“Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar is a high-energy trap and hardcore hip-hop track that has sparked significant attention in the music world. The song, featured on Future and Metro Boomin’s collaborative album We Don’t Trust You, is notable for its confrontational lyrics, particularly Kendrick Lamar’s verse, which appears to target Drake and J. Cole in response to their collaboration “First Person Shooter”.
The lyrics delve into themes of street life, authenticity, and hip-hop rivalries, with Lamar asserting his dominance and challenging others in the industry.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Like That” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: Future]
Gotta fire my joint up on this bitch
Young Metro, young Metro, young Metro, three times
Yeah
[Verse 1: Future]
Stickin’ to the code, all these hoes for the streets
I put it in her nose, it’s gon’ make her pussy leak
Pussy niggas told, ain’t gon’ wake up out they sleep
You can’t hear that switch, but you can hear them niggas scream
All my hoes do shrooms, nigga, all my hoes do coke
Twenty-carat ring, I put my fingers down her throat (Uh, uh, uh)
If I lose a carat, she might choke (Uh, uh, uh)
I know she gon’ swallow, she a G.O.A.T. (Uh, uh, uh)
Freeband nigga, bring the racks in
Got the shooters in the corner like the pack in
She think ’cause she exotic bitch, she attractive
That’s that shit’ll get you put up out the section, brrt
And the motto still the same
Ball like I won a championship game
You know these hoes hungry, they gon’ fuck for a name
I put her on the gang, she get fucked for a chain
Got your girl in this bitch, she twirlin’ on the dick
I got syrup in this bitch, turn up in this bitch
And we brought the ‘Ercs in this bitch, get murked in this bitch
All these pointers on me, baby, you know it’s game time
Bring a friend, bitch, we fucked ’em at the same time
I’m a different nigga, no, we not the same kind
You can have that lil’— if she ain’t mine (Yeah)
Future sets the tone with references to drug use and street life. He boasts about his wealth, sexual prowess, and adherence to street codes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lavish yet dangerous lifestyle, with mentions of drug dealing, expensive jewelry, and casual relationships.
[Chorus: Future]
Young dope dealer, sellin’ dope, is you like that? (If you like that)
Kickin’ doors, kickin’ in doors, is you like that? (Yeah)
Young throwed nigga, sellin’ loads, is you like that? (Yeah)
All ’24, you on go, is you like that? (If you like that)
Niggas from the bottom really like that (If you like that)
Steppin’ in Balencis if you like that (If you like that)
Pop another bottle if you like that (If you like that)
The chorus, led by Future, repeatedly asks “is you like that?” This serves as both a challenge and an affirmation, questioning the listener’s commitment to the street lifestyle while asserting the artists’ own authenticity.
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & Future]
These niggas talkin’ out of they necks
Don’t pull no coffin out of your mouth,
I’m way too paranoid for a threat
Ayy-ayy, let’s get it, bro
D-O-T, the money, power, respect
The last one is better
Say, it’s a lot of goofies with a check
I mean, ah, I hope them sentiments symbolic
Ah, my temperament bipolar, I choose violence
Okay, let’s get it up, it’s time for him to prove that he’s a problem
Niggas clickin’ up, but cannot be legit, no 40 Water, tell ’em
Ah, yeah, huh, yeah, get up with me
Fuck sneak dissin’, first-person shooter, I hope they came with three switches
I crash out like, “Fuck rap,” diss Melle Mel if I had to
Got 2TEEZ with me, I’m snatchin’ chains and burnin’ tattoos, it’s up
Lost too many soldiers not to play it safe
If he walk around with that stick, it ain’t André 3K
Think I won’t drop the location? I still got PTSD
Motherfuck the big three, nigga, it’s just big me
Nigga, bum
What? I’m really like that
And your best work is a light pack
Nigga, Prince outlived Mike Jack’
Nigga, bum
‘Fore all your dogs gettin’ buried
That’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary (Yeah)
Nigga, bum
Kendrick’s verse takes a more confrontational tone, seemingly addressing rivals in the hip-hop industry. He makes references that appear to be directed at other prominent rappers, asserting his dominance in the game. The verse is filled with wordplay and metaphors, showcasing Kendrick’s lyrical prowess while delivering pointed messages to his competitors.
[Outro: Future]
Came in banging dope, niggas was young, slangin’ powder
Walk in the strip club, make it rain for three hours
Locked in and now I got my Phantom and my driver
Perc’d out, took chances in my hood like Nevada
Surfed out outside, white interior, lasagna
Hundred thousands, I just cashed out on designer
Gotta devour, nigga, I learned that in the jungle
Once I sell this load, that’s a million in a week
The outro, performed by Future, reflects on his journey from street hustling to achieving wealth and success. It serves as a reminder of the artist’s roots and the risks taken to reach his current status.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Like That”
“Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar is a multifaceted anthem that delves into the complexities of street life, success in the hip-hop industry, and the assertion of dominance within the rap game. The song serves as a gritty narrative that combines Future’s hedonistic charisma with Kendrick Lamar’s sharp, confrontational lyricism, all underscored by Metro Boomin’s dark and atmospheric production.
At its core, the track explores themes of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of success against the backdrop of a challenging environment. The recurring question “Is you like that?” in the chorus acts as both a challenge and a badge of honor, highlighting the trials and resilience required to thrive in situations where survival often comes at a cost. This refrain reinforces the idea of authenticity, suggesting that only the strong and genuine can claim to be “like that”.
Future’s verses paint a vivid picture of street life, blending references to drug dealing, criminal activities, and luxury fashion brands. His lyrics showcase a commitment to a certain lifestyle, emphasizing adherence to a street code while simultaneously boasting about wealth and influence. This juxtaposition of danger and luxury encapsulates the complex reality of success in the hip-hop world.
Kendrick Lamar’s verse, however, shifts the focus to addressing his position in the rap hierarchy. His lyrics are a direct challenge to other artists, particularly Drake and J. Cole, rejecting the notion of a “big three” in rap and asserting his individual greatness. This verse sparked significant media attention and reignited discussions about competition and supremacy in hip-hop.
The deeper meaning of “Like That” extends beyond its surface-level braggadocio. It serves as a commentary on the hip-hop industry, exploring themes of authenticity, survival, and the price of success. The song challenges listeners to consider the realities of street life and the music business, while also serving as a platform for artists to assert their dominance and address their rivals.
Ultimately, “Like That” is a complex work that combines storytelling, social commentary, and personal expression. It reflects the artists’ experiences and perspectives, offering insight into the mindset required to navigate and succeed in both the streets and the competitive world of hip-hop.
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.