Released: 2024
G Herbo’s “What You Need” is an extravagant tale of luxury and internal battles wrapped up in his gritty and sharp delivery. Through the lyrics, he expresses the dichotomy between living a life filled with material excess and dealing with personal struggles. The song dives into themes of wealth, fame, loyalty, and the conflicts of the lifestyle that accompany his success.
The hook of “What You Need” repetitively questions, “What you need?” and sets the stage for the lavish life that G Herbo is ready to offer. The repetition highlights a sense of endless provision, almost as if whatever the listener or his muse requires, it’s at their disposal. The use of “Swerv'” refers to G Herbo’s moniker, “Swervo,” symbolizing his fast-paced, luxurious lifestyle.
In the opening lines, G Herbo describes having “access to yachts” and jet-setting across states, demonstrating a significant transformation from modest beginnings to opulence. He conveys confidence, mentioning trips from private jets to convertible cars and laughing to the bank, all the while signaling his perpetual presence in the rap game. His past successes are implied when he talks about dropping bags, a colloquial term for spending large sums of money, suggesting that his wealth is not newfound.
Throughout the verses, G Herbo drops several brand names like LV (Louis Vuitton) and alludes to expensive purchases. He boasts about the flex, showing off Benz car keys and high-end shopping, portraying an image of affluence that continues to build on his established persona. This part of the song illustrates the power of image in hip-hop culture and how maintaining a certain status can enhance an artist’s appeal.
G Herbo transitions into addressing a romantic interest, using material allure to captivate. He describes shopping sprees and romantic escapades, mixing a tone of desire with an acknowledgement of the difficulties of such relationships. He requests that his partner “put him at ease,” hinting at the need for personal connection amidst the chaotic nature of his lifestyle.
In another verse, he openly acknowledges a complicated relationship where a woman dreams of wealth, yet G Herbo’s focus on his “demons” — his inner battles — takes precedence. “Trackhawks and Demons” not only reference high-performance vehicles but symbolize his chase for speed and escape, juxtaposing with fighting demons, indicating internal struggles.
He speaks about an intimate relationship that goes beyond material wants, one that’s shadowed by suspicion and mistrust. Despite this, G Herbo talks about his openness to letting people go rather than forcing a relationship. “I’ma pay you then leave” captures a pragmatic, if cold, approach to relationships, highlighting a recurring theme in his lyrics: a no-nonsense attitude towards loyalty and commitment.
Further down the track, G Herbo ties his identity to his roots and past challenges. The mention of being in a “black Maybach” represents success and transformation, while the ‘Raq, a nickname for Chicago (Chi-raq), acknowledges his origin and the influence of that environment on his music and persona. Despite the riches, he retains the hustle mindset, signified by references to carrying protection and staying cautious.
The lyrics make historical allusions to ‘No Limit Soldier,’ pointing to the 90s hip-hop group and movement associated with self-reliance and toughness. This reinforces G Herbo’s sense of resilience and defiance, suggesting that despite achieving mainstream success, he remains true to his foundational experiences and struggles.
Closing with a contemplative edge, G Herbo continues to blend bravado with vulnerability, as he narrates being ready for potential conflict (“grab the hose and spray”) while simultaneously dealing with personal cases and adversity. “What You Need” culminates as a rich tapestry of G Herbo’s life: the high life tempered by deep introspection, a snapshot of a young rapper balancing prosperity with the real world, crafting an anthem for those navigating similar spaces.
