Released: 2019
“GRoCERIES” by Chance the Rapper featuring TisaKorean and produced by Murda Beatz is an upbeat, feel-good track. The song’s central theme revolves around appreciating simple joys and life’s everyday activities. It’s infused with fun, vibrant lyrics, nostalgic imagery, and a blend of metaphorical and literal interpretations, all laid over a catchy beat.
The song kicks off with Chance repeating lines that emphasize an initial astonishment and admiration for a girl who is fashionable, as she ‘came in with the drip.’ Drip here is a slang term for having a flashy, confident appearance often through fashion and jewelry. Chance uses this introduction to set the playful and carefree tone that runs throughout the track.
Chance frequently repeats, ‘can you do it simple just like lemonade.’ Here, the metaphor of lemonade symbolizes simplicity and freshness, possibly an allusion to keeping things straightforward and uncomplicated, much like a refreshing glass of lemonade. It reinforces the idea that despite all the glam, simple things still hold significant value.
The first verse reveals a bit of Chance’s past where he humorously reflects on a younger version of himself. He used to ‘carry all the groceries in one trip,’ an exaggerated way to convey efficiency and determination. Mentioning Minute Maid being ‘gone in one sip’ further emphasizes his sense of immediate satisfaction and swift accomplishment.
Chance then smoothly transitions into a fun play of words with ‘too much dip on my chip,’ suggesting taking on more than one can handle, a clever culinary analogy often used in daily speech to express getting overly ambitious.
His reference to ‘stiff arm a jit’ taps into the sports slang where ‘jit’ refers to a young person, particularly in Florida. A stiff arm is a move in football where the player extends their arm to fend off tacklers, adding humor as he wards off young competitors for lip balm, perhaps as a playful expression of maintaining one’s cool under pressure.
In TisaKorean’s section, he cleverly incorporates the chaos of everyday errands with pop culture references. His ‘traffic, traffic, looking for my chapstick’ alludes to a line from ‘Malibu’s Most Wanted,’ while creatively engaging the listener in a journey through a humorous blend of ordinary challenges.
References to pop culture continue with mentions of ‘big star, Patrick,’ alluding to actor Patrick Dempsey, and likening his haircut to that of Brad Pitt. These vivid images serve to paint a picture of stylish opulence, all in light-hearted fun.
Chance seamlessly flows into an introspective section where he reflects on past dining experiences, reminding listeners of more humble beginnings with imagery of sugar next to ants and dinners with sporks. This retrospection highlights gratitude and growth from modest roots.
Wrapping up, the song reinforces its overarching message of savoring simplicity amidst chaos. Despite TisaKorean and Chance’s quick and busy lifestyles, they remind listeners that it’s essential to take pleasure in life’s small moments, echoing the song’s titular theme – akin to ‘Groceries’ and their simple, yet fundamental role in daily life. “GRoCERIES” exemplifies how hip-hop can meld vibrant, contemporary culture with nostalgia and a dash of humor, embodying an engaging reflection on life’s joyous simplicities.
