Released: 2018 • Features: Drake
“Yes Indeed” by Lil Baby, featuring Drake, is a braggadocio anthem celebrating success, hard-earned wealth, and the high life in the fast lane of the hip-hop industry. The lyrics are laced with references to luxury, loyalty, and the grind that got both artists to where they are today. It’s a track that embodies the spirit of achieving dreams in the rap game, echoing the sentiments of those who’ve made it despite the odds.
Breaking it down, Drake kicks things off setting the stage for a narrative filled with luxury, life achievements, and nods to his and Lil Baby’s rise in the rap game. “The dash, it’s digi’, the schedule busy” alludes to a digital dashboard in a high-end car, symbolizing their fast-paced lifestyle. When Drake mentions “Life is amazin’, it is what it should be,” he’s reflecting on his decade-long career, feeling still fresh in the game like a “rookie.” Drake’s verse is peppered with references to his loyalty and the solid circle he keeps, shouting out his label Young Money and likening his throw of thousands to NFL star Tom Brady — a metaphor for his effortless success and precision in the game.
Lil Baby takes the baton with seamless confidence, reiterating the themes of success and newfound wealth but also touching upon the darker aspects of his previous life before fame. “Brand new whip, got no keys” talks about push-to-start luxury cars, symbolizing his move from a life of struggle to one of effortless luxury. This transition from his past is also signified in lines like “Real dope boy, hundred thousand in Evisu,” nodding to his street origins and the financial success he’s achieved through music. The line “Got M’s in the bank, like yes, indeed” serves as a triumphant declaration of their financial status, repeated like a mantra through the hook.
Throughout, the collaboration between Lil Baby and Drake showcases their chemistry, with both artists trading verses on their unstoppable ascent in the industry. The song isn’t just about flaunting wealth; it’s a testament to their perseverance, the loyalty they’ve both prioritized, and the clear vision they’ve had to achieve their dreams. “Me and my dawg goin’ all the way / When you livin’ like this, they supposed to hate” encapsulates the idea that with success comes envy, a recurring theme in hip-hop that both artists acknowledge as part of their journey.
Colloquially, the song is rich with references to luxury brands, sports figures, and hip-hop moguls, serving as a coded language that signifies success in the culture. From Cartier to Ferrari and references to legal troubles navigated with wealth, “Yes Indeed” is both a celebration and a reaffirmation of their places in hip-hop royalty.
In essence, “Yes Indeed” is a manifesto of achievement, a look back at the hustle that got them to the top, and a beacon for those grinding towards their own dreams. It’s a reminder that in the world of hip-hop, resilience, loyalty, and hard work pay off in the most lavish ways.
