Yoshinoya: A Masterclass in Diss Tracks by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino's "Yoshinoya" is a masterclass in crafting a diss track. The song exudes a cocky confidence, with Gambino delivering his verses in a slow, chilled, and collected manner, demonstrating his lyrical prowess. The production is head-bobbingly catchy, shifting into a funkier vibe in the second half with repetitive vocals and scatting that provide a captivating backdrop for Gambino's rhymes.
Unveiling the Drake Diss
The first part of the song cleverly mimics Drake's flow, a subtle nod to the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. This, coupled with numerous veiled references throughout the song, strongly suggests that "Yoshinoya" is a pointed diss track aimed at Drake. Gambino doesn't hold back, taking shots at Drake's perceived inauthenticity, reliance on trends, and even his business ventures.
Lyric Breakdown: Deciphering the Disrespect To Drake
"I put your boy in the seat": A direct reference to Drake's nickname "The Boy," implying that Gambino is in control and mentoring Drake.
"People around you ain't slat / They plottin' hard when you slack / They got a gun in your back": An echo of Kendrick Lamar's diss track "The Heart Part 5," suggesting that those close to Drake are not loyal and may be plotting against him.
"These rappers cosplay, the industry Comic-Con": A critique of the music industry's obsession with manufactured personas and artists who adopt lifestyles they haven't lived.
"Or clarify if it's written in stone / Freak it and leave it alone": A possible reference to Gambino's own "This is America," suggesting that he initially intended it as a Drake diss but ultimately chose to transform it into a broader social commentary.
"On my mom like Keke Palmer": A nod to Keke Palmer's recent motherhood and independence, implying that Gambino is as truthful as a mother's love.
Beyond the Diss: Deeper Themes
Beyond the Drake diss, "Yoshinoya" also touches on broader themes. Gambino criticizes the music industry's shallowness and the pressure to conform. He champions authenticity and independence, urging listeners to stay true to themselves and resist the temptation to follow trends.
Childish Gambino Yoshinoya Review
"Yoshinoya" is a bold and unapologetic track that solidifies Childish Gambino's position as a fearless and versatile artist. It's a diss track, a commentary on the music industry, and a celebration of individuality all rolled into one. Whether you're a fan of Gambino, Drake, or simply enjoy a well-crafted diss, "Yoshinoya" is a song that demands attention.
Listen To Childish Gambino Yoshinoya
Childish Gambino Yoshinoya Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Yoshinoya" by Childish Gambino is a multi-layered diss track aimed at Drake, while also serving as a commentary on the music industry and a personal statement of authenticity.
Chorus: Authenticity and Loyalty
In the chorus, Gambino proudly proclaims his roots and loyalty to his community (Stone Mountain, Redan, Dekalb, Sequoyah), a stark contrast to the perceived inauthenticity of Drake. The reference to Yoshinoya, a fast-food chain, suggests a grounded and relatable approach to life, subtly criticizing the pretentiousness of those in the industry who have lost touch with their roots, possibly alluding to Drake's affluent upbringing.
Verse 1: Asserting Independence and Success
The first verse solidifies the Drake diss, with Gambino asserting his independence and success, highlighting the difference between his genuine hustle and those who rely on street dealings, a jab at Drake's alleged reliance on ghostwriters and co-writers. He questions the loyalty of those surrounding Drake, implying they are plotting against him, a common theme in diss tracks. Gambino further contrasts his family-oriented lifestyle with the promiscuity often associated with Drake's persona, asserting his willingness to protect his loved ones fiercely.
