Released: 2022
“Kill Em With Kindness” by Dougie B is an exploration of inner turmoil and resilience, using an aggressive tone as a vehicle for his message. The song centers around the idea of masking emotional pain with an outward expression of strength and fearlessness. In doing so, Dougie B contrasts the notion of physical retaliation with the power of personal growth and staying true to oneself, or as he phrases it, “killing ’em with kindness.”
The recurring lines “Ain’t no rappin’, I’m just being honest” and “Different breed, I’ma kill ’em wit’ kindness” introduce a tone of transparency. Here, Dougie B stresses that his lyrics aren’t mere posturing; they’re a candid reflection of his state of mind. He paints a picture of authenticity, preferring sincerity over fabricated bravado. “Killing with kindness” juxtaposes the expected hostility in rap battles with the strength of staying composed and level-headed.
In the verse, “To be honest, I’m broken inside, everyday I wake up I’m just fakin’ a smile,” Dougie B sheds light on his vulnerability. Despite projecting an image of toughness, he acknowledges the struggle beneath the surface. This internal conflict reveals that the outward aggression and machismo often serve as a façade to protect his true emotions from scrutiny. The line effectively invites listeners into his personal battles, lending a human touch to his bravado.
The next lines delve into the idea of confrontation and dealing with opponents: “Creep on ’em, click on ’em, walk in, ain’t missin’ ’em.” This is a metaphorical depiction of being prepared to face adversaries without backing down. The colloquialism “get sturdy” translates to standing firm and showing no weakness in the face of threats. It’s a common expression in drill music, implying readiness and determination.
When Dougie B mentions, “I want the bag and it’s fuck all the fame,” he draws a line between material success and public recognition. His primary aim is securing financial stability over the superficial lure of fame. In essence, the lyrics reflect a pragmatic approach to life in the music industry, where true value lies in tangible achievements rather than public perception.
A sense of camaraderie is also evident in the lines “Kay-Kay my brother, I swear its no other,” as Dougie B likens his bond with his friends to the legendary partnership of Kanye West and Jay-Z, emphasizing the strength and unity of his inner circle. The metaphorical reference to The Beatles also suggests an aspiration for iconic status in their own right. It’s a celebration of loyalty and ambition among peers.
In lines like “Cottage baby, yeah, 300 raised me,” Dougie B pays homage to his upbringing and the environment that shaped him. This pride in one’s roots is a recurring theme in hip-hop, serving as a reminder of the artist’s authenticity and grounded nature, despite rising fame and fortune. It creates a stark contrast between where he came from and where he’s heading.
Dougie B employs a sense of immediacy and unpredictability when he says, “We gon’ bend through that side like the Navy.” This suggests that their presence and actions are felt with precision and strategy, much like a military operation. The mention of military strength hints at organized retaliation and an unwavering commitment to their path, underscoring the disciplined mentality required to succeed.
“Perky or Xanny, shit boostin’ my energy,” speaks to the role of substances as a means to cope with stress and keep pace with the high-energy demands of the rap lifestyle. While common in hip-hop, it reveals the artist’s internal conflict with using temporary relief in place of genuine emotional healing. This struggle adds another layer to the overarching theme of dealing with pain through various means.
Dougie B’s choice to reiterate, “Ain’t no rappin’, I’m just being honest” at multiple points in the song solidifies the underlying message of truth and transparency. Despite the raw, gritty surface, “Kill Em With Kindness” stands as a testament to Dougie B’s resilience and an acknowledgment of his inner struggles. The track melds aggression with vulnerability, carving out a niche in hip-hop that embraces genuine expression over superficial bravado. This honesty resonates, offering insight into the emotional landscape that fuels the energy and passion of his music.
