Released: 2018
“Stir Fry” by Migos is a rhythmic anthem celebrating the trio’s ascension from the streets to the heights of hip-hop stardom. The song cleverly intertwines the themes of hard work, lavish lifestyle, and their roots in the trap house, while also paying homage to the friends they’ve left behind on their journey to success.
The song kicks off with repeated exclamations of “Whoo”, setting the stage for a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. The lyrics “dance with my dogs in the night time” is all about celebrating with their crew, their team that’s been through the journey with them. The artist’s mention of “Trap niggas with the chickens like Popeyes” is an allusion to their past engagement in the trap life, dealing drugs – the “chicken” here is slang for drugs.
The chorus, “In the kitchen, wrist twistin’ like it’s stir-fry,” is a metaphorical and ingenious reference to the cooking of drugs, a skill they had to master in the trap lifestyle. However, it’s used here to denote their abundant wealth, their ability to ‘cook up’ money just as easily as one would stir fry a dish.
Offset’s verse brings in references to financial independence and prosperity, with lines like “I don’t regret shit, yeah, I’m paid and I don’t got no debt”. This note of triumph is also reflected as he mentions “AP, Rolls, Pink diamonds, whoa”. He’s referring to his Audemars Piguet watch, Rolls-Royce car, and expensive jewelry, symbols of the luxury they can now afford.
By the time we hit Takeoff’s verse, it’s all about the competitive spirit and the hustle, with basketball metaphors “Finger roll, post move or the pick and roll”. He’s drawing parallels between the maneuvers in a b-ball game and their cunning moves on the streets and in the industry that’s led them to success.
Throughout the track, Migos assert their dominance in the hip-hop scene, likening their music-making process to cooking stir fry. The way they ‘whip up’ hit songs is as skillful and meticulous as a chef flipping veggies in a sizzling wok. “Stir Fry” presents a blend of Migos’ exuberant energy, street wisdom, and an uncompromising commitment to their craft – the ingredients that make Migos who they are today.
