"GBP" by Central Cee is a powerful collaboration that exemplifies both artists' undeniable talents. The track is propelled by a grime instrumental, setting the stage for an energetic blend of UK rap and Atlanta trap sounds. Central Cee delivers with his usual confidence, his distinct voice cutting through the gritty beat. The addition of 21 Savage elevates the track further, with the Atlanta rapper's cold and calculating delivery matching Central Cee’s flow perfectly. The pairing of the two seems almost destined, as both bring a sharp edge to the track, keeping the energy high from start to finish.
Lyrical Themes and Content
Lyrically, the song showcases both artists flexing their wealth and street credibility. Central Cee speaks to his rise from humble beginnings, the hunger for more, and the hustle that comes with it. The chorus is anthemic, with lines like “If I pay man a hundred thousand pounds, I could get man bun right in front of a crowd” hitting hard with their raw imagery of wealth and power. Central Cee’s vivid storytelling captures the essence of his journey, while 21 Savage’s verse adds an extra layer of intensity to the track. His gritty verses about loyalty, survival, and success make him a perfect complement to the theme of the song.
Chemistry Between the Artists
The standout element of "GBP" is the seamless blend of both artists’ styles. Central Cee’s UK grime influence contrasts beautifully with 21 Savage’s Southern trap origins, and this balance of sounds creates something fresh and exciting. Their delivery is precise, with every line hitting its mark, ensuring that the listener is never taken out of the experience. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and it’s clear they have crafted a track that resonates with both international and regional audiences.
Cole Bennett’s Visuals
Cole Bennett’s direction of the music video further enhances the song’s powerful message. Known for his innovative visuals, Bennett brings the gritty atmosphere of the song to life. The video matches the intensity of the track, showcasing Central Cee and 21 Savage in their element. The sharp visuals and fast-paced editing mirror the song’s relentless flow, giving fans a deeper connection to the music.
Central Cee GBP Review
"GBP" is a standout track in both Central Cee’s and 21 Savage’s discographies. The production, the lyrical content, and the video all come together to create an unforgettable experience. This collaboration proves that when two artists from different corners of the world come together, magic can happen, and the result is a hard-hitting anthem that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Listen to Central Cee GBP Featuring 21 Savage
Central Cee GBP Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "GBP" by Central Cee featuring 21 Savage is a reflection on the intersection of street life, wealth, loyalty, and the realities of their respective environments. Through their lyrics, both artists highlight the influence of money, the necessity of self-preservation, and the gritty nature of their experiences. The song addresses topics such as the stark contrast between gun control laws in the UK and the U.S., the power dynamics that come with fame and fortune, and the loyalty expected within their circles. Through a mix of metaphor, street slang, and cultural references, the track gives listeners an unfiltered glimpse into their world.
Verse 1: Gun Control and Street Life
The lyrics of "GBP" by Central Cee and 21 Savage draw attention to various aspects of their lives, from their rise to fame to their commentary on street life. In the chorus, Central Cee raps, "If it weren't the UK, would've had an AK-47 with a hundred rounds." This line refers to the UK's strict gun control laws. The singer implies that, had he been in a country with looser regulations on firearms, like the US, he would have access to more powerful weapons, such as an AK-47 with a high capacity magazine. He later reinforces this notion with the line, "If it was America, I would’ve had a Draco," referring to a popular submachine gun. This illustrates the contrast between gun laws in the UK and other countries, emphasizing the difficulty of obtaining high-powered firearms in his home country.
Authenticity and Fashion
In the next line, "Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max, they want a boy with a London style," Central Cee references his distinct style, which includes tracksuit sets and Air Max sneakers, popular in London youth culture. He explains that his appearance isn't something he puts on for special occasions, but rather a consistent part of his lifestyle. This is evident from his experience at the 2022 British Fashion Awards, where he arrived wearing a tracksuit instead of a designer tuxedo, asserting his commitment to dressing authentically regardless of societal expectations.