Verse 2: Challenging the Music Industry and Drake's Persona
In the second verse, Gambino not only addresses his critics ("old heads") who disapprove of his style and choices, but also extends the diss towards Drake, mocking his fashion choices and accusing him of being a "hype beast." He emphasizes his focus on building a fulfilling life, dismissing the notion that money leads to loneliness, a sentiment that could be interpreted as a dig at Drake's perceived obsession with material wealth. He critiques rappers who imitate lifestyles they haven't experienced and the industry's exploitation of trauma for profit, potentially alluding to Drake's tendency to adopt different personas and styles throughout his career. Gambino champions honesty and integrity, acknowledging past mistakes but asserting his willingness to learn and grow, contrasting his own self-awareness with Drake's alleged lack of introspection. He disses those who prioritize clout over respect for women, drawing a parallel to Keke Palmer's independence, possibly referencing Drake's past controversies with women. He expresses his aversion to the superficiality of the rap scene, prioritizing actions over words, a subtle jab at Drake's penchant for braggadocio. He concludes by dismissing his target, presumably Drake, as irrelevant and out of touch with the changing landscape of the industry.
Outro: A Call for Authenticity and Artistry
The outro shifts to a more reflective tone, questioning how to achieve change through understanding. The reference to Chaka Khan, a legendary soul singer, highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating true talent and artistry, perhaps implying that Drake lacks the same level of musicality and authenticity.
Childish Gambino Yoshinoya Lyrics
[Part I]
[Chorus]
That's my brother, don't you know it?
I stuck around like Yoshinoya
Stone Mountain, Redan, Dekalb, Sequoyah
This my life, I must enjoy it
This my life, they busting for it
We don't hold back, we must move forward
Stay where you at, you're supposed to, boy
Niggas is fake, I won't ignore it
[Verse]
I put your boy in the seat
You got your biz in the streets
I wash my hands when I eat
I never handled a key
I don't know no one BD
But they dependent on me
Niggas don't know where I'm at
I find your house on the app
People around you ain't slat
They plottin' hard when you slack
Thеy got a gun in your back
This who you trust when you sleepin' at night
I'm in the mirror, I see what I like
It is what it is, I'm right whеn I'm right
Fuck with my kids, you fuck with your life
You fuckin' these hoes, I'm fuckin' my wife
AK not silent like knife
Think he won't do it, I might
I gotta do what I like
I gotta—
[Chorus]
That's my brother, don't you know it?
Soup à l'oignon from Yoshinoya
Stone Mountain, Redan, Dekalb, Sequoyah
This my life, I must enjoy it
This my life, they busting for it
We don't hold back, we must move forward
Stay where you at, you're supposed to, boy
Niggas is fake, I won't ignore it
[Part II]
[Verse]
This is a code red for old heads
Who never liked my short shorts and PRO-Keds
Been a minute since he had to fit it on the notepad
I was busy buildin' up the life that niggas don't have
Told me that the money make you lonely, it ain't so bad
Niggas jokes are so dad
But haven't seen they son in a month
Sold some Apple stock to buy a farm, I needed to stunt
I told 'em take the backend points, he wanted to front
Now his career's in a blunt
These rappers cosplay, the industry Comic-Con
The industry evil people, me and fam got a trauma bond
Drive like the Autobahn
Integrity whore, say what I mean
Apologize if I didn't
Or clarify if it's written in stone
Freak it and leave it alone
Give it time, let the truth come to light
Let 'em catch up
Niggas peepin' like "Damn, he was right"
Rather have my foot on they neck than they hand on a mic
Rather die a good man with a bad wife
These niggas almost fifty, and they dressin' like a hype beast
Used to get the peach milkshake and add the eight piece
White boy throwin' dirt on my name for the think piece
Checks off, death, murder, and pain leave you empty
I curse you with that knowledge
Put they hands on a woman for the clout but said I'm wildin'
Death before dishonor
On my mom like Keke Palmer
I'm allergic to the drama, you saw me and Tyler
I'm allergic to this rap shit
Made a song, but spent more time writin' the caption
I'm an actor, you can put that on set
I'm about that action
My tweets all lowercase, I saw these niggas cappin'
My homegirl said you a stalker, so we ain't dappin'
I ain't see you, man, what happened?
Man, the blog era over, takin' all our stars
My favorite spot was 'bout to close, so I made some calls
Bitch nigga, eat a dick and doggy bag the balls
[Outro]
Hold up, he gon' get this work
Innocent face
How do we change with more understanding?
You've never heard of Chaka Khan?
What are they teaching you in school?
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