Released: 2024
“Something Ether” by Lil Yachty is a braggadocious track that dives deep into the rapper’s lifestyle, his contempt for norms, and his flaunt of wealth and status. It’s a bold, assertive declaration of independence from conventional expectations, laced with a sense of superiority and defiance. The lyrics are rife with slang and references that paint a vibrant picture of Yachty’s world, from his disregard for the ordinary to his lavish expenditures on relationships.
The song kicks off with a defiant stance against unspecified people, with Lil Yachty expressing a desire to break away from the mundane (“Fuck all them folks over there”). He mentions wanting to “cut your hair” and “beat your mouth,” which could be interpreted as wanting to shape and dominate conversations or situations. The mention of “geek on meds” points to indulging in substances to achieve a heightened state of mind, a common theme in hip-hop as a form of escapism or enhancement.
Yachty’s preference for “bitches delusional” and the emphasis that it’s about “who you is, not who you know” speaks to a desire for genuine connections beyond social status. He alludes to not working in a “cubicle,” showcasing his disdain for the conventional 9-to-5 lifestyle and asserting his place in the music industry as a departure from the norm.
Throughout the chorus, filled with non-lyrical vocalizations (“Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm”), Yachty emphasizes a contemplative mood, possibly reflecting on his journey and where he stands. This bridge into further verses serves as a pause, letting the weight of his words sink in amidst the boastfulness.
Lil Yachty’s reference to spending “six, seven figures on bitches” and keeping his “cup ridiculous” is a clear flex of his wealth and how he chooses to spend it lavishly, even recklessly. Catching someone “outside and gut” or “blitz” shows a readiness to confront his adversaries directly, reinforcing his tough persona.
The latter part of the song, with repetitive “pop it” interjections, introduces a lighter, almost playful tone despite the heavy boasting about his wealth, influence (“I’m too rich, I can buy out the mayor”), and sexual exploits. The line “I’ma fuck her, that’s something Ether” is particularly noteworthy. “Ether” might be a nod to Nas’s legendary diss track, symbolizing how Yachty perceives his sexual conquests as devastating victories. Yet, it could also be read as invoking the slang term “ether” to mean doing something incredibly well or intensely.
In summary, “Something Ether” by Lil Yachty is a complex tableau of defiance, wealth, and self-assurance. Through a cascade of vivid slang and imagery, Yachty crafts an anthem that’s both a celebration of his lifestyle and a middle finger to conventional expectations. It’s a track that demands respect on Yachty’s terms, asserting his dominance in the rap game and beyond.
