Lyrics of Crazier — Ab-Soul

Song Info

• Album: Soul Burger
• Producers: Kal Banx, Banshee The Great, Keanu Beats
• Release Date: October 29, 2024
• Genre: Hip-Hop, West Coast Rap, Atlanta Rap

Lyrics Meaning

[Intro: JID]

JID sets a brooding, contemplative tone with a simple “Mm,” signaling the reflective yet intense atmosphere of the track. The introduction is brief but effective, as he prepares to unpack layers of grit and realism in the verses that follow.

[Verse 1: JID]

In this verse, JID reflects on his influence and role as a guide for others in the industry. Lines like "I gave niggas hope when they needed hope" suggest he sees himself as a mentor, offering both inspiration and "dope" (creatively and otherwise) to those in need. He navigates between gritty street references and intellectual wordplay, such as in “Dome shot 'em, that's a third eye, you real-real woke,” blending violence with metaphysical imagery. The verse progresses with reflections on risk and reward, asking, "What’s the reward? But what are the risks involved?" It’s a realistic, sometimes bleak perspective on what it means to survive and thrive in his world. JID’s clever line, “Get a pen, write his name on a bullet for ya boy,” adds a haunting layer, hinting at the cost of fame and survival in the rap game. His comparison of himself to "the nasally Nas, but I'm more JAY-Z-er" reflects his fusion of street wisdom (à la Nas) and commercial success (à la Jay-Z). The verse ends with JID’s vision of staying grounded amid growing turmoil, showing both resilience and frustration at the increasingly “radical” and racially charged environment he’s part of.

[Chorus: JID & Ab-Soul]

The repetition of “Crazier and crazier” builds a hypnotic sense of rising tension. As JID and Ab-Soul chant, it captures the increasingly intense atmosphere surrounding them, personally and socially. The world around them is in constant upheaval, and they’re at the center, observing and participating in the madness. The repeated phrase amplifies the chaotic tone of the song, resonating with listeners as a callout to the relentless pressures they face.

[Verse 2: Ab-Soul & JID]

Ab-Soul opens with a powerful line: "No shit, I wrote this sittin' outside the psych ward," hinting at the toll his experiences have taken on his mental health. He speaks to the idea of survival, using dark humor and introspective insight. References to “blackin’ out” and "need[ing] Lysol" for the trauma he’s witnessed add to the weight of his experience, creating a raw sense of vulnerability. Ab-Soul’s line, “Phoenix out the ashes like they done cremated Joaquin,” is a clever wordplay, nodding to the character Phoenix in the movie *Joker* and symbolizing his resilience. He speaks to his artistry and its intensity, suggesting his “pen is more impressive than your lockscreen,” which serves as a jab at those focused on superficial appearances rather than deeper meaning. He draws parallels between himself and figures of defiance, hinting at a personal struggle with conformity and the "rules" of society, emphasizing his role as an outlier. Lines like “I hang a mic up by the noose like a lynch mob in the south” tackle historical injustice, connecting his art to broader social issues. Ab-Soul also drops lines like “Thought you was titanic, but I’m the glacier,” a clever metaphor that asserts his strength against those who underestimate him. He portrays himself as a force to be reckoned with, capable of bringing even the strongest down.

[Chorus: JID & Ab-Soul]

The chorus repeats, emphasizing the chaos that JID and Ab-Soul observe and experience. The use of “crazier” in repetition signals the song’s theme of life becoming increasingly unpredictable and intense. It also serves as a reminder of the track's message about mental resilience and grit.

[Outro]

With “That shit slap like a motherfucker,” the outro ends on a raw and candid note. The phrase is a shoutout to the music’s impact, rounding off the song’s intensity with a line that reinforces the song’s edge.

Top 8 Songs Similar to "Crazier" by Ab-Soul & JID

1. "m.A.A.d city" by Kendrick Lamar - Like “Crazier,” this song navigates the harsh realities of life in troubled environments. Kendrick’s lyrics reflect survival and resilience, paralleling Ab-Soul’s and JID’s gritty introspection.
2. "Numb Numb Juice" by ScHoolboy Q - This track shares Ab-Soul’s intense energy and fearless attitude, confronting challenges with dark humor and defiance, much like the style of “Crazier.”
3. "Money Trees" by Kendrick Lamar (feat. Jay Rock) - This track delves into survival, loyalty, and ambition, echoing similar themes to JID's reflection on hope and resilience in “Crazier.”
4. "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" by Kendrick Lamar - Kendrick’s introspective lyrics on mortality and legacy echo Ab-Soul’s dark reflections on mental health and survival. Both songs touch on themes of life, death, and purpose in a chaotic world.
5. "Doomed" by Moses Sumney - Known for its contemplative look at existence, this track’s melancholy and intensity align with Ab-Soul's raw vulnerability in “Crazier.” Both artists touch on themes of struggle and inner conflict.
6. "Under Pressure" by Logic - Logic’s intense, autobiographical approach mirrors the introspective narratives of “Crazier,” exploring the stresses of fame and the cost of success, much like JID’s verse on fame and risk.
7. "Fear" by Kendrick Lamar - This song’s exploration of fears, insecurities, and survival amid adversity resonates with Ab-Soul's and JID’s experiences. Both songs take a somber look at personal and social struggles.
8. "DNA." by Kendrick Lamar - This powerful track is a celebration of identity and resilience. Kendrick’s unapologetic confidence and intense delivery in “DNA.” share similarities with the self-assured, raw energy of JID and Ab-Soul in “Crazier.”