Released: 2022
“Tools” by Quavo, featuring Takeoff, centers around themes of financial success, self-sufficiency, and resilience. The song emphasizes the importance of spreading wealth and reflects on experiences of dealing with betrayal and envy, ultimately underscoring a lifestyle grounded in prosperity and maintaining a solid street presence.
The repeated hook, “When you get that check, spread that cash,” lays down the central theme: financial empowerment. It’s about the importance of sharing one’s wealth once you secure it, suggesting not just self-indulgence but a community-centric approach to prosperity. Quavo emphasizes that success should benefit those around him as well.
The chorus introduces a character who is financially independent, “She don’t need no man, she got OnlyFans,” referring to the online platform known for enabling creators to earn directly from subscribers. This line is about independence and making one’s way without reliance on traditional or patriarchal structures, symbolizing empowerment in modern times.
Quavo continues with lines about stashing a firearm, “I just stuffed a stick in my brand new pants,” portraying the ongoing reality of needing protection in their environment. “He didn’t take the stand, straight out the can, he straight to bands,” is about loyalty and resilience, praising someone who didn’t snitch while incarcerated, quickly transitioning back to earning money.
The phrase “so much stain on this Glock,” suggests an implication of violence or numerous experiences of conflict, while “she been through pain, she ain’t no thot” implies that a woman he respects has endured hardships without losing her integrity. “Is it jealousy, is it not?” questions others’ motivations and feelings of envy or admiration towards his success.
Takeoff contributes by reflecting on how they face constant scrutiny and adversaries yet remain unbeaten, “All of the obstacles and all the opposition and they still ain’t give up yet.” His perspective highlights their unyielding attitude despite facing numerous challenges, elevating the narrative of resilience that threads through the song.
He speaks to financial prudence, urging listeners to secure their own “check” before evaluating others, reinforcing the notion of self-improvement as foundational. “Lookin’ at my net worth, how ’bout you go get you a check first?” challenges others to focus on their personal success instead of coveting others’.
There’s a touch of luxury and indulgence with “Chrome on the jeans” and references to international escapades like taking someone to Peru. It paints a picture of the opulence they’ve achieved but underlines a life still deeply intertwined with street sensibilities and ongoing ambitions.
“Dedicated to that dirty cash,” suggests an unwavering commitment to their means of acquiring wealth, possibly indicating less than legitimate avenues but underlines a hustler’s mentality. Their success is presented as being founded on overcoming “obstacles and opposition,” emphasizing their path from struggles to success.
In conclusion, “Tools” by Quavo featuring Takeoff is not just a track about wealth, but a narrative of resilience, loyalty, and defying the odds. The artists manage to depict their reality through stark contrasts of wealth and survival, using colloquial and vivid language, reflecting both their struggles and triumphs in the world of hip-hop.
