Review of "Backd00r" by Playboi Carti ft. Kendrick Lamar and Jhené Aiko
Playboi Carti's "Backd00r" from his album MUSIC is a mesmerizing track that blends hard-hitting trap beats with a haunting, melodic atmosphere. From the get-go, the track pulls you in with its unique use of a high-pitched singing sample that seems to swirl in and out, adding an ethereal quality to the song. This atmospheric vibe sets the tone for a collaboration that's as unexpected as it is spectacular, featuring two heavyweights in the rap game: Kendrick Lamar and Jhené Aiko. Both artists bring their unique flavor to the track, but it’s Carti’s softer, more laid-back performance that stands out, offering something new for fans of his typically chaotic style.
Carti’s Performance and Style
The song begins with Carti’s signature ad-libs, setting the stage for the smooth yet sinister vibe of the track. His verse, though relatively simple, is effective, allowing his charismatic delivery and catchy flow to shine. The lyrics, with references to luxury brands like Dior and the elusive "VVs on your decolleté," are classic Carti, flexing his status while keeping the overall mood mysterious and cool. Carti’s ability to maintain his distinct energy even within a more subdued, atmospheric context is part of what makes "Backd00r" so compelling. It’s a softer side of Carti that still manages to captivate, contrasting sharply with the louder, more abrasive sound he’s known for.
Kendrick Lamar’s Impact
Kendrick Lamar’s feature on the chorus is a revelation. He brings an introspective, almost somber tone to the track that enhances the already haunting instrumental. His delivery on the chorus, combined with Jhené Aiko’s smooth harmonies, creates a perfect contrast to Carti’s brash verses. Kendrick, as expected, steals the show with his depth and lyricism, effortlessly elevating the track’s emotional intensity. His lines, such as “I’ma make it back and probably spend it all on you,” add a layer of vulnerability and emotional weight, balancing Carti’s more surface-level braggadocio.
Jhené Aiko’s Contribution
Jhené Aiko, who brings her trademark serene and sultry voice to the track, complements the mood perfectly. Her vocal contribution, though subtle, adds a layer of softness that contrasts with both Carti’s and Kendrick’s more forceful deliveries. The chorus becomes a moment of reflection amidst the chaos, with her voice floating over the trap beat like a breath of fresh air. Her presence on the track is understated yet essential, and it highlights her ability to enhance a song’s emotional depth with minimal effort.
Playboi Carti Backdoor Review
"Backd00r" is a standout track that perfectly encapsulates the collaborative power of Playboi Carti, Kendrick Lamar, and Jhené Aiko. While Carti brings his unique energy and a softer, more reflective vibe to the track, it’s the synergy between the three artists that truly makes the song shine. Kendrick’s commanding presence and Jhené’s soothing voice offer a perfect complement to Carti’s performance, making "Backd00r" a surprising yet successful mix of rap, melody, and atmospheric production. It’s a track that not only showcases Carti’s versatility but also highlights the incredible chemistry that can exist when these artists come together.
Listen to Playboi Carti Backdoor
Playboi Carti Backdoor Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Backdoor by Playboi Carti is a portrayal of luxury, power, and exclusivity, all wrapped in a dark, mysterious energy. The song blends Carti’s signature carefree attitude with themes of dominance and control, both in his relationships and in the rap game. Through references to high-end fashion, like Dior, and the imagery of "VVS" diamonds adorning a woman's decolleté, Carti elevates his lifestyle to a level of opulence that few can access. The "backdoor" motif throughout the track symbolizes secretive entrances and a life lived outside the view of the public eye, where only the chosen few can experience the full extent of his world. The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar adds a layer of introspection, contrasting Carti's flashy bravado with Kendrick’s more contemplative approach, making Backdoor an exploration of both indulgence and the hidden sides of success.
Verse 1 Analysis
Carti begins the song with the line, “She a good girl, tell her let go / She can't take it, I'm a monster, no more, schyeah”, suggesting that he is taking control of the situation with a woman, telling her to "let go." He sees himself as a "monster," a metaphor for his sexual prowess, confidently implying that he can handle her desires, though she can’t keep up, overwhelmed by him,likely referring to his “monster” size or abilities.
