Released: 2019
“Under The Influence” by Chris Brown is a sultry track that dabbles with themes of intoxication, both by substances and the allure of a romantic interest. The vibe? It’s chilled out, the kind of joint you spin when the lights are low and you’re looking to get closer. It’s Brown crooning about the effects someone’s got on him, and how he’s navigating that heady space between substance use and love.
Let’s break it down, verse by verse, hook by hook. The intro’s a shout-out to the producer, Kiddominant, telling us to get ready for the beat to grip us. Then Breezy hits us with “Fuckin’ Robitussin,” a line that’s all about leaning into that drowsy, mellow zone cough syrup can take you to. Only, he ain’t about that life—no pills or party drugs—he’s just catching a natural high off the vibes.
The chorus is smooth, an invitation. Chris calls on his girl to come through, ride it out with him. There’s a playfulness in “Baby, who cares?” like he’s coaxing her to let go of any hang-ups because deep down, he knows she’s invested—she cares. He’s enthralled, totally taken by how her body communicates without words, speaking to him on another level.
Now onto that verse where Brown is laying it on thick. “I can make it hurricane on it” — that’s code for showering somebody with love, attention, and yeah, probably cash too, making it rain, so to speak. “Tie it up, put a chain on it” is that possessive, passionate kind of love, almost like he’s claiming territory. And that “Make you tattoo my name on it” line? That’s some real ride-or-die commitment vibes right there.
He even throws in a tech reference with the “Let’s Go Pro and make a video,” hinting at leveling up their private time with a GoPro camera to capture the intimacy. And when he repeats the invitation in the chorus? It’s him saying, ‘Let’s keep this good thing going.’ Chris is all about that connection, the kind that’s got you under a spell, where even the slightest touch or look speaks volumes.
The song wraps with a final affirmation in the hook. The repetition of “Baby, you can ride it,” and “But I know you care” drives it home—this back and forth, this dance of desire, it’s real, and it’s deep. Chris Brown’s message in “Under The Influence” is clear: he’s caught in this intoxicating blend of physical attraction and emotional entanglement, and he doesn’t want to break free.
