Released: 2020
Drakeo the Ruler’s song “John Madden,” featuring Rmc Mike, Rio Da Yung Og, Lil Yachty, and Ralfy the Plug, delivers a dynamic flow that blends street tales, boasts of wealth, and gritty, raw imagery. The artists craft verses filled with references to sports figures, luxury, violence, and drugs, projecting an audacious persona often characteristic of their styles. As a whole, the song serves as both an ode to their success and a declaration of their bold lifestyle choices.
The hook of the song doesn’t adhere to the traditional repeating structure, but the lyrical intensity remains constant. Each artist utilizes vivid language and braggadocio to capture attention and maintain energy. The recurring theme of confidence in wealth, as shown through statements about large sums of money and luxury items, resonates throughout. These lines serve to bolster their image and emphasize their ascent from struggle to triumph.
Opening the track, the first verse introduces the luxurious image with a matte black Double-R truck. Drakeo’s opening line indicates a love for luxury vehicles with “Forgis,” referring to high-end Forgiato rims, symbolizing his wealth. The mention of a ‘horny moment’ while attempting to engage with twins underscores the provocative lifestyle associated with many rappers.
The playful yet threatening tone continues with “Call of duty gun, clip longer than Oprah bank account.” Here, the imagery of a video game weapon serves as a metaphor for real-life power, likening its length to Oprah’s legendary wealth, humorously underscoring both abundance and dominance. Such vivid analogies continue with lines like “I tried to fuck a pair of twins,” combining the casual boastfulness typical of rap.
Rmc Mike takes the helm, delivering lines laced with double meanings and playful threats, such as having an ‘orgy on me,’ likely suggesting multiple endeavors and excess rather than the literal interpretation. This clever wordplay demonstrates his dexterity in delivering lines that provoke and entertain. His reference to lazy past behaviors, juxtaposed with current prosperity, reflects personal growth and evolving priorities.
As Rio Da Yung Og steps in, the narrative leans into authenticity with tales of street life and financial ascension. The mention of taxing someone heavily, or overcharging, plays into street hustling tactics, emphasizing survival skills honed in challenging environments. His quip about no longer needing to ride around with drugs “all day” because of his newfound success marks a significant transformation.
Lil Yachty adds a colorful twist with his flamboyant persona. References to iconic places like the US White House blend national imagery with personal success, crafting an intricate tapestry of wealth and influence. By drawing on the historical symbol of power in “US White House,” Yachty aligns himself with a sense of invincibility and prestige.
Ralfy the Plug closes the song with vigorous verses marked by an aggressive stance. Descriptions of altercations, boasting “slamming” and “toe-tagging,” depict confrontations ending in dominance. This aggressive imagery ties back to the gritty reality from which these artists emerged, all while celebrating their newfound prowess and self-sufficiency.
The entire piece weaves these varied contributions into a cohesive story. While it can be interpreted as boastful, beneath lies a reflection of real-life experiences and the resultant desire to flex newfound wealth. It encapsulates themes of violence, camaraderie, and ambition. Each artist brings a unique voice and experience to the mix, enhancing the rich, layered narrative of “John Madden.”
This song’s essence pays homage to both a tactical mastermind and strategic genius, using John Madden’s name as a metaphor for the shrewd moves made within street life. Just as Madden mastered the playbook in football, these artists have maneuvered their ways to success, leaving an indelible mark on their journey. The title nods to both strategy and achievement, resonating with the bravado central to hip-hop culture.
