Released: 2021
Drakeo the Ruler’s “Knuck If You Buck” featuring Ralfy the Plug and ALLBLACK is a vivid expression of street life and wealth, characterized by themes of dominance, opulence, and the unfiltered realities of urban survival. The song doesn’t hold back, using provocative and bold language to underscore the consequences of stepping into their world unprepared. From the gritty realities of crime to the triumph of making it in the streets, each verse brings a raw authenticity that’s synonymous with West Coast hip-hop.
The recurring hook of “Knuck if you buck and get fucked over” acts as both a warning and a declaration of power. “Knuck”—slang for fight—indicates a call to action, while “buck” can mean to rebel or retaliate. This phrase essentially says that anyone who attempts to challenge or oppose the artist and their crew will meet serious consequences. The addition of “Taking food off yo’ plate nigga lunch over” reinforces the message, symbolizing the act of interfering with someone’s hustle or livelihood.
Drakeo kicks off the song with a verse steeped in the motifs of wealth and exclusivity. Lines like “This a rich nigga session bum’s can’t come over” and “She came home and he didn’t kiss her cuz’ there was cum on her” depict a lifestyle that thrives on affluence and unapologetic actions. There’s an unyielding swagger present here, demonstrating the separation between the successful and those perceived as lesser.
Ralfy the Plug picks up where Drakeo leaves off, extending the themes of domination and disdain for pretenders. The imagery he employs—like “I gave his bitch dick slaps wit’ a dumb boner”—is blunt and sexual, reflecting both a disregard for conventional manners and a testament to the uninhibited nature of their experiences. It’s a continuation of exerting power, marking a distinction from those who only claim to be influential.
“All our grams paid for bitch we young owners,” from this verse, indicates their entrepreneurial mindset. They aren’t just about the superficial trappings of wealth, but about genuine ownership and control over their assets, an important detail in hip-hop narratives about self-made success. This sets them apart from the fake players in the game who Ralfy perceives as all talk and no action.
As ALLBLACK jumps into the mix, he ups the ante with imagery that’s as aggressive as it is creative. Phrases like “Knuck if you buck end up in a dumpster” emphasize the threat posed to any challengers. His clever wordplay and use of cultural references, such as “Tonka trucks filled with artillery” and “Lift a finger and you nigga’s dead” suggest an arsenal ready to defend their turf with absolute certainty.
ALLBLACK continues his verse with nods to pop culture and historical figures, showcasing a blend of street wit and brashness. References to “Trippe red,” and “Ray Charles” highlight both the playful yet ruthless tone that defines their verses. He likens himself to Hitler in terms of the game’s dominance, using shock value to punctuate his command over the scene.
Returning to the hook, it’s evident how central this line is to the entire narrative. It’s a constant reminder of the peril that comes with testing the group. In essence, it’s both a defense and a mantra; it’s an integral part of their identity, a repeated warning echoing throughout the track.
Towards the latter part of the song, Ralfy offers more braggadocious insights with “Mob ties like I’m fat Tony”—a reference to a mafia lifestyle where power and loyalty reign supreme. It’s clear that their allegiance and commitment to the street life come with both privileges and hazards, creating a rich tapestry of the dichotomies faced by those who navigate this world.
In sum, “Knuck If You Buck” is a brazen display of bravado mixed with dark humor and undeniable truths about the street’s trials and triumphs. Through their unapologetic lyricism, Drakeo, Ralfy, and ALLBLACK paint a vivid portrait of life as they know it, adding layers of complexity and confrontation to their hip-hop repertoire. Their raw and uncut narrative gives the listener a potent slice of West Coast authenticity, setting it apart in an industry crowded with fabricated personas.
