Released: 2019
“HBS” by Lil Keed is a celebration of his affiliation with the Young Stoner Life (YSL) collective, a record label founded by rapper Young Thug. The song primarily delves into themes of loyalty to his crew, opulence, and a hedonistic lifestyle that characterizes much of modern hip-hop culture. It’s both a flex of his newfound wealth and status as well as a nod to his humble beginnings.
The recurring phrase “Hood baby shit” in the chorus highlights the artist’s roots and the authenticity of his experience growing up in a tough neighborhood. It’s an affirmation of his identity, almost a chant, echoing his upbringing and how it has shaped his present. This repeated line anchors the song and emphasizes that no matter how much success he garners, his past and environment remain integral parts of who he is.
When Lil Keed mentions “YSL thing, YSL chain, YSL slang,” he’s proudly showcasing his affiliation with the Young Stoner Life label, which has become a badge of honor within his community and fan base. It also underscores the unity and camaraderie within the YSL crew, emphasizing shared success and collective identity. The YSL brand represents both a lifestyle and a status symbol within hip-hop culture.
“I got dirty birds all for bling” is an expression using “dirty birds,” a slang term for either money or illicit goods, possibly referring to drugs. The phrase highlights his financial success, achieved through the hustle and grind typical of street life, transforming it into the “bling” or jewelry he now owns. This is a vivid representation of transformation from struggle to affluence, a common narrative in hip-hop.
Lines like “If I bring that bitch around, she do the whole crew” convey a hedonistic attitude toward relationships and women, prevalent in much of trap music. It’s a reflection of an unfiltered, raw lifestyle that’s centered around pleasure and excess, embodying the rebellious spirit that many artists in the genre express.
In “Thirty like Curry, yeah, we shootin’ out the roof,” Lil Keed draws a parallel between his team and the renowned NBA player Steph Curry, who is known for his impeccable shooting skills. This line suggests a sense of confidence and skill, implying that he and his crew are unstoppable, taking their success to the next level.
Lil Keed’s mention of “Spaceman jeans, designer shoes” is another testament to his extravagant lifestyle, as he lists fashion choices that symbolize wealth and status. Fashion in hip-hop often signifies success and power, a visual representation of the artist’s achievements.
The artist touches on personal history with “Yeah, I got rich but I didn’t finish school,” illustrating a common theme where traditional education takes a backseat to pursuing dreams in the music industry. It’s an assertion that success doesn’t always follow conventional paths, which resonates with many listeners who feel disconnected from mainstream avenues to prosperity.
The imagery in “Ice cream diamonds, go ‘head, get a scoop” conveys luxury and excess, comparing the diamonds to ice cream in terms of desirability and indulgence. This metaphor highlights the over-the-top opulence often celebrated in hip-hop, making it clear that Lil Keed revels in his hard-earned wealth.
Closing the discussion, “HBS” captures a snapshot of Lil Keed’s life as an artist and member of the YSL family, detailing his journey from the “hood” to riches, while also underscoring the collective identity that YSL represents. It’s a modern-day success story where hip-hop culture serves as both the canvas and the celebration of that journey, showcasing themes of loyalty, prosperity, and resilience in a distinct and unvarnished manner.
