Released: 2018
“No Love” by YoungBoy Never Broke Again, featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is an emotionally charged narrative that serves as a raw and unfiltered exploration of the inner psyche of the artist. It primarily reflects his struggle in reconciling the desire for true love with his gangster lifestyle, hinting at the universal struggle of choosing between love and ambition.
In the first verse, YoungBoy delves into his relationships, expressing his longing for genuine love despite his fear of being used. The phrase “Press by my life, my interview be the booth” metaphorically suggests that his music is the most authentic representation of his life’s experiences. However, he’s caught in a conflict, torn between his gritty lifestyle and his yearning for love, as he asserts, “‘Cause I been caught up counting up, and baby I don’t need no love.”
The lyrics “You know them killers stay with me / We screaming all this fresh degree” brings us back to YoungBoy’s street life, acting as a reminder of his dangerous reality. He labels his reality with terms like “killers”, “banging in them streets”, and “strapped up”, asserting his capacity for violence while maintaining an attachment and loyalty to his crew.
In the continuing verses, YoungBoy explores a more vulnerable side. He worries about his partner’s fidelity, admitting his paranoia and insecurity “I’m on a road, tryna figure who you fucked with that night”. He addresses his fear of loneliness and his struggles with depression and addiction in “I’m taking twenty pills a day, might overdose through the night.” These lines reveal the harsh reality of his mental health struggles, a powerful testament to the emotional toll of his lifestyle.
The chorus of the song emphasises his hardened attitude towards emotional attachment and the potential pitfalls of falling in love. The line “And I won’t never leave, but if I catch you with another man baby, then I’m through” demonstrates how fiercely he cares about his relationships, but also his capacity to cut ties when his trust is broken.
The closing lyric “if we can’t be in no relationship with this person and make it work / How the fuck you gon’ go be in another one and make it work, it’s the same thing” serves as a profound indictment of the cycle of unfulfilling relationships he keeps finding himself in. It portrays a weary resignation, questioning if it’s even possible for him to maintain a stable, faithful relationship.
Overall, “No Love” exhibits YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s unique ability to boldly navigate complex emotional landscapes with raw honesty and authenticity. Despite the bravado and toughness of his street persona, this track displays his vulnerability and desire for genuine connection, proving the depth and multi-dimensionality of his character and his music.
