Released: 2016
In G Herbo’s “Write Your Name”, the underlying sentiment is a mournful, streetwise homage to lost friends and allies. The song is an unflinching look at the reality of gang violence and its tragic outcomes. At the same time, it underscores the resilience inherent in the human spirit, as well as the intention to keep the memory of fallen comrades alive.
The song kicks off with a dedication to Herbo’s associates and territories. He frames his hard-hitting verses with a chant-like chorus “Write your name across the sky”, a call to remember his fallen squad. The lyrics “While I flame one to the brain and gon’ get high/And regardless of the pain, I ain’t gon’ cry” demonstrate grim resolve, numbing grief without allowing it to halt progress, a survival mechanism common in tough environments. Statements like “Hustle hard for them bucks, nigga, that’s a must” highlight the persisting drive for survival and financial success despite losses.
In the second verse, Herbo paints a vivid, lament-filled image of his past, referencing lost friends, and pastimes they shared. Lines like “‘Cause it’s too many gone, but I’m still livin’ on” serve as a stark reminder of the precariousness of life on the streets- reminiscent of the losing numbers in a war, but with a resolve to keep fighting for survival. His references to “gettin’ money” underline the tenacious pursuit of financial security, irrespective of the surrounding hardship and sorrow.
The third verse is a potent mix of grief, defiance, and determination. “I’ll give up the money, fuck the fame, all the jewels” signals Herbo’s willingness to give up material and superficial gains to resurrect his deceased friends. Though conscious of his inability to turn back time, Herbo still emphasizes that disrespect to his lost friends will be met with retribution.
G Herbo paints a stark picture of his environment referring to it as a “hellhole where it’s full of zombies”, underlining the dehumanizing impact of constant violence and poverty. Ultimately, the song pays homage to his fallen friends, immortalizing their memory through these verses and reiterates his determination to succeed despite his overwhelming losses.
Herbo signs off with an inclusive shout out to everyone who has lost someone they cared about, making “Write Your Name” not just a personal tribute, but a collective one, connecting with many listeners who have experienced similar losses. The song, thus, is a poignant reflection of the harsh realities of street life, a tribute to fallen comrades, and an assertion of grit and resilience in the face of adversity.
