Released: 2015
“This Could Be Us” by Rae Sremmurd is a sharp commentary about the romantic complications brought about by the unyielding pursuit of money and fame. Running over smooth beats and infectious loops, the layering of desire, disappointment, and deception creates a compelling narrative of the less glamorous side of being at the peak of music industry.
With lines like “Tears splashin’ the floor when I opened the door for her / She acted like a whore and I’ma let her,” the song’s protagonist is linked with a woman whose loyalty appears questionable. The reference to “Project Pat” denotes the influence of Memphis rapper, Project Pat, known for his raw lyrics about pimp culture, suggesting that the woman is learned in the art of manipulation.
The chorus repeatedly echoes “This could be us but you’re playing,” indicating a potential love interest’s refusal to engage in a serious relationship, presumably due to his intense lifestyle. The focus on material wealth is signified through the lines “Money make the world go ’round,” painting a picture of a world driven by material possessions, where relationships are casualties.
The artist uses the analogy of playing basketball to highlight his own successes and setbacks, “I ball like Tracy McGrady,” he asserts, drawing a parallel between his experiences and that of the retired NBA superstar. The lyric “You way too fine for a local club,” criticizes the choice of the woman to linger in local circles despite her potential.
The last few verses use the metaphor of “Spin the bottle,” hinting at the roulette-esque nature of relationships in this context. The repeated refrain of “You don’t want no problem,” underlines that the artist and his lifestyle aren’t as approachable as they might seem.
Overall, “This Could Be Us” delves into the complexities of romantic relationships in the face of immense wealth and fame. The song reveals the tension between enjoyment of success and the melancholy of personal dissatisfaction, making it a powerful introspective journey into the realities of the hip-hop high life.
