Released: 2021
Chief Keef’s “Yes Sir” is a braggadocious statement of his self-assertiveness, his opulent lifestyle, and his concern for nothing but his progression and success. It’s a defiant anthem against any adversaries, and an affirmation of Keef’s hustler’s mentality and rugged street survivalist ethos.
The opening lines “No sir, no sir, new Maybach but I ain’t got a chauffeur/I’m in it for the bread, put you in a toaster” present Keef as a self-made figure who doesn’t rely on anyone. The “bread/toaster” metaphor is a clever play on words emphasizing his pursuit for profit and his readiness to confront any opposition.
Keef further emphasizes his rise to success in lines like “Got a lil’ older, was a young flexer/You know it’s a go ’cause, bitch, my jacket checkered”. Flexing, a term deeply embedded in hip-hop culture, refers to the act of flaunting one’s wealth or success. The reference to the jacket being checkered can be seen as the artist’s symbol of attaining financial security while maintaining the spirit of the hustler.
The lines “Pulled up on the block, it’s hot, flamin’ Chesters/I just flew a bitch in from Manchester” depict a stark contrast between the gritty street life and the glamorous world he now inhabits. His ability to bring a girl from Manchester shows his worldwide reach and influence.
The refrain “Ayy, yes sir” serves as affirmation of his status and his unapologetic indulgence in the spoils of his success. It’s a recurring confirmation of his self-made prowess, and essentially an indirect response to any doubters.
In the verse “Heart cold as heart burn/She tryna see what terms we on, I start talkin’ outta turn”, Keef presents the cold world of street life and his hard exterior. He’s using “heartburn” to metaphorically express his cold-heartedness and his readiness to flout the norms in pursuit of his objectives.
The song concludes with Keef asserting his dominance and prowess, refusing to be messed with in lines like “You a goofy, you get used like a utensil, sir/Get your old ass shot with this new pistol, sir”. This is Keef painting a vivid picture of street culture and asserting his fearlessness.
In “Yes Sir”, Chief Keef uses his lyrics to paint a comprehensive image of street life, his rise to fame, and his audacious attitude towards any opposition, all deeply rooted in the culture and ethos of hip-hop. The song works almost like an autobiographical sketch, an assertion of his identity, and a celebration of his journey so far.
