The song 'X' by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, featuring Future, conveys a message of triumph and disdain towards past relationships while showcasing a lavish lifestyle characterized by wealth and indifference. The artists use the song to emphasize their success and opulence as a means of outshining their previous partners, ultimately using their newfound status as a way to flex on those who are no longer in their lives.
The track begins with braggadocio, a cascade of material success and hedonistic pleasure that sets the tone for the piece. 21 Savage’s lyrics portray an image of excess, with references to luxury items, casual relationships, and a nonchalant attitude towards his past romantic partner. There is a palpable sense of pride and triumph in this showcase of affluence; the 'Wrist on Milly Rock' and 'diamonds on me dancin'' illustrate a life vibrant with wealth.
As we delve deeper into the chorus and verses, a recurring theme of post-breakup bravado emerges. The act of 'stuntin' on my ex-bitch' and 'flexin' becomes an anthem of vindication and self-validation. Here we witness the artists tying their self-worth and recovery from heartbreak to their success. The raw portrayal of emotion worms its way through the artists' psyche, translating past pain into unapologetic braggadocio. Each 'hol' up' serves as an assertion of dominance and a barrier to any lingering attachment, marking progress along their journey of emotional detachment.
Above all, there’s an undercurrent of bitterness and reluctance to show vulnerability. Lines like 'I left that ho alone 'cause she was ratchet' point at 21 Savage’s attempt to justify his emotional separation. This defensive stance masks any hurt by clinging onto the superficial trappings of success. It's not just about moving on, but about moving up, an echo of societal pressures to equate financial achievements with personal worth.
The conclusion of the song circles back to its origin, creating a loop of echoing braggadocio and self-assurance. Despite the confident exterior, one wonders if the repetition is a way of convincing themselves as much as their audience of their unaffected stance. The emotional journey thus concludes, but leaves a trail of contemplation—does material success truly equate to emotional resolution?
"Last name Savage, bitch, but no, I'm not Randy"
This line draws a distinction by playing on the word 'savage'. While Randy Savage was a famous professional wrestler known for his wild character, 21 Savage asserts his own unique identity separate from that reference.
"Fuck a wedding ring, I bought a necklace"
The quote illustrates a sense of disregard for traditional symbols of commitment, like a wedding ring, in favor of extravagant purchases that represent his current lifestyle and priorities.
"Hol' up, I ain't textin' back that bitch, hol' up"
21 Savage here indicates his intent to ignore a former partner, demonstrating a lack of interest and commitment, which is part of the overarching theme of distancing himself from past relationships.
"Diamonds got the flu, try not to catch this"
This line uses humor and metaphor to describe the shine of his diamonds as being so intense they’re 'sick', or exceptional. He's warning others of the potent allure of his wealth, as if it's infectious.