Released: 2021
“Tahoe” by Babyface Ray is a raw yet nuanced piece reflecting on his journey from the streets to success. It’s rich with imagery and loaded with the tension of living in the fast lane while enjoying the spoils of his grind. At its core, the song captures a tale of relentless ambition and the inevitable loneliness that comes with a life of hustling, reflecting on the cost of this chosen path.
The track opens with Babyface Ray setting the tone by mentioning “Hoodrich Keem,” hinting at potential collaborations and a nod to his industry connections. This initial mention paints a picture of the competitive and opportunistic nature of the music business, where new talent is always on the lookout to collaborate and climb up the ranks.
Ray talks about ‘taking the vibes up to Tahoe,’ a picturesque place often associated with leisure and affluence. It’s symbolic of a temporary escape from the hustle, a place to reflect on his progress, almost akin to taking a breath amidst chaos. This line embodies both an escape and an elevation, literally and metaphorically.
The mention of ‘Pablo’ is a direct reference to Pablo Escobar, implying a sense of dominance and control. By invoking Escobar’s name, Ray conveys the gravity of his hustle, suggesting that his influence and operations are at a grand scale. The parallel with ‘slap a thousand of them, dry slow,’ suggests a strategy, perhaps relating to distributing products, hinting at a deeper, darker side of the business hustle.
When Ray claims, ’12 can’t stop shit, I feel like Ralo,’ he references Ralo, an artist known for defying law enforcement, which emphasizes a defiant stance against authorities. It portrays Ray’s rebellious nature and confidence in his endeavors despite potential legal risks. Here, ’12’ is slang for the police, highlighting an ongoing conflict between his world and the law.
His reference to ‘real estate in the hill’ and a minimalist lifestyle, ‘no furniture, just some money counters,’ speaks volumes about his priorities. This lifestyle is less about show and more about business and wealth accumulation. Money counters represent a focus on finance, while ‘niggas pourin” adds an element of celebrating success amidst stark simplicity.
The line about not being able to sleep because ‘Adderalls got me geeked’ underscores the intensity and high-pressure lifestyle he leads. Adderall, often used to stay awake and alert, is a nod to his relentless work ethic and perhaps, the restlessness that comes with pursuing success. Here, ‘geeked’ means to be very high or extremely focused.
Babyface Ray introduces imagery with ‘diced pineapples,’ transforming them into ‘a lil’ bitch peach,’ which suggests transformation or improvement in a situation or relationship. His use of luxury brand ‘Saint Laurent’ paints a picture of wealth and success while being ‘reckless with the check’ shows a cavalier attitude towards spending, reflecting the disposable nature of his newfound wealth.
He dives into his hustle ethos with ‘left a bag in Vegas, scooped a bag in Phoenix,’ illustrating his ability to make money quickly and almost casually lose or gain it. This passage exemplifies a nonchalant, yet meticulous control over his finances and reflects the perpetual grind that marks his lifestyle.
The track culminates with an introspective look into fame, ‘pray I’m never famous,’ which contrasts with the bravado seen throughout the song. It’s a commentary on the cost of fame and the idea of living richly without the complications fame brings. ‘Selfish shit, die alone’ hammers home the song’s underlying message about the solitary path of the hustler; while one can amass wealth and power, the emotional cost can lead to a lonely existence. This closing line powerfully encapsulates the essence of his journey: relentless, defiant, yet inherently solitary.
