Released: 2021
“Loading” by Central Cee is a raw portrayal of his life, reflecting on his past and present while showcasing his resilience and loyalty. The song mixes street narratives with personal introspections, revealing his journey from street hustle to stardom, while acknowledging the continuing struggles. The recurring theme emphasizes staying true to one’s roots and maintaining integrity despite challenges.
Central Cee starts with, “Cee don’t be on the road too tough, but I still cut through with the local thugs.” He’s saying he doesn’t engage in street activities like before but still connects with his old crew. “*Coulda ran off the plug, but I kept it real, and I showed him love*,” indicates that even though he had a chance to deceive his supplier, he chose loyalty and honesty. “*Lil’ bro got the poker tucked where we grow up, it’s so corrupt*,” illustrates the harsh environment they’re from, where carrying a knife for protection is common.
In the hook, “*Fans see me on the block, go nuts, I’m not in my bag, I’m loadin’, loadin’*,” Central Cee acknowledges his popularity but admits he’s still preparing for greater success. “*Back then, it was hand-to-hand, nowadays, I don’t have no involvement*,” reflects on his days of direct drug selling which he’s moved away from. His reference to “*Home alone, Macaulay Culkin*,” likens his current isolation in the trap (drug house) to the famous child star’s character.
The next lines, “*WhyJay no commented it, it’s complicated, ’cause the case still open*,” hints at a legal situation involving his producer, WhyJay. “*The boys in blue tryna find them clues, in the station, problem-solvin’*,” shows the police are investigating, adding stress to his life. His friend disguised wearing a mask like avoiding COVID illustrates their street smart survival tactics.
Central Cee mentions independence with, “*Jumped off the porch and went my own way, no way, I don’t owe no olders*,” expressing that he didn’t rely on older gang members. He then pays respect with, “*Free all the guys and rest in peace to all of the fallen soldiers*.”
He analyzes distractions and self-expression, “*The world full up of impactive distractions so we all lose focus*,” showing awareness of societal issues. “*I think out loud, what comes out my mouth, I can’t control it*,” speaks to his unfiltered honesty. The line about his chain, “*Live Yours on the chain, I’m so lit, soon come out with the custom clothin’*,” reveals his brand and success in personal ventures.
He remains skeptical of law enforcement, “*Fuck sake, you must be jokin’, CIDs outside of the cut, patrollin’*,” and suspects betrayal, “*How-how did they know ’bout the ins and outs? Somebody must’ve told ’em*.”
Central Cee reiterates his earlier sentiments as he moves into the next part. “*Cee don’t do no fraud, I trap, say, ‘Yo’ to the local cat,*” ensures listeners know his hustle is from selling drugs, not fraud. “*See me on the road, all black, my foot on the gas and I won’t fall back*,” highlights his determined mindset. He reflects on his friend’s incarceration and numerous casual relationships, “*Bro been in a jail, and he won’t go back, I fucked bare hoes, and they ain’t all that*,” while considering settling down with “*a Liyah Mai*,” showing a desire for stability.
He concludes with treating a partner right with, “*Treat her right, I’d try, finer things in life, I’d buy.*” Living upscale indicates success, but he circles back to his foundation as the hook repeats. It’s a statement of progress, loyalty, and ambition wrapped around street wisdom.
