Foolio's 'List Of Dead Opps' is an intense and vivid account of the artist's street conflicts, expressed through a recital of rivalries and targeted violence within his community. The song serves as a verbal grave-marker, with Foolio eulogizing his opposition in a way that underscores the unforgiving and retaliatory nature of street life. He weaves a narrative filled with triumph and tragedy, turning personal losses and gang affiliations into a cautionary tale underscored by bravado and grief.
The emotional journey embedded within 'List Of Dead Opps' begins with a grim roll call, where Foolio confronts the harsh realities of the street code and the personal toll it takes. Each verse, laden with names and violent outcomes, conveys a sense of numbness and detachment as Foolio recounts tale after tale of lives cut short. The repetitive, matter-of-fact delivery of these grim anecdotes serves as a mechanism for coping, suggesting a desensitized reaction to the normalization of violence.
As the lyrical inventory of fallen rivals progresses, a mix of pride and sorrow emerges. Foolio flaunts his status and clout within the context of street hierarchies, yet the somber undertone hints at the inescapable cycle of retribution and loss. There's a bravado to the way he marks each name with an almost ritualistic finality, but it's tinged with the ironic awareness of the fleeting nature of such victories and the ever-present specter of death.
In the latter parts of the song, the emotional journey pivots as Foolio reflects on his own resilience amid the chaos. The artist addresses his own mortality and the seeming randomness of survival. He celebrates life despite its impermanence, finding solace amid the smoke of conflicts past. There's a defiant tone as he positions himself as the last one standing in a war-torn landscape, a seeming victor in a game without any real winners.
The song concludes on a note that underscores the perpetual state of alertness and readiness for conflict. This constant vigilance paints a picture of one's life being indefinitely intertwined with a series of endless confrontations. Foolio's focus on the opposition, both living and dead, reveals a life steeped in the pursuit of dominance and revenge, a lifestyle with deep emotional ramifications that the song conveys through its chilling narrative.
"I'm smoking my own cousin, goddamn, I'm higher than Willie"
Foolio is making a darkly humorous reference to getting high, but with a grim twist tied to the death of a relative, suggesting the depth of the violence affects even family ties. The comparison to 'Willie' evokes the image of Willie Nelson, known for his marijuana use, to underscore the blurring of personal and street life.
"Ayy, Ace only one survived, see, that nigga blessed, if you ask me"
This line acknowledges a sole survivor of an incident, indicating a grudging respect for that individual's luck or divine favor. It's an acknowledgement of the unpredictability of their lifestyle.
"Ralo died with his FN, why the fuck he ain't shoot his heat?"
Foolio questions the actions of an individual who succumbed to violence despite being armed, hinting at the irony in the way street conflicts often unfold.
"Ride through the city clutching on Glocks"
This phrase captures the overall atmosphere of the song – a life lived in the constant shadow of potential violence, where self-protection is paramount and threats can materialize at any moment.