DAM! DAM! DAM! by JPEGMAFIA Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Layers of Raw Truth in Modern Rap
Lyrics
So I can’t, I can’t really say nothin’ to you
You know, I just gotta sum you up
You the sum up type
Round you niggas up to one little thing
You know, gotta address it, you know what I’m sayin’
Put you in a bucket, dump the fuckin’ fire
Damn
Damn, damn
I feel like the new black Hen’ Rollins
Niggas studyin’ my footwork, I’m James Harden
Bitch, who you wit’? (Who you wit’?)
Where you goin’? (Huh, come here)
I thought I told your ass already I ain’t from here (facts)
And, yeah, we gotta drive to Lolla and you know why
I gotta go and hurry through New Jersey, can’t pump there (no)
Babe (babe), I’m such a negative bitch (why?)
My friends turned on me, then I turned rich (psh)
Sodom, Gomorrah, I turned back, they still talkin’ shit (damn)
Hold my hand (yeah), all my ex-ex-fans (that’s right)
I promise (yeah), I swear the baby need somebody and a new header (uh-huh)
I did- like, “Of course I could do better” (what else? Uh)
Gotta take more shots, get a good lead
Keep takin’ them shots ’til the rim bleeds
‘Til I succeed, work like Lil Steve
Workin’ all day, I don’t take no sick leave
In my sleep, hear click beats
Gotta keep swimmin’ ’til that motherfuckin’ ship leaves (yeah)
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Uh, what? Uh, what? Uh, what? Uh, what?
Your bitch is just fuckin’ whoever (yeah)
I fuck her, she’s yours, she let ’em (okay)
Damn, is this the price of havin’ fans?
Babe, I’m so precise, I’m always playin’ (ayy, what the fuck?)
And Afro Thunder with these hands, uh (yeah)
On your head, gon’ be some, uh (sheesh)
On my head must be some bands (yeah)
Gucci Mane, I think I love her (yeah)
Danny Swain, I think I love her (yeah)
Big nose and the- (ah)
Feel like Andre Iguodala (facts)
The money put me in a trance (what? Yeah)
The label got me nudgin’ stems (wait)
I need way more than that for an advance (oh, yeah)
Play with my money, shit won’t go as planned (for sure, sure)
Gotta take more shots, get a good lead (for sure)
Keep takin’ them shots ’til the rim bleeds
‘Til I succeed, work like Lil Steve
Workin’ all day, I don’t take no sick leave
In my sleep, hear click beats
Gotta keep swimmin’ ’til that muhfuckin’ ship leaves
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Uh, what? Uh, what? Uh, what? Uh, what?
Who’s is it? Man, fuck that shit
I just gotta let you know
That I prolly shouldn’t be talkin’ like this, but
It’s fine
JPEGMAFIA has always been an artist who defies easy categorization, mixing a caustic blend of humor, social commentary, and disorienting production into his work. With his song ‘DAM! DAM! DAM!’ he continues this trend, dissecting themes of personal identity, industry challenges, and the tenuous relationship with fans and fame.
On the surface, the lyrics of ‘DAM! DAM! DAM!’ might seem to oscillate between braggadocio and nonchalance, but JPEGMAFIA, also known as Peggy, layers his tracks with a complexity that warrants a deeper dive. As we peel back the layers, we discover a multifaceted narrative that speaks to the black experience, personal growth amidst betrayal, and an unflinching look at the music industry.
Peggy’s Parallels: Hen’ Rollins and James Harden
From the outset, JPEGMAFIA aligns himself with the gritty spirit of punk icon Henry Rollins and the agility of NBA star James Harden. In doing so, he suggests a duality within himself—a punk’s rebellious heart combined with the meticulous finesse of a top athlete. This coupling is not merely about prowess but a statement on mastering your craft while never conforming or being predictable.
Referencing figures that embody excellence in their respective fields also mirrors JPEGMAFIA’s determination to be seen as a multifaceted artist. It’s a defiant stance against the boxing in of black artists, hinting at the tightrope they walk between authenticity and the expectations of the market.
Betrayal and Brinkmanship: Turning Pain into Profit
JPEGMAFIA’s line, ‘My friends turned on me, then I turned rich,’ captures a common narrative arc in rap, but with a quintessential Peggy twist. The Baltimore rapper addresses the treachery he’s faced, yet he does not dwell on struggle; instead, he turns the knife of betrayal into a weapon of success.
This line underscores a message that speaks to many artists who emerge from adverse conditions to find prosperity, only to face envy and abandonment from those they once considered loyal. JPEGMAFIA recounts his journey with a shrug of dismissal, suggesting that success is the best revenge, solidifying his place as an iconoclast within the modern rap pantheon.
The Relentless Pursuit: ‘Til the Rim Bleeds
The repeated line, ‘Gotta take more shots, get a good lead, keep takin’ them shots ’til the rim bleeds,’ is a declaration of unwavering commitment to his craft. This basketball metaphor extends the earlier James Harden reference, emphasizing the need for tenacity and aggression in perfecting one’s art.
JPEGMAFIA portrays this relentless pursuit as a never-ending cycle—suggesting that achieving success in the music industry demands a tireless work ethic, akin to an athlete’s dedication to their practice. It’s an unglamorous, gritty grind that underlines an artist’s journey to succeed amidst intense competition.
Hidden Meanings: Navigating the Allure of Fame and Betrayal
Beneath the sleek layer of references and self-confidence lies a more profound narrative about the perils of the industry. JPEGMAFIA presents a circular conundrum where success brings alienation and being ‘precise’ means perpetually navigating the minefield of public perception and industry pressures.
The song touches on the fickle nature of fandom (‘all my ex-ex-fans’) and the intoxicating yet destabilizing effects of money (‘The money put me in a trance’). JPEGMAFIA here is the mythological figure, acutely aware of how quickly one can fall from grace in the public eye.
Memorable Lines: The Sonic Punch of Personal Anthems
‘And Afro Thunder with these hands, uh’ JPEGMAFIA tosses in a reference to the cult-classic video game ‘Ready 2 Rumble Boxing,’ creating an instant connection with listeners who revel in the eclectic sampling of cultural touchstones. Not only does it boast his ability to throw hits musically, but it also puts forward an attitude of readiness to take on challenges head-on.
Throughout ‘DAM! DAM! DAM!’ JPEGMAFIA employs a series of memorable phrases that reinforce his resilience (‘Work like Lil Steve’) and self-realization. He crafts lyrics that serve as personal anthems while resonating with a generation constantly clawing its way toward self-determined success, creating a bond with his audience that is as real and raw as his verses.
