Gang Signs

SadBoy Loko's 'Gang Signs' is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of gang culture and street life. The repetitive chorus, urging listeners to put their hands up high and throw gang signs in the sky, sets the tone for a song that is both a celebration and a stark depiction of the realities faced by those entrenched in gang life. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and personal anecdotes that paint a picture of a life marked by violence, loyalty, and survival.

In the first verse, SadBoy Loko describes the constant state of alertness and readiness for conflict that comes with being part of a gang. He likens earning his stripes to a pilot taking flight, emphasizing the necessity of proving oneself through dangerous and often violent means. The mention of being tatted up and walking with no shirt signifies a sense of pride and defiance, a visual representation of his identity and affiliation. The verse also touches on the ever-present threat of death, a reality that gang members face daily.

The second verse delves into the hustler's mentality, where every action is driven by the need to survive and thrive in a harsh environment. SadBoy Loko talks about dealing drugs and the transactional nature of relationships within this world. The lyrics highlight the constant hustle and the need to double up on everything, from money to respect. The verse also touches on the objectification of women and the transactional nature of these relationships, further emphasizing the gritty and often dehumanizing aspects of street life.

Overall, 'Gang Signs' is a powerful and unapologetic look at the life of a gang member, filled with the highs and lows, the pride and the peril, and the relentless pursuit of survival and respect in a world that offers little of either.