Released: 2018 • Features: A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, Nicki Minaj
“Runnin'” by Mike WiLL Made-It, featuring A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, and Nicki Minaj, is a bold proclamation of their hard-earned success, unwavering confidence, and unambiguous dominance in the rap game. They rap about their ascent from hardship, their ongoing struggle to remain on top, and their relentless determination to triumph over any adversity they face.
The first verse, mostly handled by A$AP Rocky, lays bare the struggles that come with the territory of fame and success. The phrase “Came up out the mud, brush the dirt off of me” metaphorically represents the hardships faced in their rise to fame, outlining the gritty perseverance required to make it in the rap game. When he says “Runnin’, runnin’, runnin’ this shit, both legs broke”, he’s emphasizing his relentless drive, to the point of overexertion, signaling a hustle mentality even when faced with significant obstacles.
Nicki, as usual, comes through with her fiery verse. “Still got the crown, so I never give a F though” signifies her claim to the hip-hop throne and her disregard for naysayers. Her line “Look at all these clowns, how they studying my lingo” calls out imitators in the hip-hop industry. She also shuts down any presumptions of friendliness with “I-I ain’t with the hugs and kisses, don’t do the XO”, asserting her business-first attitude.
The chorus is another reiteration of their ongoing perseverance in the face of adversity. When they say “Funny thing about it they don’t always see my head though”, they’re hinting at their ability to outsmart and outrun their competitors, remaining elusive and hence untouchable.
A$AP Ferg comes in hard on the third verse, emphasizing his competitive nature and wealth. With bars like “In the Lex, yes, big baguettes in my necklace”, he flaunts his luxury life, a testament to his success. He also paints a picture of his relentless drive for victory with lines like “Whole fist break his whole shit, tuck up lil’ bitch” which underscores his zero-tolerance for weak competition.
To wrap this up, “Runnin” is a hard-hitting track that represents the artists’ journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of hip-hop, while also serving as a warning shot to potential competitors. It’s a testament to their strength, tenacity, and refusal to back down in the face of adversity.
