Chika’s debut EP on a major label, “Industry Games”, was released in 2020. She was a member of XXL’s Freshman Class of 2020, and was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2021 GRAMMYs.
INDUSTRY GAMES
CHIKA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Industry games, yeah (games)
Rappin' but they not in love with it (hmm)
Think it's a shame, yeah think it's a shame)
I'm 'bout to pop on some other shit
Think it's a game (think it's a game)
They don't control where I land (nah)
I'm tryna stack all these M's (M's)
All of my idols is friends (friends)
Came to the fight with some Timbs (Timbs)
Will I let up? It depends ('pends)
Been through the struggle, I don't run from trouble
No breakin', I just want the bands (breakin', I just want the bands)
Don't be defeated, I'm hella conceited
I run on that beat like a Benz (skrrt, skrrt)
I am the one from the stories that got you excited
Rhythmic flow is ignited
How it's so easy for her to recite it?
Can do this shit while I'm asleep 'cause I write it
Watch out these niggas be so quick to bite it
I let them in but they never be quite it
Imitation is just inspiration
If you feel like takin' just be sure that you thankin'
I'm not trippin' nigga with a different aura
I done met the vision, had to start with the supporters
Had a premonition, had to get the shit in order
And I'm finna take it all, fuck a wall, what's a border?
I've been counted out for too damn long
Like I couldn't take the crown with two damn songs
All up in the booth with no home training
Takin' the crown with two damn songs, yeah (the two damn song)
Niggas be playin', yeah
Industry games, yeah
Rappin' but they not in love with it
Think it's a shame, yeah
I'm 'bout to pop on some other shit
Think it's a game
They don't control where I land
I'm fresh in the bitch and you know that
Don't save my body, just show that
Get in the booth, I'm the truth
I get loose, I don't hold back
Fuckin' the game, they done send me the hoe back
Tradin' they lyrics and shit, I ain't for that
Don't need a scam with a plan
Or to fuck on they man I ain't on that
I am the antithesis, making 'em wish that it was just a phase
I done pray for the show back, throw that
Kill 'em with kindness in sound
Know I'm the tightest around
Head in the cumulus, feet on the ground
They say that I'm gifted, well spoken and proud
Don't need a Birkin, need diamonds in mouth
Too much to answer up, queen of the South
My shit is imported, they shoppin' at Ross
Them scores is a teaser and I'm makin' my rounds
Niggas watchin' me, they be flockin' it
Say they tryna slide with me, yeah
I can hear the snakes, they hissing, tryna break my mission
'Cause I know who I'm 'bout to be
I just tell 'em hoe, tell 'em
I got too much on my plate
And I know that I'm a sight to see, yeah
I could make it so official
I'ma blow my whistle
It's a game, I decide the team
Niggas be playin', yeah
Industry games, yeah
Rappin' but they not in love with it
Think it's a shame, yeah
I'm 'bout to pop on some other shit
Think it's a game
They don't control where I land
Royal flush, nigga the cards in my hand
"Industry Games" by Chika is a song that talks about the competitive nature of the music industry. In the first verse, Chika talks about how some rappers are not passionate about their craft and only do it for fame or money. She refuses to play these "industry games" and decides to make music on her terms. Chika is confident in her abilities and is ready to take on the music world. She talks about her talent and how she can write lyrics so easily that she can do it in her sleep. Chika also warns about the dangers of imitation and encourages originality.
In the second verse, Chika talks about her success and how it has come from her hard work and dedication. She is proud of her accomplishments and does not need to rely on anyone to get ahead in the industry. She is the antithesis and makes music that stands out from the rest. Chika also talks about the challenges she faces and how people are always trying to bring her down. She, however, remains confident and focused on her mission.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that the music industry is like a game, and Chika has decided that she will not play by their rules. She is in control of her career and will not be swayed by others. Chika's powerful lyrics and confident delivery make "Industry Games" a powerful statement in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggas be playin', yeah
Men are engaging in unproductive and manipulative behavior
Industry games, yeah
The music industry has a culture of shady dealings and power plays
Rappin' but they not in love with it
Many rappers are not passionate about their craft
Think it's a shame, yeah
It's disappointing and disheartening
I'm 'bout to pop on some other shit
I'm about to take the industry by storm with fresh, original work
Think it's a game
People underestimate me and my abilities
They don't control where I land
I refuse to be manipulated and controlled by the industry
Royal flush, nigga the cards in my hand
I have a winning hand and hold all the cards
I'm tryna stack all these M's
I'm focused on amassing wealth and success
All of my idols is friends
My role models and inspirations are now my peers
Came to the fight with some Timbs
I'm ready to take on any challenge, even in rugged boots
Will I let up? It depends ('pends)
I'll only slow down if I want to
Been through the struggle, I don't run from trouble
I'm resilient and never back down from adversity
No breakin', I just want the bands (breakin', I just want the bands)
I'm determined to make money and succeed regardless of obstacles
Don't be defeated, I'm hella conceited
I have confidence in my abilities and refuse to be discouraged
I run on that beat like a Benz (skrrt, skrrt)
I flow effortlessly on any music track
I am the one from the stories that got you excited
I'm the artist that fans are excited about and relate to
Rhythmic flow is ignited
I bring energy and passion to my music
How it's so easy for her to recite it?
