Released: 2018
“Uncle Phillips” by Blueface is a high-energy track, largely revolving around themes of confrontation and self-assertion. Blueface weaves through vivid imagery and bold claims, expressing the idea that online bravado will face real-world repercussions when he’s involved. The lyrics underscore the artist’s persona of an untouchable hustler, unafraid to challenge those who speak ill of him online, or “for the ‘Gram.”
The hook in the song immediately sets the tone. Blueface highlights the act of ‘poppin’ for the ‘Gram,’ a colloquialism for boasting or showing off on Instagram. Here, he emphasizes the disconnect between online posturing and reality, suggesting that the false confidence many show online disappears when he arrives in person.
The chorus repeats with intensity, each time serving as a reminder of the realness that Blueface claims to bring compared to those he critiques. By stating ‘niggas poppin’ for the ‘Gram ’til I pop up,’ he underlines a looming threat. His ‘fat forty,’ a reference to a .40 caliber firearm, personified as ‘Uncle Phillip,’ stands as a metaphor for the weight he carries in the streets, and his readiness to defend his reputation.
In the first verse, Blueface paints himself as an authoritative figure in the streets, detailing scenarios of violent confrontations with rivals. He equates pulling up to an opponent’s location (‘drop that pin’) to forceful actions with imagery like ‘five hots, fill his ass up like a fill-up,’ illustrating a barrage of bullets.
Moving deeper into the verse, he critiques the facade maintained by people online who think they’re untouchable. He mentions a preference for solving disputes physically rather than online bickering. He compares himself to ‘a stripper with the pole,’ making a playful yet deadly analogy to the ease with which he can engage in violence when necessary.
Blueface flexes his prowess as a ‘rockstar,’ boasting about ‘playing with drums,’ a double entendre for firearms. The notion of bullets ripping through opponents aligns with the ongoing imagery of domination and a no-nonsense attitude towards perceived threats. He makes a contrast to full-time rappers by implying his street actions outweigh his part-time music career.
The latter parts of the lyrics continue to showcase his disdain for ‘clout chasing’ — individuals who chase fame or recognition without earning it. This narrative supports his identity as a hustler, not someone interested in empty fame. The use of the phrase ‘trollin’, lurkin’ adds to the idea of deceit and false personas, particularly in the context of social media.
In further dissecting his personality and lifestyle, Blueface continues to champion his identity as a hustler — someone who flips currency and material, staying in motion in the streets. He emphasizes authenticity in comparison to ‘boof ass rappers’ who inflate their reputation without true street cred.
Through his use of language and powerful declarations, Blueface carves out his space as a formidable presence, relying on street logic and hustler instincts to guide his actions. He reflects a character who, despite dabbling in music, identifies more with the raw experiences of street life and confrontations.
The track ends reiterating the same chorus, making it clear that Blueface remains unwavering in his views about authenticity, street respect, and his skepticism of internet fame. The historical context of such bravado in hip-hop underlines a traditional narrative within the genre: proving one’s worth beyond mere words.