Generational Wealth and Ambitions for the Future
"We ain't got generational wealth, got a couple of mill' for my unborn child" is another important line in the song. Central Cee reflects on his humble beginnings, emphasizing that he didn’t inherit wealth, but instead worked hard to create financial success for himself. The line also touches on his desire to ensure that his future child is born into better circumstances, ensuring a generational shift in wealth despite the lack of inheritance from previous generations. This sentiment mirrors a similar line in his track "Sprinter" with Dave, where he raps, “We ain’t got generational wealth, It’s only a year that I’ve had these millions.”
Power of Money in Their World
The lyric "If I pay a man a hundred thousand pounds, I could get man bun right in front of a crowd" conveys the influence that money has in their world. With a large sum of money, he implies that he could have someone harmed publicly without fear of repercussion. The phrase "get man bun" is slang for causing harm, and the act being done in front of a crowd emphasizes the boldness of such an action.
Currency and Value Across Borders
Central Cee also raps, "That's GBP, the price go up if it's USD," referring to the relative value of currency. The British Pound is stronger than the US Dollar, so when converting money from GBP to USD, the dollar amount will be higher. This subtle reference highlights how the value of money differs across borders, and possibly alludes to the substantial wealth he's amassed that can be translated into more value internationally.
Social Media and Consequences
In "Better watch your words, I'll get you X'd 'bout the shit you tweet," Central Cee makes a play on the word "X'd," referencing the platform Twitter (now rebranded as X). The line alludes to both the literal act of "crossing someone out" or eliminating them and the online context of being "canceled" or "removed" from the platform due to inappropriate actions, such as tweeting offensive statements.
Confrontation and Loyalty
The line "I told lil' bro if it's personal, he better jump out and do it on feet" suggests that if someone has wronged them personally, the response should be direct and personal. In this case, Central Cee advises his associate to handle matters in person, rather than using a car for a drive-by, implying a more hands-on and intimate approach to dealing with enemies.
Metaphors of Depth and Loyalty
In another metaphor, "We got somethin' in common with scuba divers, why? 'Cause the guys in deep," Cench compares his crew's level of commitment to scuba divers who go deep underwater. The phrase “the guys in deep” has a double meaning: one referring to scuba divers physically going deep into the ocean and the other symbolizing the depth of loyalty and involvement that he and his crew share.
Cultural References: Mitch and Ace
"If I lived in Harlem, I would've been Mitch, them man would've been like Ace and snitched" draws from the 2002 movie Paid in Full, which tells the story of Harlem drug dealers. Mitch, portrayed as loyal, contrasts with Ace, who betrays his friends by cooperating with the police. Central Cee uses this reference to emphasize his loyalty to his crew, suggesting that if he were in that situation, he wouldn’t be like Ace, who turned on his own.
Violence and Public Confrontation
In "If the opps got nominated for the BRITs, would've went to the ceremony with sticks," Central Cee expresses that, despite the prestige of the BRITs, if someone he viewed as an opposition were nominated, he would attend the ceremony armed. The term "sticks" is slang for guns, and this line highlights his willingness to confront his enemies, even in public settings.
Verse 2: Street Dominance and Loyalty
In verse two, 21 Savage contributes with imagery of violence and street life, rapping, "Latex gloves, I'm on the drill, watch 'em fall, Jack and Jill." Here, "drill" refers to a planned attack, and "Jack and Jill" is likely a reference to the nursery rhyme, alluding to someone "falling" or getting taken down. He then compares his street dominance to the "Premier League," using a metaphor to describe his superiority over others.
Loyalty and Bravery in the Streets
21 Savage also mentions, "Two things that you'll never see is me run from an opp or a bitch in my will," asserting his loyalty and bravery. The line also highlights his hard-nosed persona, emphasizing that he doesn’t back down from confrontations, either with his enemies (opps) or individuals who may take advantage of him.
Street Caution and Discretion
The verse continues with, "I still wanna deal with Nike (On God), I can't get caught on no ring, so I'm inside out in the sheisty," where 21 Savage talks about his affinity for Nike and his street-smart caution, avoiding detection by wearing a "sheisty" mask, which is commonly associated with anonymity during illicit activities.
