Released: 2024
“Ruby Rosary” by A Rocky featuring A$AP Rocky and J. Cole is a track that dives deep into themes of wealth, success, and resilience. The artists flex their luxurious lifestyles while reflecting on their journeys from humble beginnings to the top of the game.
The hook, delivered by A$AP Rocky, sets the tone for the song. He talks about his rise to success, emphasizing his ‘pretty nigga’ and ‘jiggy nigga’ status. This means he’s always been stylish and confident. He also mentions ‘rose gold, rubies, and pearls,’ symbolizing the wealth he’s accumulated.
Rocky continues with ‘Ruby stones on my rosary, champagne rose in pink,’ painting a picture of opulence. The rosary, a religious symbol, is now adorned with precious stones, showing how far he’s come. He also mentions ‘niggas singin’ like they Rosalía,’ comparing his imitators to the Spanish singer known for her unique style.
In the next lines, Rocky says, ‘All black stones, black owned, like I’m Jodeci.’ Here, he’s referencing the R&B group Jodeci, known for their black empowerment themes. He takes pride in his black-owned success. The line ‘Funny how I birthed so many sons with no ovaries’ is a clever way of saying he’s influenced many without being a woman.
The repeated phrase ‘Still fuck 12, fuck Jake, 5-0′ is a clear anti-police sentiment. ’12,’ ‘Jake,’ and ‘5-0’ are all slang terms for the police. This reflects the ongoing tension between the black community and law enforcement.
Rocky then talks about keeping his ‘foot on niggas necks way before police,’ indicating his dominance in the rap game long before police brutality became a widespread issue. He also mentions a ‘laundry list of bitches and niggas’ he can’t wait to see, hinting at both his romantic and competitive conquests.
The verse ‘Nigga want smoke with me, tell him, “Push up, Hercules”‘ is a challenge to anyone who wants to confront him. ‘Smoke’ means conflict, and ‘Hercules’ refers to strength. He’s ready for any challenge. The line ‘My mind obliques, tell ’em push up, ambulance on the scene’ suggests he’s mentally sharp and ready for any emergency.
J. Cole’s verse adds depth to the track. He reflects on his tough upbringing, saying he was ‘very deprived’ but took it in stride. Now, he’s riding with his ‘foot on the side,’ a metaphor for his carefree success. He questions the importance of rap when he says, ‘What happens when rappin’ no longer matters?’ showing his concern for the future.
Cole also talks about his commitment to his craft, saying he’s ‘lockin’ the fuck back in’ with his pen. He reflects on the dangers of his past, where ‘for a quick dollar they poppin’ your hubcap rims.’ This shows the harsh realities he faced growing up.
The song ends with a repetition of the hook, emphasizing the luxurious lifestyle they’ve achieved. The ‘ruby stones on me like a rosary’ line is repeated, reinforcing the theme of wealth and success. The track is a celebration of their journey and a testament to their resilience.
Overall, “Ruby Rosary” is a powerful track that combines braggadocio with introspection. A$AP Rocky and J. Cole use their verses to highlight their successes while acknowledging the struggles they’ve overcome. The song is a testament to their growth and a reminder of the obstacles they’ve faced.
