Released: 2024
“Short Timing” by Kodak Black featuring B.G. explores themes of survival, systemic oppression, and the resilience needed to escape challenging circumstances. The song reflects the struggles faced by those in impoverished neighborhoods, highlighting the obstacles put in place by societal systems and the determination to overcome them.
The song opens with the hook, “Short timing, but I still gotta make it out,” repeated multiple times. This line encapsulates the essence of the song. The phrase “short timing” could refer to the brief and fleeting nature of opportunities available to individuals in disadvantaged positions. Yet, despite the constraints, there’s a determination to succeed and “make it out” of their current circumstances.
Kodak Black uses vivid imagery and raw expressions to paint a picture of daily struggles. For instance, he describes his encounter with violence when he “hit a nigga with a floater all in his mouth.” The term “floater” likely refers to a knockout punch, emphasizing the survival aspect within environments rife with conflict and animosity.
The lyrics continue to explore repetitive and frustrating life experiences with lines like “Every day it’s the same shit, niggas hate it.” This repetition underscores the cyclical nature of life in challenging neighborhoods, where every day presents similar struggles and frustrations, encapsulated by the saying “same old shit, different toilet.”
Kodak also talks about being a unique individual within his community: “I’m a different kind of nigga, can’t buy this shit, you gotta order it.” Here, he underscores his distinctive approach to life and his pride in being self-made, which is not easily replicable or available for purchase. It highlights a self-awareness of his own authenticity.
The theme of systemic injustice surfaces as Kodak discusses the criminal justice system: “They send you to prison, turn around and put you on probation.” This line sheds light on the trap-like nature of the system, where individuals feel cornered, facing ongoing penalties like probation, which often leads to further violations.
Kodak expresses his frustrations about not being allowed to protect himself in a world full of dangers: “How the hell I can’t be scrapped? I got these racks and niggas hatin’.” He laments the difficulty of navigating life without a means of self-defense, while feeling vulnerable in a racially charged and prejudiced environment.
The lyrics from B.G. complement Kodak’s narrative with references to the personal toll of incarceration: “12 years sitting in that cell, that shit was fucked up.” B.G.’s verse emphasizes the personal losses and survival mechanisms, as he recalls friends lost to violence and the desperate measures taken to endure the harsh realities of prison life.
In the line “What you know about ballin’ water all in a milk carton,” B.G. speaks to the resourcefulness required in prison, where inmates use makeshift methods for basic comforts like hot food and drinks. It illustrates a narrative of adaptation and ingenuity amidst hardship.
Concluding the song, both artists echo the refrain about making it out and valuing freedom. Despite the seemingly unbreakable chains of their situations, there remains a steadfast hope and resilience to transcend these circumstances. The emphasis on “freedom something that we prayed everyday about” punctuates the longing for liberation from systemic shackles.
“Short Timing” reflects the artists’ lived experiences, contextualized within broader systemic issues. It acts as both a testament to personal endurance and a critique of the socio-political systems that perpetuate cycles of poverty and incarceration. In a broader sense, it highlights the hip-hop genre’s role as a platform for storytelling and social commentary.
