The track 'Bean (Kobe)' by Lil Uzi Vert featuring Chief Keef is a tribute to the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and it intersperses braggadocio with reverence towards the basketball icon. The lyrics combine the luxurious lifestyle of the artists with nods to their hardships and success. The recurring motif of wealth, represented through references to luxury watches like AP (Audemars Piguet) and Muller (Franck Muller), symbolizes the success and lifestyle both rappers have achieved.
The song starts off with a casual energy, setting a mood of confidence. The references to 'my triple cup' and 'wonton soup' serve as metaphors for a potent, addictive lifestyle that is seemingly unchecked and free-flowing. Lil Uzi Vert's entrance with comparisons to Kobe Bryant's balling skills swiftly aligns him with greatness while establishing an air of superiority over his haters. This ushers in a feeling of braggadocio and self-assuredness that persists throughout his verse.
As Lil Uzi Vert continues, he reflects on his lonely past ('Before I had these mils, I was oh-so lonely'), a significant shift in tone that brings a touch of vulnerability to the otherwise bold narrative. This journey from loneliness to opulence provides a n emotional backdrop, contrasting past struggles with present triumphs. His dismissal of detractors and his nonchalant approach towards romantic entanglements ('I just fucked your bitch, sorry') paint a picture of someone who is unfazed by the noise and focused on his agenda.
Chief Keef joins with an equally boisterous energy, flexing his wealth and lifestyle. His reference to 'snuck the semi' in the club adds a darker, more ominous layer to the song, introducing themes of self-defense and street credibility. This brings an intensity that accentuates the lifestyle's potential dangers, contrasting against the backdrop of luxury and success featured prominently in the song.
The choruses are essentially a chant of their wealth and luxury symbolized through their Rollies (Rolexes), reiterating the theme of financial success and the magnificent lifestyle that follows. The repetition of luxury brand names creates a hypnotic effect, reinforcing the notion that the artists live in a constant cycle of fame and material indulgence.
"You know I'm ballin', usual like Kobe (24)"
Lil Uzi Vert equates his success in the music industry to Kobe Bryant's excellence in basketball, using '24' to reference the late player's jersey number.
"Say my name three times like I'm Tony (Tony, Toni, Toné)"
This line alludes to the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! but also plays on the idea of the 'Bloody Mary' legend, where saying a name three times invokes a presence, suggesting Lil Uzi Vert's growing influence and omnipresence in the music scene.
"AP, Muller, my Rollie"
The artists flaunt their luxury watches, mentioning the brands Audemars Piguet (AP) and Franck Muller to symbolize their wealth and success.
"Them real big fifties"
Chief Keef boasts about the large denomination of currency he carries, indicating wealth and the ability to spend freely.