Released: 2011
“Trouble on My Mind” is a collab that gives us the best of both worlds – Pusha T’s raw, unapologetic lyricism meets Tyler, The Creator’s unpredictable and boundary-pushing style. The track talks about having trouble on their minds but dives deeper into their personal and professional lives, showcasing their rise from the bottom, their challenges, and their unorthodox ways of dealing with fame and critics.
Pusha opens up with bold imagery of luxury and past struggles, saying “It’s the blackout, ‘Rari got the back out”, juxtaposing his success with his beginnings. References to “started in the crack house, Obama went the back route” highlight his journey from drug dealing to rap stardom, also nodding to significant political events. The mention of “GOOD had room for one more, I took the last spot” touches on his place in Kanye West’s music label, GOOD Music, marking his success in the rap game.
Tyler’s verse is a whirlwind of controversy and bravado. Lines like “Pharrell said, ‘Get ’em’, so I got ’em” show respect to his influences while flaunting his reckless nature with “Tripped on Bristol Palin then I accidentally shot ’em”. Tyler uses shocking imagery and comparisons, “I’m a fucking walking paradox”, to illustrate his complex identity, contrasting his fame with his inner turmoil and the public’s perception of him. His lines are filled with cultural references and personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of his mindset and artistic vision.
Both artists bring their unique flavors to talk about the trouble that haunts them but also ties them to their roots and realness, despite fame. Their collaboration is a gritty, no-holds-barred exploration of their lives, showcasing their ability to blend hard-hitting lyrics with complex themes. Through “Trouble on My Mind,” Pusha T and Tyler, The Creator bridge different aspects of hip-hop, celebrating their distinct sounds while confronting their critics and personal demons head-on.
