Released: 2023 • Features: Lil Yachty
Ah, “Van Gogh” featuring Lil Yachty by JID — now that’s a piece that rolls deep into the psyche of its creators, blending the rawness of street savviness with the finesse of artistry, paralleling the genius and madness of Vincent Van Gogh himself. The track stands as a testament to both rappers’ versatility, combining the laid-back, melodic styles with hard-hitting bars, enveloped in a soundscape that feels both introspective and boastful. Now, let’s dive into the essence of what these lyrical maestros are paintin’ for us.
From the jump, we got Lil Yachty setting the stage, playfully checking if we’re on the same wavelength, ready to dive into the depths of their lyrical ocean. It’s all about making you feel the significance before they even lay down the bars. Yachty ain’t just making an entrance; he’s ensuring we’re locked in for the voyage ahead.
JID jumps in with lines that cut deep, talking about his frustration with the falseness in people and the street’s relentless cycle. He’s not just spitting bars; he’s narrating the real hustle, the unavoidable dance with death (“Funeral goes, casket closed”), and the cold reality of life’s fragility. When he speaks on freeing his people and touching on the implications of imprisonment on families, it’s a raw look at the systemic issues plaguing his community. The magic trick reference? That’s all about the unexpected, the life of illusions many are trapped in.
The flex is real as JID moves through his achievements and the material gains – from new Chanel to thick bankrolls. Yet, this isn’t just about bragging; it’s a commentary on the validation sought in material wealth, juxtaposed against real struggles like incarceration (“Bro just got out and he already trap again”). There’s a duality in celebrating these wins while acknowledging the cycle they’re caught in.
JID’s wordplay is next level, making references that bridge pop culture with deeper messages. Dropping names like Taraji (P. Henson) to Phil Collins, he’s blending different worlds, showcasing the breadth of his influences and knowledge. When he talks about the streets and the systemic issues, using clever wordplay like algebra and parabolas, it’s not just about showing off his lyrical skills but also about highlighting the ongoing struggle for understanding and knowledge amidst chaos.
As we wade deeper, the code switches, and the flow transitions to more personal reflections and aspirations. Dreams of wealth, the inevitability of facing one’s demons, and the complexity of relationships in the mix of it all. JID’s not just rhyming; he’s weaving a narrative that’s as much about the external pressures as it is about the internal battles.
The closing verses bring it all back home, mixing the bravado with vulnerability. From seeking simple pleasures amidst chaos (“I’m getting top with the coat on”) to acknowledging the fleeting nature of connections in this digital age (“She just want Venmo”), JID and Lil Yachty paint a picture that’s vivid, complex, and unapologetically real. Calling this piece “Van Gogh” ain’t just for the vibes; it’s a nod to the madness and genius it takes to create real art, to live and breathe in the chaos and still find beauty, to be misunderstood yet stand bold in one’s truth.
The dexterity, the wordplay, the deep dives into both personal and systemic challenges, all while keeping you nodding to the beat? That’s the art and heart of hip-hop. “Van Gogh” ain’t just a track; it’s a mural of the modern hustle, painted with the brushes of two artists who’ve mastered the craft of storytelling, set against a backdrop that’s all too real for many. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s hip-hop.
