Pastillas (feat. Asan y Zecca)
Duki
The Dark Allure of Fame and Excess in 'Pastillas'
DUKI's song 'Pastillas' featuring Asan and Zecca delves into the tumultuous lifestyle of a modern rapper, marked by excess, fame, and the constant pressure to stay relevant. The recurring mention of 'pastillas' (pills) symbolizes the artist's struggle with substance abuse, a common theme in the music industry. The lyrics reflect a sense of disillusionment and the thin line between respect and downfall, as DUKI mentions how fragile respect is, comparing it to a thin sheet ('tan fino como lámina'). This metaphor highlights the precarious nature of fame and the ease with which it can be lost.
The song also critiques the superficiality and false bravado often seen in the rap world. DUKI calls out those who pretend to live a gangster lifestyle, emphasizing that true success comes from hard work and dedication, not just from projecting an image. He contrasts his relentless work ethic in the studio ('24/7') with the empty promises of businessmen and the hollow lifestyles of other rappers. This critique is further underscored by the line 'A la mierda el negro mintiendo su vida,' which dismisses those who lie about their lives to seem more impressive.
In the latter part of the song, DUKI touches on themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The imagery of a friend being found on a tombstone and the mention of a 'muerte mediática' (media death) suggest the ever-present danger and the public's morbid fascination with the downfall of celebrities. Despite the dark themes, there's a sense of resilience and defiance in DUKI's words, as he continues to rise in his career ('Sigo subiendo de level') and maintains his unique style and authenticity.