thought i was playing by Gunna Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Depths of Assertion and Realness in Hip-Hop
Lyrics
(Young Rari)
This FN hold choppa bullets, it’s a AK in my hand
These boys a bunch of pussies, they no different than a trend
I bought the block, I own the land, split it with my twins
I set the bar, see what I’m sayin’
You know what I’m sayin’
What the fuck these niggas thought that I was playin’?
I don’t know what the fuck these niggas thought
What the fuck you pussies must’ve thought that I was playin’? (Playin’)
Must’ve thought he couldn’t get caught
They buried that boy in the sand (damn)
Wiped that little bitch nose (slime)
It only cost a couple of grand (yup)
Find out he ever stole, I’m choppin’ off his hand
Hot like a stove with a pot and the pan, we takin’ over the land (hot, hot)
I can come chop up a few blocks again
Nigga can’t wait to come spin (can’t wait to come spin)
I’m out of the way but they pullin’ me in
I’m ’bout to commit a sin
I took a lil’ loss, now I’m here for the win
Niggas don’t want me to win
I bought a new car for my twin
This shit ain’t just for the trend (nope)
63 AMG Benz (skrrt)
I hit the engine, I put it in sport (skrrt-skrrt)
I’ma fishtail it and spin (skrrt)
Callin’ a opp, you can tell him, “It’s up”
Know I’ma want some revenge
This FN hold choppa bullets, it’s a AK in my hand
These boys a bunch of pussies, they no different than a trend
I bought the block, I own the land, split it with my twins
I set the bar, see what I’m sayin’
You know what I’m sayin’
What the fuck these niggas thought that I was playin’?
I don’t know what the fuck these niggas thought
Grave digger, big 4L, I’ma made nigga (21)
Say they twins, throw they body in the same river (on God)
Never tucked my tail, I went to war with real killers (pussy)
I’ma your wifey surgeon, dawg, I give her lip fillers (pussy)
SF90 cost a M, dumped this Glock like Ye did Kim (21)
Sippin’ on pimp juice, watch my brim (21)
How you a shooter? You ain’t even hit the rim (on God)
Summertime killin’ in Air Force Ones
When it get to winter, I’m steppin’ in Timbs (on God)
I call the Draco Floyd
Give him a uppercut, we hit that boy in the chin
Eight-figure nigga, I’ma drop out (21)
AK, heavy metal, rock out (21)
I’m in yo’ hood, what you talkin’ ’bout? (21)
Beat on my chest with my gun out (pussy)
I put a house on your head (pussy)
My money long, it won’t run out (pussy)
VVS diamonds, the sun out (21)
We just count money for fun now
This FN hold choppa bullets, it’s a AK in my hand
These boys a bunch of pussies, they no different than a trend
I bought the block, I own the land, split it with my twins
I set the bar, see what I’m sayin’
You know what I’m sayin’
What the fuck these niggas thought that I was playin’?
I don’t know what the fuck these niggas thought
In the convoluted arena of hip-hop, authenticity often serves as the gilded crown for emcees looking to assert their dominance. Gunna’s ‘thought i was playing’ is a blistering testament to credibility, wrapped in the braggadocio and unapologetic self-assurance that befits the genre’s royalty. It’s a map pointing to the terra firma of Gunna’s empire—territory he’s claiming with the ferocity of a sovereign.
As the track unfolds, it’s clear that Gunna’s lyrics aren’t just a series of chest-thumping declarations; they are a mosaic of his experiences, defiance, and relentless grind. It’s a deep dive into the psyche of an artist who refuses to be undersold or overlooked. In the honeyed flow and the gravity of each verse, listeners find an anchor in the storm of superficiality that often plagues modern hip-hop.
The Seduction of Power and Control
Throughout the song, Gunna flexes his material success and territorial dominance. The chorus repeats a clear and confrontational question, ‘What the fuck these niggas thought that I was playin’?’ signaling to his adversaries that his accomplishments in the rap game are far from a facade. From owning blocks of land to splurging on luxury cars, Gunna’s bars are drenched in the essence of hardcore rap traditions—ostentatious displays of power.
The repetitive nature of the chorus serves to underscore the notion that his warning has always been present, making any misinterpretation of his intentions a fool’s errand. It’s not just about flaunting wealth, it’s about establishing a narrative of resilience. Each word is chosen to reinforce his grip on success; it’s a claim staked through the heart of the hustle.
Violence and Vengeance as Lingua Franca
Gunna doesn’t shy away from the darker, more aggressive undertones that have long characterized the rawest cuts of hip-hop music. References to weapons and casual brutality, as seen in lines like ‘Find out he ever stole, I’m choppin’ off his hand,’ are vivid and stark, painting a picture of retribution and street justice. This visceral imagery serves to solidify his fierce persona.
Yet, this isn’t merely gratuitous violence. Gunna utilizes these scenarios as allegories for consequence and retaliation, echoing the unforgiving nature of the streets. The analogy to choppa bullets and AKs in hand is more than just a threat, it’s a reckoning.
Symphony of Luxury and Lavishness
In a dance between menace and extravagance, Gunna also positions luxury as a character in his narrative. The ’63 AMG Benz’ is not just a car but a character in his story—a symbol of speed, control, and escape. It’s a celebration of a life lived in the upper echelons, a defiant finger to any hints of mediocrity or modesty.
The mention of high-end brands and luxurious items are not unfamiliar in hip-hop, but Gunna’s approach is nuanced. By pairing them with his deliverance from adversity—a juxtaposition of the AMG Benz to committing sins—he bridges affinity for luxury with the necessity to prevail through struggle.
Decoding the Hidden Meaning: Lessons in Loyalty and Legacy
Tucked within the brash exterior of ‘thought i was playing’ lies a deeper rumination on loyalty and brotherhood. The ‘twins’ mentioned can be seen as both literal and metaphoric references to his closest affiliates. Sharing his wealth and conquests with them isn’t just an act of generosity; it’s a strategic move to secure loyalty and establish a lasting legacy among his ranks.
Gunna, therefore, cements himself not just as a leader within his circle but as an architect of fortune who understands the power of unity. The back-and-forth with 21 Savage within the track further illustrates this notion, as the collaboration is itself a power move of mutual acknowledgment among contemporaries.
The Echoes of Memorable Lines: Crafting a Hook that Hooks
A track’s staying power can often be distilled down to the infectious nature of its hook. In ‘thought i was playing,’ the lines ‘Hot like a stove with a pot and the pan, we takin’ over the land’ encapsulate the essence of the song. It’s a boiling mix of ambition and aggression that hooks listeners with its rhythm and raw imagery.
Moreover, such lines are designed to resonate with the listener, conveying the heat of Gunna’s ambition and the kinetic energy of his movement. The abrasive soundscapes crafted by these lyrics are deliberate, leaving an indelible mark on the memory, keeping admirers and rivals alike echoing his words.
