Don Toliver's song 'Best You Had' narrates an experience of a fleeting romantic encounter and the impact of a lavish, fast-paced lifestyle. Toliver reflects on a casual relationship, boasting his superiority over his partners' other experiences, suggesting he's the best they've ever had. The song intertwines themes of drug use, wealth, casual sex, and the nonchalant bravado of overcoming a lost love with the ego boost of being unforgettable.
The song's opening sets a tone of indulgence and confidence. Don Toliver nonchalantly mentions multiple relationships, flaunting his disregard for the emotional depth and hinting at an emotional detachment stemming from his celebrity lifestyle. The braggadocio present expresses a sense of superiority and a lifestyle laden with transient pleasures. However, beneath this confident veneer may lie a subtle acknowledgment of substance use to enhance or cope with the reality of show business.
As we venture further into the song, there's a shift from blatant overconfidence towards an ambiguous sentiment. Toliver underscores how detached he's become due to his profession's demands by mentioning the use of drugs, which hints at a numbing effect. Audiences might feel a juxtaposition between his outward success and the internal cost. The repetition in the song could mirror the repetitive nature of such a lifestyle, where moments and people become indistinguishable in a blur of wealth and hedonism.
Yet, the chorus brings a twisted pride, showing off a lifestyle most can only dream of yet suggesting a sense of emptiness. Toliver's addiction to material excesses and fleeting pleasures feels hollow – 'Outta my mind, been lately' could imply losing touch with what the fame and money bring, passionately crying out for grounding but never ceasing the pursuit of excess.
The emotional climax is found in the bridge, where the artist acknowledges losing someone but quickly transitions to self-assurance, proclaiming he's the 'best you had'. It is Toliver's declaration that he remains unbothered, yet this might come off as a defensive mechanism to protect his ego. The emptiness echoed in the outro, with the repeated 'Damn, she naked', could suggest a yearning for more substantial connections beyond physical intimacy, closing the song with a sense of unresolved emotion and longing.
"Outta my mind, been lately"
This line may highlight the mental toll of a fast-paced, luxury-filled lifestyle and potential substance abuse.
"Doin' these drugs is a part of that show bizz"
Here, Toliver points out the normalization of drug use as a coping mechanism in the entertainment industry.
"Me being down, who me? I'm the best you had"
Amidst introspection and vulnerability, Toliver quickly shifts to self-assurance, emphasizing his confidence in his sexual prowess as a point of pride.
"Pull up, damn, she naked"
This line captures the moment of physical intimacy that, while striking, hints at the superficiality of such encounters in Toliver's life.