The line “Play with the munyuns, Dior, huh” is a playful reference to Carti’s wealth. The term "munyuns" is slang for money, and it’s inspired by Funyuns, a brand of onion-flavored snacks. By using this slang, Carti emphasizes his wealth in a lighthearted manner. The mention of "Dior" reinforces his high-end lifestyle, aligning him with luxury fashion. This connects to his previous works, like Kpop and Butterfly Doors, where he references his indulgence in luxury goods, particularly Dior, solidifying his status as someone who enjoys expensive taste.
“Live life on the hill like a senior, uh / Don’t play with me, gangster, I don’t see ya” suggests Carti’s elevated position in life. Living "on the hill" could imply a luxurious lifestyle, perhaps metaphorically referring to being at the top of the game. The "senior" comparison might indicate maturity or the peak of success. The following line, “Don’t play with me, gangster, I don’t see ya”, is a challenge to anyone thinking of testing his authority, showcasing his indifference to threats and his dominant stance.
Carti also references “I stay with a ten, she Aaliyah, uh”, invoking the name of the late R&B icon Aaliyah. This line suggests that his companion is as stunning and iconic as Aaliyah, raising her to a higher level of admiration. This mirrors a line from his 2023 track HBA, where he also references a woman named Aaliyah. These repeated mentions highlight Carti's use of iconic names to enhance the status of his relationships.
In the line “It’s a whole bunch of dots, we in Cheetah”, the "dots" likely refers to people, possibly women or members of Carti’s entourage. "Cheetah" could refer to a club, possibly the Cheetah in Las Vegas, which is known for its exclusivity and luxury. Carti’s mention of such an environment solidifies his association with a flashy, high-energy lifestyle.
Chorus Analysis
The chorus opens with Kendrick Lamar’s line, “I’ma make it back and probably spend it all on you / Come through from the back so don’t nobody talk”, where he promises to make money and spend it on his love interest. The line “Come through from the back” hints at a secretive or illicit entrance, reinforcing a theme of exclusivity and mystery. The idea of avoiding public attention further connects to the “backdoor” motif, suggesting they operate outside the view of the general public.
Kendrick continues with “I put them VVs on your decolleté, I know you feel nauseous”, where he describes adorning his lover with VVS diamonds on her exposed chest, a display of opulence. The "décolleté" refers to the neckline and chest area, typically shown off with a low-cut dress. The nausea here could symbolize the overwhelming feeling that comes with wearing such extravagant diamonds,both physically and metaphorically. This line underscores the luxurious and sometimes excessive nature of the wealth Carti and Kendrick display in their lives.
The line “Bitches best stay in they place or move around with caution” highlights a sense of authority and control. Kendrick asserts dominance, suggesting that women (or perhaps others) need to be careful in their interactions with him. This line reinforces the power dynamics at play in their world, where being out of line can have consequences.
Verse 2 Analysis
Carti opens the second verse with “Your whole gang just told, who's your leader?”, calling out someone whose crew has “told” or betrayed him. This challenges the loyalty of his enemies and questions their leadership, positioning Carti as a more reliable, dominant figure in the game.
In “My ho gas me up, cheerleader”, Carti suggests that his woman boosts his confidence, playing the role of a “cheerleader” who inflates his ego and supports him in all his endeavors. This highlights his dependence on her admiration and support, which fuels his confidence.
“Take me a cup, schyeah” is a casual reference to Carti indulging in drinking, possibly lean or another substance, furthering his reputation of reckless indulgence. This nonchalant attitude towards substances fits with his overall carefree and hedonistic persona.
In “Me and lil’ twin locked in, ain't worried ‘bout nothin’”, Carti speaks about his close bond with a friend or collaborator, emphasizing their unshakable connection. His confidence in this partnership signals that nothing could break their bond, allowing them to remain unaffected by any outside forces.
