I Can't Be Famous

So the dude Lupe Fiasco is back to being the artist we originally became fans of, and all is well again. For those behind the times, Lupe just dropped a new song called “Bitch Bad,” and given the current state of misogyny in Urban music, it’s right on time. With that being said, now’s a perfect time for me to rant about why I like the song. And here… we… go!

Let’s start with the production. The Audibles-produced track is actually pretty understated, giving Lupe enough space to articulate himself clearly. Now maybe I’m reading too far into it, but I think the use of the 808 drums were strategic. What better way to reach today’s audience than by spitting that real shit over a sound that’s familiar to them? Radio could easily play this song without deviating too far from their regular format. Well done.

Lastly, and certainly most important, are Lupe’s lyrics. The purpose of the song is to systematically destroy the use of the word “bitch” in our communities. I, for one, was never a fan of calling women “bitches” and I never understood why women would want to be considered a “bad bitch.” All it takes is one person calling you a bitch in the wrong context and all hell breaks loose. Now I know I’m being hypocrite because I use “nigga” a lot, but dammit, I can only save the world one word at a time. I’ll come back to that. In the song, Lupe details how impressionable children can get the wrong idea from the words we use and how they can grow up believing in negative stigmas. How can they properly determine right from wrong when we constantly give them mixed signals? It’s an important message we all need to be mindful of as we lead the next generation. The lessons we teach them will help dictate the rest of their lives and will also be used to influence future generations. It’s a crazy cycle that starts with us.

All in all, “Bitch Bad” is a dope song. What else do you need to know? Listen to it below. Now! Good day.