anyone who’s ever dug through past conversations trying to understand what went wrong.
As the song progresses, Rylo declares a hard truth – if his partner were to leave, he wouldn’t want to be ‘right’ if it meant losing her. It’s an age-old dilemma, reflecting a willingness to live with faults and imperfections rather than exist without love. These lyrics tap into a shared human experience of valuing love above personal flaws, signifying how relationships are not black and white but rather shades of grey.
Further in, Rylo discusses themes of economic anxiety. He acknowledges a fear of being abandoned if his financial situation deteriorates, which sheds light on his insecurity. This underlying anxiety reveals how monetary stability and romantic commitment are often intertwined in modern relationships, as many feel the weight of being judged on their economic success.
Rylo then shifts the focus onto himself, revealing a self-aware narrative. He owns his toxic traits and accepts responsibility for how his behavior affects others, though he acknowledges feeling victimized by miscommunication, like when his partner doesn’t inform him about her flight plans. It’s a nod to the misunderstandings that can poison relationships, fueled by underlying tensions and unspoken words.
Musically, “Equal Dirt” stands out with its fusion of traditional hip-hop elements and Rylo’s signature emotional delivery. The use of metaphors like ‘Ben Simmons, I ain’t playin’ nowhere’ hints at choosing his battles and refraining from engaging in meaningless conflict. This gives listeners a sense of his strategic approach to life’s chaos and highlights his self-proclaimed street smarts.
In closing, the song becomes a declaration of unconditional love despite all the imperfections and societal judgment. The recurring motif of “If lovin’ you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right” draws upon classic themes, harkening back to the idea that true connection sometimes requires living against the grain of societal expectations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotion and the intricate tapestry of personal relationships, emphasizing Rylo’s unique position in the hip-hop landscape.