Disregard for Fame and Materialism
The final lines of the verse emphasize his disregard for fame and the superficiality of the celebrity world. He raps, "Wake me up with head, put this in your purse and shut the fuck up if you like me," suggesting that he prefers to keep his personal life private, focusing instead on wealth and materialism, as evidenced by his desire to buy luxury items for women.
Conclusion: Street Life, Loyalty, and Wealth
Ultimately, both Central Cee and 21 Savage highlight their experiences with street life, wealth, loyalty, and violence. The lyrics touch on themes of survival, authenticity, and the power dynamics they navigate, offering listeners a glimpse into their worlds while drawing on various pop culture references and street slang to bolster their narratives.
Central Cee GBP Lyrics
[Intro: Cam'ron as Rico]
Yo, come on, Mitch, you know I gotta go
Bring yo' motherfuckin' ass
[Chorus: Central Cee & 21 Savage]
If it weren't the UK, would've had a AK-47 with a hundred rounds
Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max, they want a boy with a London style
We ain't got generational wealth, got a couple of mill' for my unborn child
If I pay a man a hundred thousand pounds, I could get man bun right in front of a crowd, uh
That's GBP, the price go up if it's USD
Better watch your words, I'll get you X'd 'bout the shit you tweet (On God)
I told lil' bro if it's personal, he better jump out and do it on feet
We got somethin' in common with scuba divers, why? 'Cause the guys in deep
[Verse 1: Central Cee]
If it was in the UK, where they had an AK, gang outside with a samurai sword
Nike Tech fleece with the Air Force 1, my ski mask on, but we don't snowboard
Go on a glide, leave your phone at home, what's wrong with these guys? They go and record
Sold a stroke, we was broke as hell, well, until we broke the law
If I lived in Harlem, I would've been Mitch, them man would've been like Ace and snitched
If it was Oakland, I would've been a pimp
If it was 1930 North Carolina, I would've been Frank with the mink
If the opps got nominated for the BRITs, would've went to the ceremony with sticks
And the G-17 woulda came with a switch
[Chorus: Central Cee & 21 Savage]
If it weren't the UK, would've had a AK-47 with a hundred rounds
Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max, they want a boy with a London style
We ain't got generational wealth, got a couple of mill' for my unborn child
If I pay man a hundred thousand pounds, I could get man bun right in front of a crowd, uh (Pussy)
That's GBP, the price go up if it's USD (21)
Better watch your words, I'll get you X'd 'bout the shit you tweet (On God)I told lil' bro if it's personal, he better jump out and do it on feet (21)
We got somethin' in common with scuba divers, why? 'Cause the guys in deep
[Verse 2: 21 Savage]
Latex gloves, I'm on the drill, watch 'em fall, Jack and Jill
Up on the opps, seven to nil, Premier League, I'm in the field
Two things that you'll never see is me run from an opp or a bitch in my will
Got day ones and I'm with 'em still, fighting demons, swallowin' pills
I still wanna deal with Nike (On God)
I can't get caught on no ring, so I'm inside out in the sheisty (Straight up)
We go through the front door, 'cause they gon' tell when that back door shit get spicy (Racks)
Internet beef, if I catch you in traffic, the fuck you gon' do, nigga, type me? (Pussy)
I put this on God, I hit the bitch once, she already tryna be wifey (Damn)
I'm from the street and I got opps, I don't got time to go sightseein' (Gang)
Wake me up with head, put this in your purse and shut the fuck up if you like me (21)
I fill up your closet with Birkins, buy you a wagon and make sure you icy (Alright)
[Chorus: Central Cee & 21 Savage]
Alright, If it weren't the UK, would've had an AK-47 with a hundred rounds
Red carpet in my trackie and Air Max, they want a boy with a London style
We ain't got generational wealth, got a couple of mill' for my unborn child
If I pay a man a hundred thousand pounds, I could get man bun right in front of a crowd, uh (Pussy)
That's GBP, the price go up if it's USD (21)
Better watch your words, I'll get you X'd 'bout the shit you tweet (On God)I told lil' bro if it's personal, he better jump out and do it on feet (21)
We got somethin' in common with scuba divers, why? 'Cause the guys in deep