People wonder how I can deliver such impressive verses with ease
Can do this shit while I'm asleep 'cause I write it
I write my own material and can easily perform it at any time
Watch out these niggas be so quick to bite it
Other artists are quick to copy or imitate my style
Imitation is just inspiration
Copying me only shows that I'm a source of inspiration for others
If you feel like takin' just be sure that you thankin'
If someone is inspired by me, they should acknowledge and appreciate me
I'm not trippin' nigga with a different aura
I have a unique, confident presence that sets me apart
I done met the vision, had to start with the supporters
I've realized my potential and started with a dedicated fanbase
Had a premonition, had to get the shit in order
I knew what I wanted and had to work to make it happen
And I'm finna take it all, fuck a wall, what's a border?
I have no limits or boundaries to what I can achieve
I've been counted out for too damn long
I've been overlooked and underestimated for too long
Like I couldn't take the crown with two damn songs
I've proven myself with just a few songs and have what it takes to be on top
All up in the booth with no home training
I'm comfortable and skilled in the studio without any formal training
Takin' the crown with two damn songs, yeah (the two damn song)
I'm rising to the top with just a couple of successful tracks
I'm fresh in the bitch and you know that
I'm new and talented on the music scene
Don't save my body, just show that
I'm proud of my body and don't hide it
Get in the booth, I'm the truth
I'm the real deal and my music speaks for itself
I get loose, I don't hold back
I'm uninhibited and confident in my performances
Fuckin' the game, they done send me the hoe back
I'm making waves in the industry and putting less talented artists in their place
Tradin' they lyrics and shit, I ain't for that
I write my own music and don't need to trade lyrics with anyone
Don't need a scam with a plan
I don't need to scheme or manipulate to achieve success
Or to fuck on they man I ain't on that
I don't need to use sex or relationships to get ahead in the industry
I am the antithesis, making 'em wish that it was just a phase
I'm the opposite of what people expect and challenge their assumptions
I done pray for the show back, throw that
I've worked hard for my success and deserve to be in the spotlight
Kill 'em with kindness in sound
I'm musically skilled and deliver impactful verses with a positive attitude
Know I'm the tightest around
I'm the most talented and impressive artist in the game
Head in the cumulus, feet on the ground
I'm ambitious and dream big, but also grounded in reality
They say that I'm gifted, well spoken and proud
People recognize my talent and confidence in myself
Don't need a Birkin, need diamonds in mouth
I prioritize unique and flashy jewelry over expensive handbags
Too much to answer up, queen of the South
I have so much going on and am the most successful artist in the southern region
My shit is imported, they shoppin' at Ross
I have exclusive and expensive merchandise while others can only afford cheap retail items
Them scores is a teaser and I'm makin' my rounds
My previous successes were only a preview of what I'm capable of and I'm making a name for myself
Niggas watchin' me, they be flockin' it
People are paying attention to me and trying to emulate me
Say they tryna slide with me, yeah
They claim they want to collaborate with me
I can hear the snakes, they hissing, tryna break my mission
Other artists are secretly hoping for my downfall and trying to sabotage me
'Cause I know who I'm 'bout to be
I know my own potential and the great success I'm capable of achieving
I just tell 'em hoe, tell 'em
I confidently dismiss anyone who doubts my abilities
I got too much on my plate
I'm busy with my career and have many responsibilities
And I know that I'm a sight to see, yeah
I'm an impressive and captivating artist to watch
I could make it so official
I have the power to make things happen and succeed
I'ma blow my whistle
I'm going to take the lead and make things happen on my own terms
It's a game, I decide the team
The music industry is like a game and I have the power to choose my team and dictate my own success
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ali Yusuf, Chika Sekiguchi, Peder Losnegaard, Sean Momberger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rayyanthlb
Its different vibe when u hear this song in tiny desk concert first
@graylanwillocks9609
fr she does it slower
@Lgilmore3280
That's why in here 🔥
@lixmarine3077
Nah for real 😂
@workforit3416
It did hit me I had to look for her
@dmiller7276
THE GIGGLE when her band screws up, it makes you feel like you're in the room.
@jaybayckd7965
This is JID and J Cole lyrical skill level. Feel like I’m here before the peak but still wish I knew abt this earlier
@nicke4484
Wouldn’t go that far, but she’s good.
@curtisdavis2187
Just cuz she not main stream YET Don’t discredit PUSSY
@jaybayckd7965
Curtis Davis I wasn’t discrediting her. I was js she’s very talented this got nothing to do with popularity