The song 'Superhero (Heroes & Villains)' by Metro Boomin, Future, and Chris Brown is an exploration of the dualistic nature of fame and success in the hip-hop industry, contrasting the glorified 'superhero' lifestyle with the darker 'villain' aspects that often accompany it. Future's verses convey a life of extravagance and influence fueled by drugs and wealth, portraying himself as a sort of untouchable figure above society's norms. Chris Brown's portion delves into the pressures and scrutiny that come with being in the limelight, raising the question of who the true villain is in the narrative of fame.
Future's part of 'Superhero' whisks us through a whirlwind, blurring the line between empowerment and self-destruction. It's an audacious trip full of bravado, where substances become the conduit for transformation into a being with otherworldly prowess. The tone is high-octane, a relentless barrage of self-assured claims to throne and street royalty. Yet, amidst the celebration of the grandiose lifestyle, there's a hint of the toll it takes — a constant return to 'drank and dope' to sustain this superhero facade.
Much like the ecstatic high of a powerful drug, Future's verses ebb and flow with a raw energy that both boasts about the rapper's elevated status and thinly veils the darker implications of his choices. Each bar is delivered with the cold confidence of someone who has been reshaped by their experiences into something formidable, but also potentially isolated.
In the transition to 'Villain', Chris Brown draws us into the sober reality of fame's weight — a heavy crown that offers no real salvation, just a different kind of struggle. Contrasting Future's portrayal of invincibility, Brown exposes vulnerability and the harsh judgment faced by public figures. There's a melancholy acceptance in his tone, a recognition that heroes in the spotlight often morph into perceived villains over time, regardless of their true intentions.
The overall arc of 'Superhero' challenges the listener to consider how the heady intoxication of success is laced with the sobering loneliness and dehumanization that comes from being on a pedestal. Both rappers journey from the heady heights of their 'superhero' moments to the sobering lows where they confront their 'villain' reflections, encapsulating the complexity and duality of fame.
"Drank and dope turned me to a superhero, yeah, yeah"
Future mentions substances as the source of his transformation into a superhero, which might be metaphorical for how the industry and lifestyle elevate one's status but can also lead to a dangerous dependency.
"Boominati turned me to a superhero, yeah, yeah (Metro)"
'Boominati' is a play on words combining producer Metro Boomin's name with 'Illuminati,' alluding to the idea that the music industry's inner circle has made him powerful.
"Ain't got a cape so I can't save you now"
Chris Brown expresses that despite his fame and perceived power, he doesn't have the ability to be someone's savior, highlighting the limitations of celebrity influence.
"Live long enough to see yourself become a villain"
Sampling a quote from 'The Dark Knight,' this line encapsulates the theme of the second part of the song, suggesting that prolonged fame can lead to one being perceived as a villain due to constant public scrutiny and the inevitable mistakes one might make.