Released: 2022
“PUFFIN ON ZOOTIEZ” by Future is a testament to the extravagant and transcendent lifestyle that comes with success in the rap game. The song paints a vivid picture of a life filled with luxury, substance use, and undeniable swagger, all while maintaining a disdain for those who try to mimic his style and success. It’s an anthem of self-assurance, opulence, and the isolation that can come from being at the top.
The song kicks off with Future floating “way in the sky” on a G5, a symbol of the heights of his success and his physical and metaphorical detachment from the ground level – where his detractors reside. The reference to “She finna tell me ‘No way’ and it’s cap” paints a picture of disbelief encountered from others, suggesting that some can’t fathom or accept his achievements or the tales of his lifestyle, deeming it too fantastical or exaggerated (“cap”).
As Future puffs on “zooties,” a colloquial term for potent cannabis, he introduces us to a world of luxury that extends to relationships, with women drawn to his wealth and status, and material objects like the Hermès ashtray, a symbol of opulent living. The mention of “Chrome Heart accessories” and parking “two mil’ in the middle of my hood” speaks to the lavishness and the effort to stay grounded in his origins despite his wealth. It’s a juxtaposition of the gutter and glamour, highlighting his journey from “the sewer” to sipping “mud” (codeine), a nod to his struggles and successes.
Future’s disdain for imitation permeates the track as he calls out those who copy his style and achievements, solidifying his place at the pinnacle of the game. The use of “championship, championship” reinforces his self-view as a winner, elevated from the competition. His reference to the “kidnapping” of his past and spending “ten on a crib” reflects on his past struggles and current triumphs, suggesting a dramatic turn in his fortunes.
The repeated mentions of drug use, from “poppin’ a Tesla” (slang for ecstasy pills) to flying “too far in the sky,” dive into the theme of escapism, and the double-edged sword of substance use as both a form of celebration and a coping mechanism. This is encapsulated in the phrase “I’m never sober, I think I’ma quit,” revealing a moment of introspection amid the bravado.
Ultimately, “PUFFIN ON ZOOTIEZ” is a complex narrative of success, isolation, and imitation set against a backdrop of luxury and excess. Future’s storytelling paints a vivid picture of life at the top, where the view is unparalleled, but the air is thin, underscoring the solitude that often accompanies extreme success. Through his lyrics, Future invites listeners into his world, marked by an unapologetic embrace of his achievements and a cautionary note on the realities of fame and fortune.
