Released: 2014
“Smoke Out, Loced Out” by $ is a gritty, hard-hitting track that delves into the darker aspects of street life and the mindset that accompanies it. The song paints a vivid picture of violence, drug use, and a sense of detachment from emotional relationships, illustrating the raw and often brutal reality faced by those navigating this world. Through its repetitive, emphatic hook, the song drives home the theme of relentless aggression and survival in a hostile environment.
The song opens with a powerful and repetitive hook: “Smoked out, loced out, ridin’ with the pistol grip.” This sets the stage for the overarching narrative, where “smoked out” suggests being under the influence of drugs, and “loced out” refers to being in a heightened state of awareness or agitation, often associated with gang culture. The “pistol grip” alludes to carrying a gun, symbolizing readiness for violence and protection.
The refrain “I don’t love hoes, mane, I’m aimin’ at yo’ skull!” reinforces a sense of emotional detachment and a focus on violence. Here, the artist is indicating that romantic relationships or attachments are distractions and potentially liabilities in his world. Instead, the emphasis is on the need for survival and the readiness to engage in violent acts to protect oneself or assert dominance.
As the first verse unfolds, we encounter phrases like “I need that B, that U, the D,” which is a coded way of saying the artist requires “bud” or marijuana, indicating a dependence on drugs. “The sticky-icky, yeah, that cabbage” uses slang to describe high-quality marijuana, showcasing its role as both a coping mechanism and a lifestyle staple.
Continuing through the lyrics, we see a gritty narrative emerge: “Snort a little coke / Put that .30 to your head, then I let that bitch rip.” Here, the artist vividly describes indulging in cocaine use and contemplating or committing acts of violence, illustrating the chaos and danger that can accompany drug addiction and street life.
Further into the verse, the artist mentions “Kill me a opp, while I’m smoking on spinach,” where “opp” refers to an opponent or rival, and “spinach” is slang for marijuana. This paints a picture of engaging in violence against enemies while using drugs, merging two destructive aspects of this lifestyle.
The song features an array of substances with lines like “Blueberry kush how that spinach is scented,” referring to a specific type of marijuana strain, again emphasizing drug culture’s omnipresence in this narrative. It’s clear that substance use is deeply intertwined with the song’s theme of power, escape, and coping mechanisms.
In the second part of the song, $ collaborates with Lil Uzi, bringing in references like “Japanese weed” compared to “sushi,” highlighting the exotic and high-status elements of their drug consumption. The cultural reference to “sushi” adds an interesting dimension, merging different worlds in a way that reflects hip-hop’s broad influences and lifestyle aspirations.
Violence, again, is not far behind in these lyrics. “Twistin’ up the blunt like it was a noose” implies using drugs in a way that could metaphorically ‘choke’ or constrain oneself, signifying potential self-destruction. Furthermore, the aggressive line “beat the pussy up” and the imagery of using a knife introduces a darker tone that portrays hyper-masculine and often misogynistic aspects within the genre.
As the song nears its end, the motif of consuming drugs and being prepared for violence remains steadfast, ending as it began. “Smoked out, loced out, ridin’ with the pistol grip” continues to hammer the unchanging, almost cyclical nature of this lifestyle—one that is perilously suspended between self-preservation and self-destruction. This song starkly portrays a slice of reality in the streets where danger and excess are constants.
