Lil Uzi Vert's 'Sauce It Up' is a vivacious track that boasts of the artist's affluent lifestyle, success, and the exuberant way he lives his life. The repeated catchphrase 'sauce it up' signifies enhancing or flaunting one's style and wealth, a consistent theme in Lil Uzi Vert's music. The lyrics emphasize self-confidence, hedonistic pleasure, and the ability to live life without restraint, indulging in luxury and avoiding any emotional entanglements that might hinder the artist's freedom.
The emotional journey of 'Sauce It Up' unfolds over the beats of high-energy production, reflecting the lavish and carefree attitude that Lil Uzi Vert embodies. Right from the start, the artist wastes no time plunging the listener into a world where material success punctuates every line, and the palpable confidence oozes, making the celebration of this grandiose life impossible to ignore.
As the song progresses, Lil Uzi Vert's braggadocios verses take center stage, highlighting a continuous climb in both status and financial success. The various lyrical references to wealth ('big guap chasing,' 'my money stackin') and luxury ('I was in a Lamb,' 'Carti, he was in a 'Rari') conjure a vivid picture of an elite, almost stratospheric lifestyle that's layered with exclusive brands, fast cars, and a competitive edge against one's adversaries.
There are also moments where the emotional journey tiptoes into the realm of interpersonal relationships, albeit staying within the realm of the artist's assertive autonomy ('I don't know no girl, I'm sorry,' 'you will not have me caught up all up on Maury'). These lines depict a detachment and a preference for maintaining control over one's life without the messiness of emotional attachments.
The course of the song also hints at the pressures and the competitive nature of the rap game. Between boasts, there's a subtle acknowledgment of the hostility ('this is their last warning') and criticism ('if you don't like me then I'm sorry') that comes with success. Despite these acknowledgments, the emotional tone remains unapologetically triumphant and self-assured until the final beats.
"Comme des Garçons (What?), hearts all on my cardi'"
Comme des Garçons is a well-known Japanese fashion label, recognized for its heart motif with eyes. Lil Uzi Vert mentions wearing clothing from this brand, hence 'hearts all on my cardi(gan)', signifying his taste for high-end fashion.
"I was on the phone, yeah, with Playboi Carti (Woah)"
Lil Uzi Vert namedrops fellow artist Playboi Carti, illustrating his high-profile connections within the industry and possibly alluding to their collaborative relationship in music.
"Yachty say that you wet like Squirtle"
Here, 'Yachty' refers to rapper Lil Yachty. 'Squirtle' is a water-type Pokémon known for its water attacks. The line is a playful and creative way to describe a woman's attraction or enthusiasm.
"I swear I'm a stunner like Steve Austin"
Stepping into the realm of professional wrestling, Lil Uzi Vert compares himself to 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, known for his tough, brash personality and as a symbol of defiance. This reference mirrors Lil Uzi's unyielding attitude and striking presence in rap.