Released: 2019
“Richard Millie Plain” by Gunna showcases a blend of luxury, bravado, and street influence typical of contemporary hip-hop. Gunna paints a vivid picture of his lavish lifestyle, underscoring the gains from his rap career and reflecting on the constant balancing act between maintaining authenticity and navigating newfound fame. This song celebrates his achievements while remaining grounded in the world he came from.
The hook, “Did the dash and I blowed the brains / Countin’ cash on a private plane / Couple M’s on the sound exchange / Richard Mille, no time to explain,” highlights a scene filled with opulence. The phrase “Did the dash and I blowed the brains” could refer to driving at high speed, showcasing adrenaline and luxury. “Richard Mille,” a luxury watch brand, signifies wealth and status. The recurring phrase “no time to explain” further emphasizes a carefree, bold attitude toward the extravagant lifestyle he leads.
As Gunna embarks on the verses, he shares vivid scenes of luxury: “Maybach with the woodgrain / Clearport, know the pilot by the name.” A Maybach is a high-end car brand, and ‘woodgrain’ typically refers to the lavish interior finish. “Clearport” suggests a private terminal, highlighting how personal connections ease his jet-setting life. Through this, Gunna subtly flexes the connections and influence he now wields, painting a portrait of seamless access to wealth and mobility.
Gunna’s rise to fame and how it affects him is a recurring theme. With lines like, “Gunna Gunna got a lil’ fame now / Ain’t no cap in my game,” he asserts that despite newfound fame, he’s still authentic and real. “No cap” means no lie, underlining his sincerity. There’s a duality present as he contrasts his previous street life with his current luxurious status, signifying that though he’s climbed the social ladder, his foundational experiences still hold.
There are mentions of street influence: “Still’ll hit your block, leave a man down / Shootin’ like I’m shootin’ at the range.” This alludes to street conflicts and implies he’s capable of handling himself in both his new world of fame and his old world. Gunna manages to integrate the bravado typical of rap with personal narrative, bringing an edge to the track.
Throughout, there’s a running commentary on the duplicity of relationships and trust issues in the face of fame, as illustrated by lines like “Fake love, I don’t care to really hang.” He touches upon the shallow and sometimes disingenuous interactions that arise with fame, indicating his awareness and cautiousness. “Fake love” refers to insincere friendships, an obstacle for many who experience a rise to stardom.
The artist weaves in commentary on imitation and competition: “Rappers tryna steal my style, dawg / Full outfit, I had to change.” This acknowledges the influence Gunna holds in the hip-hop community, where unique style and flow often get emulated by others. He implies a leadership position, consistently innovating to stay ahead in a competitive industry.
There’s also an introspective side to Gunna in the line, “Tempt me, I’ma go AWOL / People gon’ think I’m insane.” He explores the idea of potential self-destruction amidst the pressures of fame and temptation. Going “AWOL,” a military term for leaving without permission, highlights a desire to break away from the trappings of his environment when pushed too far.
References to consumer culture appear frequently. For instance, “Lot of ass in the Philipp Plein jeans,” flaunts luxury fashion. Meanwhile, “I still sip lean” refers to a lifestyle choice, particularly in hip-hop culture, that could hint at indulgence and escapism. Gunna provides insight into the internal and external aspects of living lavishly and reckoning with personal demons.
To summarize, “Richard Millie Plain” is a reflection of Gunna’s journey and evolution as an artist. It delves into his lifestyle’s dichotomies—extravagance paired with street-smart resilience. Through confident wordplay and imagery, Gunna reveals the allure and challenges of his rise, painting a vibrant picture of contemporary success in the hip-hop world. The narrative weaves luxury with authentic street roots, maintaining the listener’s engagement while exploring both personal triumphs and trials.
