Meaning of “Victory Lap” by Nipsey Hussle (Ft. Stacy Barthe)
As the title implies, the inspiration for this track is centered on Nipsey Hussle’s success. In other words, he is taking his “victory lap”, a term derived from the sport of car racing in which the winner takes an extra lap around the track to relish in his fresh success. Indeed Nipsey even has an image of checkered flags, which signify victory in a race, tattooed on his neck. Likewise, this song (and its music video) finds him taking his “victory lap” at exotic Mexican locations. However, this is not meant to insinuate that the song is based on him riding around, showing off. Rather as alluded to earlier it is a general celebration of his success, as in Hussle ascending from a background in which ‘none of his peers avoided prison’ or murder to finding himself “as an artist and entrepreneur” who has finally gained respect the world over.
Furthermore, this track is not solely about manifestations of Nipsey’s wealth like his ridiculously-expensive car or the fact that he is so ice out that jewelers accoster him directly. There is also the strong presence of Hussle’s sense of superiority over others. Indeed he even states how it is impossible for him to view them as his equal. And this high valuation of himself is largely based on facts such as unlike the person(s) he is addressing, Nipsey is a millionaire power broker.
Another major theme of “Victory Lap” is “street codes”. Nipsey is an artist who regularly references the “mean streets” he originated from which are ripe in street-gang activity. And he brings up his violent past primarily to let listeners know that he “ain’t no p***y”. In other words, Hussle relays that if he is disrespected or challenged, he has the wherewithal and intent to respond with gun violence, even though weapons are not specifically mentioned in the track.
Facts about “Victory Lap”
- Writer(s): Songwriters Sap, Alex Turner, Stacy Barthe and Amaire Johnson all collaborated with Nipsey Hussle to pen this song.
- Producer(s): Three people (Mike N Keys, Amaire Johnson and Sap) are credited with producing “Victory Lap”.
- Release Date: On 16th February, 2018, Nipsey Hussle officially brought this song out.
- Album/EP: The song appears on Hussle’s debut studio album also titled Victory Lap.
Does “Victory Lap” make use of any samples?
No.
