Released: 2021 • Features: Lil Baby, Lil Durk
“Every Chance I Get” by DJ Khaled, featuring Lil Baby and Lil Durk, is a triumphant assertion of defiant success in the face of obstacles. The track is a lyrical exploration of their rise from struggle to prominence and a testament to the unwavering determination to flex their wealth and lifestyle at every turn, despite the hurdles they encounter.
The first verse by Lil Baby addresses his journey to success, highlighting how he “scratched a million off my checklist three years ago” and evolved to add more zeros to his wealth. The verse touches on his past involvement with the street life and boasts about his present lifestyle filled with women, money, and fame. Notably, phrases like “I got rich off strong” refer to his ascendency through illegal activities, most likely drug dealing, a common narrative in the rap genre.
The repetition of “I’ma turn up on a hater every chance that I get” underscores Lil Baby’s unapologetic intention to flaunt his success to his detractors. The statement “I want the biggest watch they got, don’t care if that shit hurt my wrist” is a vivid illustration of the often overly luxurious aspects of hip-hop culture that prioritize ostentatious displays of wealth.
Lil Durk takes the second verse, dropping bars about his luxurious lifestyle, the high cost of his dental work, and his preference for handing cash for new businesses over paying for materialistic needs. The line “I’m in the Lambo’ truck in my hood, nobody gon’ tell me shit” suggests his status in his community is now unquestionable because of his success and wealth.
Additionally, both rappers make reference to their roots and past struggles. Lil Baby acknowledges those still “serving life,” showing the stark contrast between his current life and those he left in the streets. Lil Durk reflects on the people he lost, including a cousin who was a dancer and a brother who was a scammer, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many in the environment where he grew up.
At its core, “Every Chance I Get” is a rap anthem about overcoming adversity and succeeding against the odds. The lyrics explore the themes of determination, prosperity, and the cost of success in the face of adversity, reflecting on experiences that shaped them while taking pride in their victories.
