After You

Tay-K's song 'After You' delves into the gritty and often violent realities of street life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where survival is paramount, and respect is earned through displays of power and aggression. The recurring phrase 'after you' suggests a hierarchy and a code of conduct among the people in this environment, where actions are often dictated by the need to assert dominance and maintain one's status.

The song's narrative is filled with imagery of robbery, violence, and retribution. Lines like 'you get robbed for flashy shoes' and 'now he's a hashtag, now he's a tattoo' highlight the consequences of flaunting wealth and disrespecting others. The use of animal metaphors, such as comparing someone to a 'baboon' or a 'raccoon,' serves to dehumanize the targets of violence, making the acts of aggression seem almost instinctual and necessary for survival.

Tay-K's delivery is raw and unfiltered, reflecting the harsh realities of his own experiences. The mention of 'tears in the water unpassable' and 'we pop out in the afternoon' suggests a sense of inevitability and the constant presence of danger. The song also touches on the idea of weaponry as both a tool for survival and a fashion statement, as seen in the line 'I tote the gat because I had to, you tote it cuz it's fashionable.' This duality underscores the complex relationship between identity, survival, and societal expectations in the world Tay-K describes.

Overall, 'After You' is a stark portrayal of the challenges and brutalities of street life, offering listeners a glimpse into a world where every action has significant consequences and where the line between life and death is often razor-thin.