Released: 2021 • Features: 21 Savage, Project Pat
“Knife Talk” by Drake featuring 21 Savage and Project Pat is a menacing dive into the darker side of street life, loaded with hard-hitting beats and even harder lyrics. The song paints a vivid picture of violence, the hustle, and the lengths to which these artists will go to protect and advance their positions in the game. Each of them brings their unique perspective and lyrical flair, making “Knife Talk” a standout track that’s as much a celebration of their roots as it is a stern warning to their foes.
The track kicks off with Project Pat’s intro, laying down the groundwork for what’s to come. He talks about “feeding the streets” and having to “bleed the streets,” illustrating the violent, survivalist nature of street life. When he mentions wearing a “ski mask” and “drank syrup like it’s liquor,” it’s not only about the literal actions but also about the adaptability and the lengths taken to stay ahead. “Street life’ll have you catchin’ up to God quicker,” is a somber acknowledgment of the life expectancy in such an environment; it’s fast, furious, and often, fatal.
Moving into the verses, 21 Savage steps in, declaring himself as “mister body catcher,” which is a stark, no-holds-barred declaration of his capability for violence. His words, “Ain’t no regular F-150, this a fuckin’ Raptor,” serve as a metaphor for not being just an average player in the game but someone far more dangerous and prepared. The verse is packed with references to guns, loyalty to his group (“I’m 4L Gang reppin'”), and a clear disdain for those who oppose him. The “FN” line is particularly noteworthy, as it references a specific type of gun, showing that disputes can stretch across territories (“East to West End”).
Drake’s verse switches up the vibe, bringing in references to his status, wealth, and the constant surveillance from enemies. “Type of nigga that can’t look me in the eyes” speaks to the distrust and betrayal common in the circles he’s referring to. His self-assured lines, blending threats with a commentary on street justice, show how deeply intertwined he is with the themes of loyalty and revenge. Drake’s mention of “voodoo curse” and the trips to “Turks” (Turks and Caicos Islands) are braggadocious nods to his lifestyle and the lengths he’ll go to protect his interests.
The hook and chorus of “Gang shit, that’s all I’m on” is a straightforward, repetitive proclamation of allegiance to their roots, their people, and the lives they’ve lived. It’s a badge of honor, a mantra, and a warning rolled into one. The outro, with its violent imagery of bullets and choppers, is a grim reminder of the realities faced in their respective worlds, tied together with a stark, sobering line: “And the choir sang.”
The song closes on notes of opulence juxtaposed with violence, from tennis chains and US Open references to the heritage and legacy being left for Drake’s son. It’s a complex narrative of thriving despite the odds, of making it out but never forgetting where you came from. “Knife Talk” is not just about the physical violence but the mental, the sacrifices made, and the relentless pursuit of success amidst chaos. It’s a raw, unfiltered snapshot of a lifestyle many can only imagine, delivered by artists who’ve lived it, survived it, and conquered it.
