The song '1.5' by 21 Savage featuring Offset is a braggadocious track detailing the lavish lifestyle and material success of both rappers. Through clever wordplay and references, the artists boast about their wealth, luxury possessions, and loyalty to their respective teams. The '1.5' in the title likely refers to an impressive financial figure, emphasizing their high-rolling status.
The song kicks off with 21 Savage setting an arrogant tone, flaunting his expensive earrings and making it clear that his world is on a different level than the average person's. As the verse progresses, the journey dives into the contrasting emotions of pleasure from material wealth and the pitfalls of relationships, with Savage exuding a sense of detachment from emotional commitments. His tone suggests a man comfortable in solitude, preferring the chase of wealth and success over romantic attachments.
Offset's entry to the track amplifies the swagger, as he throws around references to suicidal doors on high-end cars, luxury brands, and his effortless spending on women. The emotional journey here swings to the adrenaline of living fast, without care for consequences or judgement. He is conscious of the life he has built through his music career, where financial abundance is a constant reality, and trust is placed within his close circle. The substance-fueled imagery pulls the listener into a realm of excess and hedonism.
The emotional intensity peaks as both rappers repeatedly hammer down the chorus, stressing loyalty and the unforgiving reality of their street life. There's an underlying somber acknowledgment of the dangers that come with their territory — the possibility of death when conflicts arise. Despite the dangers, there is a staunch commitment to their group, and the energy is almost defiant; a hardened pledge that in their world, you pick a side and stand by it no matter what.
There's a definite emotional progression throughout '1.5.' The listener is taken from heights of opulence to the claustrophobic loyalty of the streets, and left with an intricate portrayal of both rappers' lives. The boasting serves not just as a celebration of wealth but as a form of armor, a necessary bravado that comes with the territory they inhabit.
"Pockets on Cheez-Its, heavy on the cheddar"
This line uses wordplay to equate the rapper's abundant wealth to cheddar cheese, which is slang for money, and references Cheez-It crackers, known for being cheese-flavored.
"Run off with your money, Savage a.k.a. Jerry Heller"
Jerry Heller was a notorious music manager who was accused of cheating N.W.A out of money. In this line, 21 Savage compares himself to Jerry, implying he takes money, but in his case, it's through dominance in the rap game.
"Too much drip, I'm rainin', bought a Gucci umbrella"
'Drip' is slang for a stylish, extravagant appearance. The line suggests that 21 Savage has an overabundance of style, necessitating a 'Gucci umbrella,' further emphasizing his wealth.
"Offset! Catch a vibe (Vibes)"
Here, Offset introduces himself before the verse, suggesting that his presence alone alters the atmosphere, encouraging the listener to fall into the mood and rhythm of the song.