If you have an affinity for hip-hop music, chances are you’ve heard the catchy hit, Ballin’ by Mustard and Roddy Ricch. Released in 2019 as the third single from Mustard’s album Perfect Ten, the song quickly rose in popularity, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and securing a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
But what are the underlying messages conveyed in this song? In this piece, we delve into the backstory, the lyrics, and the cultural context surrounding Ballin’.
Background of the Artists
Roddy Ricch, a rapper hailing from Compton, and Mustard, a seasoned music producer from Los Angeles, collaborated to create the hit, Ballin’. The synergy between them resulted in a chart-topping track that clinched the top spot on Billboard’s US Rhythmic chart and achieved sextuple platinum certification by the RIAA. This West Coast collaboration was bound to happen, just like Roddy Ricch’s unique style was bound to be successful.
Already experienced in the industry, Mustard has a track record of producing multi-platinum hits, such as Pure Water, featuring Migos. Ballin’ was his first collaboration with Roddy Ricch, setting the stage for their subsequent multi-platinum track, High Fashion, in 2020.
Songwriting Credits
The songwriting credits for Mustard Ballin’ Lyrics include a diverse group of talents. Notably, Donell Jones, a 1990s R&B singer, is credited because the song Ballin’ samples his song Get It Together. Other co-writers include Justus West, GyltTryp, and the late Nipsey Hussle. Production was handled by West, GyltTryp, and Mustard.
Lyrics Analysis: I Put the New Forgis on the Jeep
“I put the new Forgis on the Jeep,” the opening line of the song, signifies a lifestyle of abundance and luxury. Forgis refers to Forgiato wheels, an elite brand of custom rims often associated with affluence. This imagery of “Forgis on the Jeep” paints a vivid picture of a hard-earned luxurious lifestyle.
Decoding Ballin’
The term ballin’ has found a place in hip-hop music since the 1990s, with rappers like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne popularising it in songs like Big Poppa, Can’t Knock the Hustle, and We Fly High, respectively.
Mustard’s Ballin’ can be classified as a “come-up” track, a sub-genre in hip-hop detailing an artist’s journey from financial adversity to prosperity.
What is the song Ballin’ about?
Ballin’ by Mustard and Roddy Ricch is a celebration of their success and wealth, juxtaposed with a reflection on the struggles they overcame to attain their current status. The song pays homage to their roots in Los Angeles and Compton, where they experienced poverty and violence.
Opening with a gospel sample, Can We Get It Together by 702, the song sets a tone of gratitude and optimism. Throughout the song, Roddy Ricch emphasizes his newfound affluence through references to expensive items like Forgiato wheels and Christian Louboutin shoes, known for their distinctive red soles. Further lyrics delve into their past involvement in illicit activities and their rise to fame.
The song’s popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and inspirational message. Despite detailing the hardships experienced, Ballin’ focuses on the present and future, celebrating the wealth and success the artists have earned.
Success as the Best Revenge
The song’s lyrics also touch on the subject of abandonment. Roddy Ricch recalls times when he was deserted by his friends during his struggles. However, his success has served as the best revenge, allowing him to proudly flaunt his wealth and enviable lifestyle.
Wrapping Up
Ballin’ presents a compelling narrative of hardship, survival, and, ultimately, success. Roddy Ricch’s journey from a life of adversity to one of luxury gives depth to the lyrics, making Ballin’ not just a hit song, but a testament to resilience. The lyrics “Forgis on the Jeep” and “I was broke, now I’m rich” perfectly encapsulate the essence of the song, portraying a powerful image of transformation.
The Full Mustard Ballin Lyrics
Intro
I don’t really wanna go
I don’t really wanna stay
But I really hope and pray
Can we get it together?
Get it together
Mustard on the beat, ho
Chorus: Roddy Ricch
I put the new Forgis on the Jeep
I trap until the bloody bottoms is underneath
‘Cause all my niggas got it out the streets
I keep a hundred racks inside my jeans
I remember hittin’ the mall with the whole team
Now a nigga can’t answer calls ’cause I’m ballin’
I was wakin’ up, gettin’ racks in the morning
I was broke, now I’m rich, these niggas salty
Verse 1: Roddy Ricch
All this designer on my body got me drip, drip, ayy
Straight up out the Yajects, I’m a big Crip
If I got a pint of lean, I’ma sip, sip
I run the racks up with my queen like London and Nip
But I got rich on all these niggas, I didn’t forget, back
I had to go through the struggle, I didn’t forget that
I hopped inside of the Maybach and now I can sit back
These bitches know me now ’cause I got them big racks
‘Cause I’m gettin’ money now, I know you heard that
Young nigga on the corner, bitch, I had to serve crack
Uncle fronted me some P’s, had to get them birds back
We came up on dirty money, I gave it a birdbath
Cut off the brain and I give my bitch a new coupe
Either you from the Yah Gang or you’re SuWoop
Got a New Orleans bitch and man, that pussy voodoo
And I’m that nigga now, who knew?
Chorus: Roddy Ricch
I put the new Forgis on the Jeep
I trap until the bloody bottoms is underneath
‘Cause all my niggas got it out the streets
I keep a hundred racks inside my jeans
I remember hittin’ the mall with the whole team
Now a nigga can’t answer calls ’cause I’m ballin’
I was wakin’ up, gettin’ racks in the morning
I was broke, now I’m rich, these niggas salty
Verse 2: Roddy Ricch
I been wakin’ up to get the money, woah, woah
Got a bad bitch, her ass tatted, woah, woah
Givenchy to my toes, two twins, I’m fucking ’em both
I put her in a new AP, the water like a boat
I was down bad on my dick, where was you niggas at?
I know you turned your back on me just to get some racks
I seen you swerve back, ’cause I’m in the black ‘Bach
New diamonds on me, fuck a flash, this ain’t Snapchat
‘Cause I been gettin’ paid
Yellow diamonds on me look like lemonade
Got my baby mama that new Bentayga
Tryna get the dough, Joe, like a sensei, yeah
Rolls Royce umbrellas when I’m in the rain
I just mind my business
I got brothers that did the time, I ain’t kiddin’
All these rappers just talk about it, I live it
Goin’ up, I ain’t got no sky limit, yeah, yeah, yeah
Chorus: Roddy Ricch
I put the new Forgis on the Jeep
I trap until the bloody bottoms is underneath
‘Cause all my niggas got it out the streets
I keep a hundred racks inside my jeans
I remember hittin’ the mall with the whole team
Now a nigga can’t answer calls ’cause I’m ballin’
I was wakin’ up, gettin’ racks in the morning
I was broke, now I’m rich, these niggas salty
Outro: Roddy Ricch
I, ayy, yeah
I’ve been ballin’, lil’ nigga
Now watch me ball on these niggas
Yeah, now watch me ball on these niggas, yeah
Now watch me ball on these niggas
Now watch me ball on these niggas, yeah, yeah
