Released: 2023
“YMCA” by Rae Sremmurd is an energetic track where the duo flaunts their opulent lifestyle, equating their hustle and rise to success with themes from the YMCA culture, representing youth, energy, and potential. The song celebrates wealth, exclusivity, and the challenges that come with newfound success, as the artists navigate fame, indulgence, and maintaining authenticity.
The hook sets the tone with Rae Sremmurd referencing ‘crackin’ the code on the safe,’ which can be interpreted as their way of figuring out the secrets to wealth and success. This is for ‘young niggas like YMCA,’ suggesting that it’s for the ambitious youth, resonating with themes of vigor and potential that the YMCA represents. The phrase ‘breaking their ankles’ implies playing basketball with intensity, a metaphor for their intense work ethic and performance in the music industry.
In the first verse, there’s an interesting dynamic as they speak about kicking ‘the hoes out, they borin’ me.’ This line underlines the sentiment of rejecting anything mundane or uninspiring in pursuit of greater thrills or goals. The rejection of sorority life can symbolize a distancing from traditional structures or expected paths in life, choosing instead the unpredictability and exclusivity of their own circle.
The mention of ‘Christian Dior on my feet’ signifies wealth and style, aligning with high fashion as a representation of success. ‘Throwin’ it up like it’s YMCA’ reflects youthful energy and the exuberance that accompanies their lifestyle. The use of ‘digital license plates’ implies a futuristic or avant-garde status, consistent with the forward-thinking mindset they promote.
The lyrics highlight the theme of being treated like ‘royalty,’ focusing on the priority of financial gain. Their conduct is described as ‘disorderly,’ an embrace of the chaos and freedom that success can bring. Despite their fame, there’s a resistance to conforming to social expectations, as seen in their interactions, like resisting speaking cordially or being restrained by social norms.
In the verse performed by Swae Lee, references like ‘I’m up in the mornin’,’ paired with ‘ass fat and she throwin’ it towards me,’ depict a typical party lifestyle full of indulgence. The lines about being ‘courtside at LA’ during an NBA game signify both status and their embeddedness in celebrity culture. ‘Hurricane season, I flooded the AP’ cleverly refers to luxury watches and financial affluence, reflecting confidence and assertiveness.
There’s a reference to trust and patience in the process, recalling moments before fame and how backstage access now marks a significant achievement in their journey. This highlights a shift in perception and respect in social and industry circles. Red carpet readiness is also emphasized, pointing to a sophisticated appearance and acceptance in high society, but still without the need for stylists.
Jxmmi, on his part, provides a strong portrayal of uniqueness with lines like ‘extraterrestrial, Jxmmi’s an alien.’ Here, he sets himself apart as extraordinary, embodying the idiosyncratic and standout nature of their success. This also connects to them defying norms and rising above typical societal expectations. A Maybach being compared to an airplane further enforces luxury and high status, living life above ordinary experiences.
The chorus repetitively reinstates the main themes: breaking into success, youthful energy like YMCA, and outshining others in the metaphorical basketball game of life. Each repetition enforces the dual celebration of achievement and relentless work ethic that the duo emphasizes throughout their careers.
Overall, “YMCA” isn’t just a braggadocious display; it captures Rae Sremmurd’s vision of luxury, self-confidence, and the fast-paced lifestyle that accompanies their rise. By associating themselves with the concepts of youthfulness and vigor seen in the YMCA, they make a clear statement about being pioneers, focused on blazing their path with flair and defiance of traditional expectations. In doing so, they offer a commentary on what it means to thrive as a young black man in today’s world, blending aspirational messages with catchy, rhythm-driven beats.
