Released: 2018
“Praise The Lord” by A$AP Rocky and Skepta is all about celebrating success, flexing their accomplishments, and overcoming obstacles. The track is both a victory lap and a toast to making it despite life’s struggles. The recurring theme is confidence and determination, with Rocky and Skepta reflecting on their journeys to the top.
Rocky kicks it off with, “Get it / Text a message, I don’t know the number / Flexin’ on these niggas, every bone and muscle,” which sets the tone of flexing his status and wealth. Despite facing subtle shots from competitors, he’s unbothered and focused. The shout-outs to his crew with “game plans” and “escape plans” highlight his respect for those grinding and hustling in various ways.
The line “twenty bands, rain dance” refers to making $20,000 and celebrating like rain dancers. “Pockets loaded, rocket loaded” symbolizes having money and being ready for action. References to “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels” and “diamonds glowing” emphasize living a flashy, action-packed lifestyle, while “stop the smoking when it’s time to focus” shows discipline when needed.
The chorus, “I came, I saw, I praise the Lord, then break the law,” channels the iconic Roman phrase “veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) but with a twist—acknowledging faith, then bending rules to achieve more. “It rains, it pours” implies that when success comes, it comes in abundance.
Skepta takes over with, “Yeah, I sold the pack, the loose, the hard,” reminiscing on his past hustles. His shout-out “I listened to X, I peeped the bars” pays respect to DMX and learning from the streets. “The game’s a trap, protect your heart” warns about the dangers and deception in the game.
The repetition of “to shine” and “I hustle, I flex, the world is mine” underscores Skepta’s relentless ambition and belief in his own grind. “Don’t speak, we squeeze” implies action over talk, and “I make the devil go weak the knees” is a metaphor for overcoming evil or significant challenges.
The outro returns to Rocky with a focus on lifestyle and swagger: “She came, I came, now what’s my name?” plays on sexual bravado. “My chain, my pants, my pants with the chain” lists out his recognizable style pieces, reinforcing his brand. The closing thoughts, “Give thanks, get fresh, praise the Lord then finesse, bless,” sum up the track’s essence—balance gratitude, style, and hustle.
