Polo G’s hit song “Rapstar” from his third studio album, Hall of Fame, explores the realities and complexities of fame, success, and the emotional toll they can take on an individual. Released on April 9, 2021, “Rapstar” quickly climbed the charts and became Polo G’s first number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Through a combination of introspective verses and catchy hooks, Polo G delves into the highs and lows of his rising stardom, shedding light on the sacrifices and struggles he has experienced along the way.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Rapstar” Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus]
Uh (Tuned up), copped a BMW, new deposit, I picked up another bag
Like fuck it, I’ma count while I’m in it
I hear planes flyin’, crowds screamin’, money counters, chains clangin’
Shit, I guess that’s how it sound when you winnin’
I ain’t jokin’, do it sound like I’m kiddin’?
I been makin’ like two thousand a minute
So high up through the clouds, I was swimmin’
I’m probably gon’ drown when I’m in it
I bet she gon’ get loud when I’m in it
And we might have a child when I’m finished
The chorus sets the tone for the song, highlighting Polo G’s material success and the chaotic lifestyle that comes with fame. He mentions buying a BMW and making large deposits, symbolizing his financial success.
The sounds of planes, crowds, money counters, and chains represent the constant activity and noise in his life as a successful rapper. He emphasizes that his success is not a joke and boasts earning significant amounts of money quickly.
The references to being “high up through the clouds” and possibly “drowning” suggest that while he enjoys the euphoria of success, it can also be overwhelming.
The lines about a woman getting loud and the possibility of having a child hint at the intensity and potential consequences of his relationships.
[Verse 1]
Uh, I won’t love a ho, after we fuck, she can’t get near me
Only bitch I give a conversation to is Siri
My pants Amiri, yes, I’m winnin’, clearly
I’m the chosen one, seen my potential, so they fear me
Lately I’ve been prayin’, God, I wonder, can You hear me?
Thinkin’ ’bout the old me, I swear I miss you dearly
Stay down ’til you come up, I’ve been stickin’ to that theory
Every day a battle, I’m exhausted and I’m weary
Make sure I smile in public, when alone, my eyes teary
I fought through it all, but that shit hurt me severely
I’ve been gettin’ high to hide behind my insecurities
Takin’ different pills, but I know it ain’t gon’—
See upcoming rap shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists
In the first verse, Polo G delves into his personal life and emotional struggles. He expresses a lack of emotional attachment in his relationships, indicating a sense of isolation.
In the lines “My pants Amiri, yes, I’m winnin’, clearly/I’m the chosen one, seen my potential, so they fear me,” Polo G mentions his Amiri pants to highlight his success and fashionable lifestyle. He feels destined for greatness, which makes others fear him.
Polo G reflects on his past and prays, wondering if God hears him. He misses his old self and sticks to the theory of staying down until you rise.
The singer describes the daily battles he faces, feeling exhausted and weary. Despite appearing happy in public, he is often teary-eyed in private.
While Polo G admits to using drugs to cope with his insecurities, he acknowledges that it’s not a solution.
[Verse 2]
They say I’m Pac rebirth, never put out a weak verse
Homicides when we lurk, I’ma step ’til my feet hurt
Been puttin’ them streets first
White tees turned burgundy t-shirts
Lookin’ for somethin’ real, he stuck in a deep search
Anxiety killin’ me, I just want to leave Earth
When they ask if I’m okay, it just make everything seem worse
Try and explain your feelings, sound like something you rehearsed
Stabbed me in my back with a clean smirk
Lookin’ so deep into your eyes, I can read your thoughts, so
Shut the fuck—, I mean, please don’t talk
I done been through too much and I don’t need another loss
Put that on every war scar for every battle I fought
In the second verse, Polo G continues to explore his inner turmoil and the pressures of his environment. He is compared to Tupac, emphasizing his lyrical prowess and impact.
He talks about his commitment to the streets, referencing violence and the transformation of white tees to burgundy (symbolizing blood). In the lines “Lookin’ for somethin’ real, he stuck in a deep search/ Anxiety killin’ me, I just want to leave Earth,” Polo G mentions that he is in a deep search for something real, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and wanting to escape.
Questions about his well-being only make him feel worse, and explaining his feelings seems rehearsed and insincere. He feels betrayed by someone who hurt him with a “clean smirk” and can read people’s thoughts, leading to a desire for silence.
As Polo G sings, “Shut the fuck—, I mean, please don’t talk/ I done been through too much and I don’t need another loss/ Put that on every war scar for every battle I fought,” he’s emphasizing his resilience. He states that he has endured too much to suffer another loss, and dedicating his strength to every battle he has fought.
[Outro]
When I’m finished, when I’m finished
The outro, “When I’m finished, when I’m finished,” likely signifies the end of the song and possibly a reflection on his struggles, implying that he will continue to push forward until he is truly finished.
Music Video
Polo G’s music video for “Rapstar,” directed by Arrad, offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a rap star. The visual showcases seven different settings, highlighting the rewards and opulent lifestyle that accompany fame. Polo G buys luxury coupes for his friends at a BMW dealership, records music, and is inducted into a fictional Hip Hop Hall of Fame.
He pays homage to his hometown, Chicago, by playing basketball in a Bulls outfit. The video also features a poignant moment with Polo G’s son, along with cameo appearances by rappers DDG, Trench Baby, Scorey, and Baby Rich.
With its extravagant settings, personal touches, and nods to hip-hop legends, the “Rapstar” video brings Polo G’s journey to success to life.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Rapstar”
Polo G’s popular song “Rapstar” explores the highs and lows of his life in the music industry. The term rapstar directly conveys Polo G’s achievement and recognition in the rap industry.
Throughout the song, he describes the material wealth, fame, and lifestyle that come with being a successful rapper. For instance, he mentions buying a BMW, making large deposits, and hearing the sounds of planes, crowds, and money counters, all of which symbolize his high status.
However, Polo G acknowledges that being a rap star isn’t all about glamour and success. Amidst the boasting about his career, wealth, and relationships, Polo G reveals a more vulnerable side.
He talks about his struggles with anxiety and substance abuse, symbolized by his references to taking various pills. He admits that despite his public image of happiness, he often feels tears behind closed doors. This candid depiction of his challenges humanizes Polo G and reminds us that fame doesn’t shield anyone from personal battles.
In the song, Polo G pays tribute to his roots, particularly his upbringing on Chicago’s North side. This reference keeps him grounded in his origins and serves as a reminder of the difficulties he faced growing up.
One intriguing aspect of “Rapstar” is the contrast between themes like violence and sadness. Polo G mentions prioritizing the streets and makes references to “homicides.” This portrayal of a more intense and aggressive side might seem contradictory to the vulnerability he shows in other parts of the song.
However, this contrast is what makes the song compelling. It reflects the complexity of Polo G’s reality, where he navigates between the harsh realities of his environment and his inner struggles.
Overall, Polo G’s “Rapstar” is a gripping journey through fame, mental struggles, and personal stories. While he boasts about success, Polo G also bravely faces his anxieties and insecurities. The song is a reminder that even seemingly invincible stars have their own inner battles.
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.