What They Want by Russ Lyrics Meaning – Inside the Hustle for Authenticity and Control in Hip-Hop
Lyrics
Yeah (oh)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
They let us in the rap game
(Mmm, yeah, yeah)
I swear they let me in this motherfucking rap game
Got a chick, I call her Lola, she feel like the ocean
Like to drink and smoke some doja and I feel like smokin’
Plus she good at charmin’ cobras, I feel like I’m chosen
But she ain’t the only one, no
Got a chick, I call her Katia, she be actin’ bougie
The she came through and topped me off, now she just a groupie
Got the aura of the mafia, her friends wish they knew me
But they ain’t the only ones, no, no
What they want, what they want, what they want
Dollar signs, yeah, I know it’s what they want
What they want, what they want, what they want
Y’all ain’t foolin’ me at all, ooh, ooh, ooh
I been at this shit for nine years, now they start to call
I’m a DIY pioneer, they tryna get involved
Yippee ki-yay, aw yeah, ’bout to set it off
I’m probably the only one, yeah
Come correct when you approach me, I can size you up
Takin’ all the shots like Kobe, almost 81
Guess I gotta play the goalie and go and save me some
I’m probably the only one, yeah
What they want, what they want, what they want
Dollar signs, yeah, I know it’s what they want
What they want, what they want, what they want
Y’all ain’t foolin’ me at all, ooh, ooh, ooh
Who wants my money? I’ll tell you who I don’t fuck with
Who’s pullin’ strings? I’m just pointing out all the puppets
What I’m demanding is fucking up all the budgets
I’m smart as fuck, they be talkin’ like I’m the dumbest
But I know what they want from me, dollars, lot of stock in me
It ain’t nothin’ personal, it’s business and I’m a commodity
But honestly, Pop Pop would be turning in his grave
The day I let someone else become the boss of me
When there’s a boss in me, I’ll be damned
What they want, what they want, what they want
Dollar signs, yeah, I know it’s what they want
What they want, what they want, what they want
Y’all ain’t foolin’ me at all, ooh, ooh, ooh
Russ’s ‘What They Want’ isn’t just another track; it’s a statement. The melodic rap tune, which manoeuvres through the independent artist’s musings on the music industry, underlines the perpetual chase for money and manipulation within its ranks. At its core, the song is a reflective exploration of self-identity and assertiveness in a space where commodification often overrides authenticity.
Throughout the song, Russ delves into nuanced territories, painting a picture of his personal experiences and observations within the rap game. The catchy hooks paired with candid lyricism create a sense of raw engagement, beckoning listeners to peer beyond the seductive allure of dollar signs.
Siren Songs and Cobra Charms: Deciphering Lola and Katia
The women in ‘What They Want’ are more than transient love interests; they are metaphors for the enticements of the music industry. Lola, embodying the ocean, represents depth and the boundless possibilities accompanied by enticement and temptation. Smoking ‘doja’ alludes to the hazy, addictive nature of fame and how it can cloud one’s judgement.
Conversely, Katia stands for the pretension and superficiality lurking beneath the gloss of the music business. She acts bougie but is eager to exchange her dignity for clout, echoing the transactional nature of industry relationships where people change roles from gatekeepers to groupies based on what’s advantageous.
Unmasking the Industry: The Dollars and Sense of Fame
The refrain ‘dollar signs, yeah, I know it’s what they want’ is both a chant and a rebuke. Russ recognizes the overt materialism that fuels industry motives and player actions. It’s a critique of how artists are perceived not as individuals but as potential revenue streams amid the surrounding cacophony of hangers-on and opportunists.
The lyrics serve as a reminder of the inevitable transformation from an artist’s passion project to a commercial endeavor once monetization becomes the primary focus. Russ makes it clear that he’s cognizant of the forces at play and asserts his defiance to not be swayed by the deceptive underpinnings of the industry’s facade.
The Hidden Meaning: A Fusillade Against Puppets and Puppeteers
At a glance, ‘What They Want’ seems to focus on the complexities of relationships and success. Look a little closer, and you’ll find a potent allegory of industry control and manipulation, hinted at through lines like ‘Who’s pullin’ strings? I’m just pointing out all the puppets.’ Russ underscores his awareness of the manipulative machinations in the music business and positions himself as an observer and commentator.
This transparency in his songwriting exposes a level of vulnerability and intellect that illuminates his refusal to be molded by those who have the power to dangle success. It’s not just an anthem for the independent artist but a manifesto for anyone striving to maintain control of their own destiny in a world that seeks to steer them.
Grind and Persistence: The DIY Pioneer’s Code
The claim ‘I been at this shit for nine years, now they start to call’ is Russ’s testament to his grind. It’s an homage to the commitment and relentless pursuit of growth, a journey often obscured by the overnight success stories. Russ advertises his journey as anything but rapid, challenging the narrative of immediate gratification that is popularized in the mainstream media.
By branding himself a ‘DIY pioneer,’ Russ doesn’t just tout his individual journey; he advocates for a culture of resilience and independence amongst artists. His years of toiling are presented not as a grievance, but as a badge of honor—a merit that lays the foundation for his legitimacy and discipline.
Quotable Contemplations: The Lines That Echo in Our Thoughts
‘I’m smart as fuck, they be talkin’ like I’m the dumbest’ is one of the many lines in ‘What They Want’ that resonates with listeners. It radiates the artist’s frustration with being underestimated, yet it’s also a declaration of self-confidence.
Such lines aren’t just memorable because of their candor or catchy rhythm; they’re powerful because they speak to the universal human experience of being misjudged. Russ uses his platform not only to assert his own worth but to join in the chorus of voices from across different walks of life who have faced similar dismissals of their intelligence and talent.
