Welcome To The Party

Pop Smoke's 'Welcome To The Party' is a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the hedonistic and dangerous lifestyle that the late rapper often portrayed in his music. The song opens with an invitation to a chaotic and intoxicating party scene, where Pop Smoke is under the influence of various substances like molly, xanax, and lean. This cocktail of drugs is a metaphor for the reckless abandon and altered state of mind that characterizes the environment he's describing. The repeated line, 'That's why I'm movin' retarded,' underscores the disorienting effects of these substances, setting the tone for the rest of the track.

The lyrics also delve into themes of violence and street credibility. Pop Smoke mentions carrying a gun and being ready to use it, reflecting the harsh realities of his upbringing and the constant need for self-defense in his world. Lines like 'I hit the boy up and then I go skate in a 'rari' and 'I catch a body, next day I forget it' highlight a nonchalant attitude towards violence, suggesting a desensitization to the brutality that surrounds him. This is further emphasized by his references to gang affiliations and the loyalty he feels towards his 'rilla' and 'villain' friends who are incarcerated.

The song also touches on Pop Smoke's rise to fame and the material success that comes with it. He mentions the high cost of his performances and the luxurious lifestyle he now leads, including designer clothes and foreign cars. However, this success is juxtaposed with the lingering influence of his past, as he admits to being 'stuck up in my ways' and acknowledges that 'ain't nobody ever gave me shit.' This duality of newfound fame and enduring street mentality creates a complex portrait of an artist who is both celebrating his achievements and grappling with the shadows of his past.