The Meaning Behind The Song: 30 For 30 (Freestyle) by Drake and Future

Rappers Drake and Future have long been known for their collaborations, and their song “30 for 30 (Freestyle)” is just one example of their work. The song, which was released in September 2015, is a freestyle track that features the two rappers trading bars over a subtle beat.

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As with many freestyle tracks, the lyrics in “30 for 30” are often interpreted in different ways by different listeners. While there may not be a definitive meaning behind the song, there are certainly several themes and motifs that are present. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common interpretations of “30 for 30 (Freestyle)” and what they may mean.

The Basic Premise

Before we dive into the meaning behind “30 for 30,” let’s first establish what the song is actually about. In general, the lyrics of the song are focused on Drake and Future’s experiences in the music industry, particularly as they relate to their financial success.

The title of the song, “30 for 30,” refers to a 30 for 30 deal, which is a type of record contract. In a 30 for 30 deal, a rapper agrees to turn over 30% of their income to the record label in exchange for a certain level of support and promotion. Many artists have spoken out against these types of deals, claiming that they can be exploitative and unfair.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the themes and motifs that appear in “30 for 30 (Freestyle).”

The Search for Success

One of the most prominent themes in “30 for 30” is the idea that success is elusive and difficult to obtain. Throughout the song, Drake and Future make references to their hard work and dedication to their craft, but also acknowledge that they have faced setbacks and challenges along the way.

For example, in the opening lines of the song, Drake raps, “Never thought that it’d be like this/From a small city that I won’t forget/One second it’s all yours, then suddenly it slips.” This suggests that Drake is grappling with the fact that his success can be fleeting and unpredictable.

Similarly, Future touches on this theme in his verse, rapping, “I’m the only one that get the job done/I don’t know a nigga that could cover for me.” This suggests that Future is aware that he is in a unique position as a successful rapper, and that he works hard to maintain that status.

The Cost of Fame

Another theme that is present in “30 for 30” is the cost of fame. Throughout the song, both Drake and Future make reference to the ways in which their fame and success have changed them, and the sacrifices they have had to make along the way.

For example, Drake raps, “I gotta move smarter, gotta move harder,” suggesting that he has to constantly be aware of the consequences of his actions as a public figure. He also makes reference to the fact that he can no longer trust people the way he used to: “They’ll be back when they need something, swear they’re someone else/Bein’ humble don’t work as well as bein’ aware.” This suggests that Drake has learned to be cautious in his dealings with others because of his fame.

Similarly, Future raps, “Ever since I got it, I’ve been the same nigga they seen/Imitated but never duplicated,” suggesting that his fame has made him a target for criticism and imitation. He also references the ways in which he has had to change his lifestyle to fit into the world of celebrity: “Bitches changin’ their style, they wanna have sex now.” This suggests that Future has had to navigate the complexities of fame in order to maintain his success.

The Importance of Loyalty

Another prominent motif in “30 for 30” is the idea of loyalty. Throughout the song, both Drake and Future make reference to the fact that they value loyalty above all else, and that they have had to be careful about whom they trust in the music industry.

For example, Drake raps, “Everybody that’s married is miserable/I know that it’s true ’cause I’m single, not tryna be different.” This suggests that Drake values his independence and his ability to be true to himself, rather than conforming to the expectations and standards set by others in the industry.

Similarly, Future raps, “Goin’ in, I ain’t never had a job still/But my rent due and my kids need meals/And they wanna see a nigga fall off,” suggesting that he is constantly aware of the ways in which people may try to bring him down. However, he also asserts his loyalty to his friends and family, rapping, “But I can’t allow myself to take a loss, I’m the boss/Overdo it, I’ma overdo it on the sauce.”

The Role of Money

Finally, “30 for 30” explores the ways in which money plays a role in the music industry. While rappers often flaunt their wealth in their lyrics, “30 for 30” takes a more nuanced approach, suggesting that money can be both a blessing and a curse.

For example, Drake raps, “I got a price on my head but there’s a risk to collect it,” suggesting that his wealth has put him in a vulnerable position. He also acknowledges that money can’t solve all of his problems: “All of this disorder, no addressin’/The crown is broken in pieces, but there’s more in my possession.”

Similarly, Future touches on the theme of money in his verse, rapping, “I done went got a Rollie, a whole lotta cash/And I still ain’t got no peace, ain’t nothin’ changed.” This suggests that despite his financial success, Future is still grappling with the same issues that he faced before he became famous.

FAQs:

1. What is a 30 for 30 deal?

A 30 for 30 deal is a type of record contract in which a rapper agrees to give 30% of their income to the record label in exchange for support and promotion. Many artists have spoken out against these types of deals, claiming that they can be exploitative and unfair.

2. What is the meaning behind the title “30 for 30”?

The title of “30 for 30 (Freestyle)” refers to the concept of a 30 for 30 deal in the music industry. In a 30 for 30 deal, a rapper agrees to give 30% of their income to the record label in return for certain services.

3. What are some common themes in “30 for 30”?

Some common themes in “30 for 30” include the search for success, the cost of fame, the importance of loyalty, and the role of money in the music industry.

4. What is the significance of the line “They’ll be back when they need something, swear they’re someone else”?

This line, which is rapped by Drake, suggests that he has learned to be cautious in his dealings with others because of his fame. He is wary of people who only come around when they need something, but then pretend to be someone else.

5. Why do rappers often rap about their wealth?

Many rappers use their lyrics to flaunt their wealth as a way of signaling their status and success. However, “30 for 30” takes a more nuanced approach, suggesting that money can have both positive and negative effects on a person’s life.

6. What is the significance of the line “Imitated but never duplicated”?

This line, which is rapped by Future, suggests that his fame has made him a target for imitation and criticism. However, he is confident in his abilities and believes that he cannot be duplicated.

7. What does “30 for 30” suggest about the music industry?

“30 for 30” suggests that the music industry can be a difficult and complex place, particularly for those who are trying to navigate it while maintaining their integrity and independence.

8. What is the significance of the line “All of this disorder, no addressin’”?

This line, which is rapped by Drake, suggests that he is aware of the chaos and disorder in his life, but is unsure of how to address it. This could be interpreted as a comment on the difficulties of maintaining a sense of order and control in the music industry.

9. What is the role of loyalty in “30 for 30”?

Loyalty is a prominent motif in “30 for 30,” with both Drake and Future emphasizing the importance of loyalty in their personal and professional lives. Both rappers suggest that they have had to be careful about whom they trust in the music industry.

10. What is the significance of the line “Bitches changin’ their style, they wanna have sex now”?

This line, which is rapped by Future, suggests that his fame has changed the way that women interact with him. He is wary of women who only seem to be interested in him because of his money and success.

11. What is the significance of the line “I’m the only one that get the job done”?

This line, which is rapped by Future, suggests that he is confident in his abilities as a rapper and believes that he is the best person for the job. He may be contrasting himself with other rappers who are not as committed or hardworking as he is.

12. How does “30 for 30” compare to other Drake and Future collaborations?

“30 for 30” is just one example of the many collaborations between Drake and Future. However, the song stands out for its introspective and nuanced approach to the themes of success, fame, and money.

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