6 Five Heartbeats (feat. Vince Staples)

The Alchemist's track '6 Five Heartbeats,' featuring Vince Staples, delves into the harsh realities of street life, loyalty, and the search for genuine love amidst chaos. The song opens with a vivid image of people scattering like roaches when the light comes on, setting a tone of urgency and danger. This metaphor highlights the constant threat and need for vigilance in their environment. The protagonist's prayer signifies a desperate hope for protection and guidance in a world where violence and betrayal are commonplace.

The lyrics contrast the digital age's superficiality with the raw, unfiltered experiences of those living on the streets. The line 'You had a blog; we had Berettas' juxtaposes the safety and detachment of online personas with the tangible, life-threatening reality of carrying weapons for protection. The mention of 'every single rapper been a dopeman' critiques the glorification of drug dealing in hip-hop culture, questioning the authenticity of such claims. The protagonist's experiences with firearms and the consequences of violence are laid bare, emphasizing the brutal truth behind the glamorized facade.

Amidst the chaos, the search for 'real love' stands out as a poignant theme. The protagonist reflects on his parents' relationship, where his mother helped his father bag dope, symbolizing a twisted yet genuine form of love and loyalty. This search for authenticity extends to his own relationships, where he grapples with accusations of infidelity and the struggle to find someone who truly understands him. The song's closing lines underscore the protagonist's hardened nature and the necessity of sorting out problems with a ruthless efficiency, further illustrating the survivalist mentality ingrained in his world.