The line “It’s an Opium farm, I’m raisin’ these bitches like some dons, schyeah” references Opium, Carti’s record label, positioning himself as the "don" or boss of the label, guiding his artists (referred to as "bitches") like a mafia figure. The "farm" metaphor likens his nurturing and cultivation of talent to the care a farmer provides to crops, reinforcing Carti's central role in the label's success and its unique sound.
“I’m a bomb, I’m Osama, I’m blunt, ah, yeah” compares Carti to the infamous figure Osama bin Laden, suggesting he’s a dangerous and explosive force in the industry. His “blunt” reference might symbolize his directness and his ability to cut through distractions, making his presence known with force.
In “It’s a chase, get a K, hit his chest, hit his waist”, Carti references violence, describing a chase that leads to a deadly confrontation. The "K" likely refers to an AK-47, a weapon often associated with violent imagery in rap, adding a darker, more menacing layer to the track.
“What you say? What you say? I’m a vibe and a sensei” is Carti's self-affirmation, calling himself a "vibe" (a mood-setter) and a "sensei" (a master or teacher), suggesting his superior knowledge and control over his environment and the energy around him.
Playboi Carti Backd00r Meaning Featuring Kendrick Lamar and Jhene Aiko
"Backd00r" is a blend of Carti's confident, brash persona and Kendrick’s introspective approach, with both artists flexing their wealth, power, and dominance. Carti’s references to luxury (Dior, VVS) and his control over his label (Opium) reinforce his status in the industry, while his casual mentions of violence and control add a darker tone to the track. The recurring "backdoor" motif suggests secrecy and exclusivity, where actions happen outside the public eye, and only those within their inner circles are privy to the true lifestyle. Kendrick's verse adds a level of complexity and introspection, contrasting with Carti’s straightforward, boastful energy.
Playboi Carti Backdoor Lyrics
[Intro: Playboi Carti]
Backdoor, backdoor
Backdoor, backdoor
Backdoor, backdoor
Backdoor, backdoor
[Verse 1: Playboi Carti]
Let's go, let's go
She a good girl, tell her let go
She can't take it, I'm a monster, no more, schyeah
Play with the munyuns, Dior, huh
Live life on the hill like a senior, uh
Don't play with me, gangster, I don't see ya
I stay with a ten, she Aaliyah, uh
It's a whole bunch of dots, we in Cheetah
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, Jhené Aiko & Playboi Carti]
Ooh
I'ma make it back and probably spend it all on you
Come through from the back so don't nobody talk
I put them VVs on your decolleté, I know you feel nauseous
Bitches best stay in they place or move around with caution
VVs on your decolleté, mm-mm
Baby, pull up through the backdoor, backdoor, yeah
Backdoor, backdoor
Turn the lights down, I'm slidin' through the backdoor, backdoor
Members only, ridin' through the backdoor, backdoor
Vamp life, spooky, vamp life, spooky (Yeah)
[Verse 2: Playboi Carti]
I stay with a ten, she Aaliyah, uh
It's a whole bunch of dots, we in Cheetah
Your whole gang just told, who's your leader?
My ho gas me up, cheerleader
Take me a cup, schyeah (Schyeah)
Me and lil' twin locked in, ain't worried 'bout nothin' (Schyeah-schyeah, schyeah, schyeah)
You open your face, lil' bitch, get hit with this gun, schyeah
It's an Opium farm, I'm raisin' these bitches like some dons, schyeah
I'm a bomb, I'm Osama, I'm blunt, ah, yeah
It's a chase, get a K, hit his chest, hit his waist
What you say? What you say? I'm a vibe and a sensei
Backdoor, backdoor
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar, Jhené Aiko & Playboi Carti]
Ooh
I'ma make it back and probably spend it all on you
Come through from the back so don't nobody talk
I put them VVs on your decolleté, I know you feel nauseous
Bitches best stay in they place or move around with caution
VVs on your decolleté, mm-mm
Baby, pull up through the backdoor, backdoor, yeah
Backdoor, backdoor
Turn the lights down, I'm slidin' through the backdoor, backdoor
Members only, ridin' through the backdoor, backdoor
Vamp life, spooky, vamp life, spooky (Yeah)