Lola Brooke’s “Don’t Play With It” is a bold and assertive hip-hop track featuring fellow Brooklyn rapper Billy B. Released in May 2021 and produced by Dizzy Banko, the song gained widespread recognition through TikTok in 2022, becoming a breakout hit for both artists.
The lyrics showcase themes of self-confidence, independence, and resilience, with Lola and Billy delivering unapologetic verses about loyalty, power, and refusing to tolerate disrespect. The catchy hook and gritty delivery have solidified the track as an anthem of empowerment, resonating with audiences worldwide.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“Don’t Play With It” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: Lola Brooke]
(Violation)
Uh-uh-uh-uh
(Dizz, you violated)
(Grrr, baow)
Don’t play with it, don’t play with it, don’t play with it
Don’t play with it
Mwah, uh-huh
The repeated phrase “Don’t play with it” sets the tone of the song as a warning and declaration. Lola Brooke introduces her confident and assertive persona, emphasizing that she is not to be underestimated or trifled with.
[Verse 1: Lola Brooke]
I just want a roughneck nigga on the tongue (Big Gator)
He just want a semi-automatic with a drum (Grrt, grrt, grrt)
Ask me if I’m finished, nah, bitch, I just begun
Nah, I ain’t givin’ out no ‘nani to no nigga just for fun, are you dumb? (Uh-uh)
Runner man, I don’t know no other man (Run it up, run it up)
You fuck like a hundred niggas just for hundred bands (What?)
I don’t even got me hundred bands (Shit)
I’m still gon’ me a hundred Ms with a hundred plans
Gimme beso (Mwah), extendo (Grrah)
I carry bitches like I’m preggo (Pop-pop, pop-pop)
Peter roll a nigga, call him Pedro (Grrah, grrah, grrah)
Sucka nigga, should’ve knew it from the get-go (Uh, yeah)
This verse showcases Lola’s unapologetic attitude and independence. She expresses her preference for strength and resilience in a partner (“I just want a roughneck…”), while also rejecting superficial relationships or actions done “just for fun.” The line “Runner man, I don’t know no other man” highlights her self-reliance and loyalty to herself. Additionally, she mentions her ambition to achieve financial success on her own terms, emphasizing self-respect and strategic planning (“I’m still gon’ me a hundred Ms with a hundred plans”). The references to “extendo” and “preggo” metaphorically convey her readiness to handle challenges and assert dominance.
[Chorus: Lola Brooke & Billy B]
Don’t play with it, don’t play with it, don’t play with it
Come on, baby, don’t play with it (Don’t play with it, mwah)
Just lay in it (Ooh), spend all day in it (Uh-uh-uh-uh)
My hitters don’t play with it, don’t play with it, don’t play with it (Grr)
They stay with it (Bah)
I’m okay with it (Yeah)
(It’s Billy) Whеn it comes to me they don’t play with it
The chorus reinforces the central theme of the song: demanding respect and seriousness. The repetition of “Don’t play with it” serves as a mantra, warning others not to take her lightly. The phrase “spend all day in it” can be interpreted as a call for dedication, whether in relationships or loyalty from her crew (“My hitters don’t play with it”).
[Verse 2: Billy B & Lola Brooke]
Glitzy on mе, yeah, that’s somethin’ that I stay with (Somethin’ that stay wit’)
Them Brooklyn bitches, they ain’t really nothin’ to play with
Bitches steady chattin’, when I run down, she ain’t say shit
My hitters gon’ bang quick
Fuck around and it get dangerous
Bitches actin’ like a bimbos, stomp a bitch in my timbos
Hoes know I ain’t playin’ games, no Xbox, Nintendo (Nah)
Real bitch, no false shit, I stand on it, that’s ten toes
(Toes)
Pulled up in a big body with the dark tints on the windows
He said, “She so sweet,” make him wanna lick the wrapper
Let him taste the pussy, then I kick him out right after (Bye)
Got these niggas vexed, ’cause I curve them when I want
Get his wig pushed back, if the nigga tries to front like
(Uh, yeah)
Billy B continues the assertive tone, representing Brooklyn’s gritty culture. She emphasizes loyalty and readiness for confrontation (“Glitzy on me… Brooklyn bitches…”). Lines like “stomp a bitch in my timbos” highlight her no-nonsense demeanor, while references to video games (“no Xbox, Nintendo”) underline her seriousness. Billy B also asserts control over relationships, curving men at will and maintaining power dynamics.
[Chorus: Lola Brooke]
Don’t play with it, don’t play with it, don’t play with it
Come on, baby, don’t play with it (Don’t play with it, mwah)
Just lay in it (Ooh), spend all day in it (Uh-uh-uh-uh)
My hitters don’t play with it, don’t play with it, don’t play with it (Grr)
They stay with it (Bah)
I’m okay with it (Uh-huh)
When it comes to me they don’t play with it (Mwah)
The chorus is repeated to drive home the message of resilience, loyalty, and self-assurance. It underscores that both Lola Brooke and Billy B demand respect in all aspects of life.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Don’t Play With It”
Lola Brooke’s “Don’t Play With It” is a powerful anthem that delves into themes of self-respect, empowerment, and setting boundaries in relationships. The song emerged from Brooke’s personal experiences of feeling overlooked and underappreciated in the music industry, as well as in her personal life.
At its core, “Don’t Play With It” is a declaration of strength and a warning to those who might underestimate or try to take advantage of the artist. The repeated phrase “Don’t play with it” serves as both a mantra and a threat, emphasizing Brooke’s unwillingness to tolerate disrespect or manipulation. This sentiment reflects a broader message of self-worth and the importance of demanding respect in all aspects of life.
The lyrics paint a picture of a complex relationship dynamic, where Brooke acknowledges her vulnerability while simultaneously asserting her power. Lines such as “You’ve got a way of loving me that’s got me feeling used” and “You know you’ve got the power, tear me apart” reveal the emotional turmoil and power imbalance she has experienced. However, rather than succumbing to these feelings, Brooke uses them as fuel to reclaim her agency and set firm boundaries.
The song also touches on themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Brooke’s journey from feeling overlooked to achieving success with this very track mirrors the song’s message of turning frustration into triumph. By channeling her experiences into her music, she not only created a hit song but also provided a relatable anthem for listeners who have faced similar challenges.
Furthermore, “Don’t Play With It” can be seen as a commentary on the broader hip-hop culture and the music industry. As a female rapper in a male-dominated genre, Brooke’s assertive lyrics and unapologetic attitude challenge stereotypes and demand recognition based on talent and skill rather than gender. The song’s success on platforms like TikTok and its subsequent rise to Billboard charts demonstrate the power of authentic storytelling and the changing landscape of music promotion and discovery.
In essence, “Don’t Play With It” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a multifaceted exploration of personal growth, emotional resilience, and the assertion of one’s worth in both personal relationships and professional spheres. Its resonance with audiences speaks to the universal desire for respect and recognition, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt undervalued or taken for granted.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.