Released: 2020
The song “What the Fuck is Happening” by artist $ provides a raw depiction of struggles and indulgences with a recurring theme of dealing with violence, substance use, and a tumultuous mental state. Throughout the song, there’s a repetition that captures the chaos and cycle of these themes, mixed with elements of irony and blunt, vivid imagery to paint a portrait of their reality.
The hook “Glock to my fuckin’ back, a pill smacked to my head / I catch another, clutchin’ on the smoke from the marijuana” sets the scene for the song’s tumultuous and gritty narrative. Here, a “Glock” represents imminent danger, suggesting a threat that is constantly looming over the speaker. The mention of a “pill smacked to my head” highlights substance use, while “clutchin’ on the smoke from the marijuana” hints at a need for escapism from this threatening reality.
Ruby da Cherry’s verse introduces his persona, projecting confidence with the phrase “Yeah, I’m a dime a dozen” implying he’s unique in a crowd. The phrase “all of a sudden me and my cousin rich from pressing buttons” metaphorically references gaining wealth, potentially through minimal effort or seemingly effortless work in the music industry. The richness also contrasts sharply with his feelings of being “lost in the sauce,” meaning he’s overwhelmed by the wealth and lifestyle.
Continuing with his verse, Ruby addresses “industry plants,” referring to individuals who are perceived as artificially constructed artists within the music industry, critiquing their authenticity by describing their roots “covered in fungus,” a metaphor suggesting deceit or unworthiness.
The section with “She asked if she could blow me / I said ‘bitch, I ain’t no trumpet'” uses humor and bluntness to comment on fleeting, superficial relationships, followed by the outright rejection of the term “husband” implying a refusal to commit emotionally.
The phrase “Mixed the Sprite up with some ‘Tussin” alludes to a homemade cocktail involving codeine (found in cough syrups like Robitussin), suggesting an indulgence in intoxicating substances to either enhance his experience or numb pain. His purchase of “steel-toed boots” metaphorically suggests preparation for a rough journey or hardships ahead, indicating a readiness to face consequences head-on.
As the track continues, $ brings us into a chaotic mindstate where pulling up on a “fuck-boy” and getting off his “meds” introduces an element of unpredictable aggression. The “room full of bottles” further suggests excess and self-destructive tendencies as the threat of “drowning” indicates being overwhelmed by this lifestyle.
There’s an eerie, dark imagery of the “Devil riding with me, chops out” reflecting a descent into madness, possibly due to inner demons. “Lurking from the gutter” hints at his origins or the base instincts that haunt him, whereas “Demons is my brothers” reinforces a camaraderie in shared struggles or backgrounds.
He further amplifies his condition with “Blue pills up my nose” which can imply more drug use, combined with “OP’s in some foil,” referencing opioid usage. The visual of “Mouth drippin’ with oil” symbolizes degradation or mess, with the subsequent line “fade to black behind the marijuana smoke” illustrating fading away or disappearing under the influence, suggesting an escape from reality.
The repeated refrain of the Glock and the pills weaves through the verses, providing a rhythm to the madness portrayed, echoing a sense of inescapable entrapment. The ending line suggests unfinished business, an ongoing struggle, or a cycle that repeats, providing no resolution but rather a continuation of this gritty lifestyle.
Overall, the song crafts a picture of the contemporary issues surrounding certain lifestyles, combining aggressive bravado with moments of vulnerability, sharply reflecting the contradictory elements of life in and around the hip-hop industry. Its lyrical repetition effectively underscores the monotony and cycle of excess and danger prevalent in this reality.
