5 Star (feat. Lil Wayne)
Nicki Minaj
Unpacking the Bravado in Nicki Minaj's '5 Star'
Nicki Minaj's '5 Star' featuring Lil Wayne is a track that exudes confidence, aggression, and the celebration of success. The lyrics are filled with braggadocio, a common theme in hip-hop, where both artists assert their dominance in the music industry and their personal lives through a series of metaphors and vivid imagery.
The song opens with Nicki Minaj comparing herself to a gangster, suggesting that she's as tough and untouchable as one. She uses fashion references, like an Alexander Wang scarf, to illustrate her style and status. The mention of Percocets and Adderall indicates a nonchalant attitude towards life's pressures and the criticism she faces. Nicki positions herself as a pivotal figure in the rap game, with Lil Wayne (Tunechi) by her side, both of them leading the pack ('Slimez out here twinnin''). The 'gang sh*t' she refers to could be her tight-knit crew and the loyalty they share.
Lil Wayne's verse continues the theme of excess and luxury, with references to sexual conquests and drug use. He uses wordplay and double entendres to boast about his lifestyle and the power he wields. The imagery is more explicit, with Wayne painting a picture of a hedonistic life. Both artists use their verses to assert their superiority and the respect they command, with a clear message that they are at the top of their game and unapologetic about their paths to success.