Released: 2015
“Paris” by $uicideboy$ presents a raw and intense portrayal of life on the darker side of the tracks. The track explores themes of nihilism, existential dread, and self-destruction, woven with an imagery-rich narrative that challenges mainstream societal norms. The duo crafts a grim tale about the allure and despair that comes with life on the fringes of society.
The song kicks off with an attention-grabbing series of “Ayy” exclamations that set an aggressive tone right from the start. The phrase “Tell me what you know ’bout a motherfucker out the bottom” alludes to the experience of rising from dire circumstances, an idea that pervades hip-hop. The imagery of a “gold grill gleamin'” speaks to the contrast between wealth and grit, highlighting a lifestyle where opulence is worn like armor against a tough environment.
In the subsequent lines, we see references to violence and rebellion: “Stalker, creepin’ out the fuckin’ dungeon” suggests someone who navigates the darker underbelly of society. The imagery of a “Switchblade on ’em” adds to the menacing aura, evoking a world where danger is constant. This can be seen as a metaphor for survival, a commentary on the necessity to remain armed and ready in a world that’s always poised against you.
Moving into the first verse, there’s a brutal, almost visceral feel to the lyrics: “Thirty rounds of the clip, off rip / Too thick with the stick, bet I won’t miss.” This sequence vividly describes firearms and accuracy, symbolizing power and control amidst chaos. The line “Lil $lick real sick, don’t talk shit” emphasizes a persona that’s unapologetically aggressive and perhaps even volatile.
The song then introduces a narrative involving $lick and Ruby, two personas within $uicideboy$. “$uicide, night time, no, we don’t fight crime, oh” reflects a rejection of traditional moral standards and the embrace of an anti-hero archetype. There’s an eerie undertone here with the mention of “the real red eyes, and we dying inside,” which metaphorically could signify being consumed by one’s inner demons.
As the lyrics progress, we encounter deeper allusions to existential struggle. “Bodies in fluoride, let the rope untie, just crucify me” conjures dark imagery of entrapment and release through self-inflicted demise, blending elements of self-sacrifice and despair. “Yung Christ wrists sliced, couple hoes on ice” is a haunting picture of a figure who sees himself in a savior role but is deeply troubled.
Ruby’s verse takes on an autobiographical slant with lines like “Ruby was a motherfucking reject / Then I cut my wrists, and now I motherfucking bleed checks.” Here, the notion of using pain and suffering as currency to succeed is a striking commentary on how self-destruction is intertwined with artistic creation and success. This also highlights the struggles faced when monetary gain doesn’t necessarily equate to personal fulfillment.
The verse also touches upon themes of supernatural and demonic possession, particularly with “Ruby got a cult now” and “Turned into a demon, I’m evolved now.” These lines paint Ruby as an almost mythological figure who transcends his origins and the mundanity of life through transformation into something darker and more powerful. It’s a statement on overcoming the limits imposed by society by embracing one’s own demons.
Towards the conclusion, the song addresses impending transformation and a desire to escape one’s own skin: “Soon I will shed this skin, turn to the devil / Then I’ll never reminisce.” It evokes a sense of finality, a crossing of thresholds into an identity where past burdens and regrets are left behind. This suggests a longing for liberation through embracing one’s darker instincts, ultimately freeing the self from past ties.
In summary, “Paris” is a dense and challenging piece of music, laden with gothic and anarchistic imagery. It underscores a unique facet of hip-hop where artists articulate their most disturbing realities and existential ruminations, unmasking vulnerabilities through aggressive prose. $uicideboy$ invite listeners into a chaotic world where suffering and empowerment coexist, presenting a starkly honest portrayal of their journey and philosophy.
