He announced the song, its single artwork, and its release date on Instagram on September 16, 2018. In the caption of the post, J.I.D wrote a heartfelt message to his fans.
“151 Rum” is named after Bacardi 151, a discontinued brand of highly alcoholic rum, which is itself named after its alcohol proof level of 151. Bacardi 151 was sold in the US from 1963 to 2016; its production was then discontinued indefinitely.
In an Instagram live video on the day of the song’s release, J.I.D gave an in-depth discussion on the song’s meaning and background.
On September 16, 2018, J.I.D discussed the song in a lengthy post on Instagram:
"Aight here we go bruh, I got a new record coming out 9/19/2018 to begin this Dicaprio2 journey, I put out the first Dicaprio on my soundcloud February 2015(it’s still there if u wana go listen) this project isn’t like the nevrr story or anything u heard from me b4, it isn’t my gkmc or whatever else your are expecting it to be ‘headass'lol its not what I expected it to be but I love it and I appreciate the journey it took me through to get me here, each song feels like a individual film to me, mac came thru and helped post produce and organize on almost every song on here, I worked on being a better writer, even outside of punchlines and shit, like I can rap all fuckn day but I like writing songs and shit too, whatever, like I really just challenged my self to becoming better, period, plus me and you guys(us) have formed a special bond and that can’t be taken lightly, i appreciate every like, follow, message anyone that has ever sent, told someone about my music, trolled me, anything, thank u, hope you guys enjoy this trip we about to take, p.s I wrote all this shit but I wouldn’t read it if someone else wrote it Lmfaoo it’s just a lot, lol if U still reading this u really love me and you care lmfao, I care too and I love ya so I’m still writing this, ok, gotta take off to Berlin Now, love ya, p.s.s this album is for car rides, working out and smoke sessions(in cars) or wherever u wana smoke that’s sonically friendly."
On June 26, 2021, after being asked on Twitter when or if he would collaborate with Tierra Whack, J.I.D responded that he had sent her “151 Rum” to feature on, but she ultimately didn’t get on the track.
“151 Rum” was certified gold by the RIAA on February 19, 2020.
151 Rum
JID Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Run, Ricky, run, run, nigga, run, jump, nigga, jump
Come here they come, run, run, run, run
Gun with the drum, bum bitty bum, slump in the trunk
My city go dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
151 Rum and a blunt, young nigga numb, numb, numb and he got a little gun
Give him a little bit and he'll get a nigga done
Son of a God, son of a bitch
Son of a woman and man, son of a son, in a sunken abyss
Summon a plant, please come with a strip
Cover my back, cover mad, please come with the bliss
Look at the stash, JID like a magician
Fuck that, this some real ass shit, I paid blood for this
Takin' cheese from the government
Cereal boxes with the bugs in it
Hand me down, this my brother brother shit
Don't compare me to no other other niggas
In the city, boy, they say they fuckin' with you
Heebie jeebie, that's a bit disgustin' but I get it
I'm full of tension, full of spirit but full of shit
Standin' next to Lil Tay when that bullet hit him
Shit, I miss him, I wish that that bullet missed him, but it didn't
And since I been livin' with it like a sickness
Intimate, infinite rhymes, give me the baton
A tickin' tickin' time bomb, takin' the finish line
Look alive, look in my eyes, look at you niggas tryin'
And you dumb, dumb better run, run 'cause we fryin' em
Eastside, where ya from, from niggas wildin'
So be silent before my niggas creep silent
With street knowledge, complete nonsense
Delete comments, online, all lies, we see violence
Everyday in my eyes, they killin' my niggas, die, nigga die
Pull up with the fire, get 'em nigga, it's eye for an eye
If we gotta ride, fuck it, nigga, ride for the ride of ya life
Diabolical minds, I don't mind it, I like it, I like it, I love it
I fuck wit' you, you a thug, I'ma thug with you
We can knuck, we can buck if a nigga fuck wit' you
I got love for you out the mud with you, off the muscle
Run Ricky, run, run nigga, run, jump nigga, jump
Come here they come run, run, run, run
Gun with the drum, bum bitty bum, slump in the trunk
My city go dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
151 Rum and a blunt, young nigga numb, numb, numb and he got a little gun
A little bitty killer really doin' it for fun
Give him a little bit and he'll get a nigga-
The lyrics of Jid's song 151 Rum tell a story of survival in a city where violence reigns. Jid uses different characters and scenarios throughout the song to illustrate the daily reality of living in a violent society. The song begins with the phrase "Run, Ricky, run, run, nigga run, jump, nigga, jump" which is a reference to the character Ricky in the movie "Boyz n the Hood" who tries to escape the violence of his community but is eventually killed. Jid's use of these words symbolizes the struggle of black people trying to escape the violence that constantly looms over their lives.
The lyrics also reference themes of self-preservation and self-defense, as Jid explains that he carries a gun with him at all times. He talks about the numbness that comes with this lifestyle and how it can be easy to become desensitized to the violence. The repetition of the phrase "dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb" emphasizes this numbness, and the substance abuse that often accompanies it, such as drinking 151 Rum and smoking weed.
Jid's lyrics reflect his own personal experiences growing up in East Atlanta and witnessing the violence and poverty that permeates his community. But even amidst the darkness of these experiences, Jid holds onto a sense of hope and perseverance, as seen in his line "off the muscle". The song ultimately serves as a commentary on the cycles of violence that plague communities of color, but also as a celebration of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Run, Ricky, run, run, nigga, run, jump, nigga, jump
Flee quickly, Ricky, evade the danger by running and leaping over obstacles
Come here they come, run, run, run, run
The threat approaches, keep running away as fast as possible
Gun with the drum, bum bitty bum, slump in the trunk
Armed and ready for violence, the bass in the car thumps while carrying a corpse
My city go dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
My city is violent and mindless, with no intelligence or reasoning behind their actions
151 Rum and a blunt, young nigga numb, numb, numb and he got a little gun
Intoxicated and desensitized, the young man carries a weapon and is capable of murder
A little bitty killer really doin' it for fun
The killer takes pleasure in the act of killing, regardless of the consequences
Give him a little bit and he'll get a nigga done
The slightest provocation is enough to cause the killer to commit murder
Son of a God, son of a bitch
My heritage is a blend of divine and profane origins
Son of a woman and man, son of a son, in a sunken abyss
My existence is rooted in multiple generations of family history, some of which may be unpleasant
Summon a plant, please come with a strip
I require some form of drug to alleviate my stresses and anxieties
Cover my back, cover mad, please come with the bliss
I require protection and assistance from those around me to continue living a lifestyle of pleasure and escape
Look at the stash, JID like a magician
I have accumulated a large amount of drugs and money through my own means, similar to the craft of a magician
Fuck that, this some real ass shit, I paid blood for this
This lifestyle is not a game or a joke, I have sacrificed and harmed others to obtain it
Takin' cheese from the government
I engage in illegal activities to obtain money from public institutions
Cereal boxes with the bugs in it
My upbringing and living conditions were poor and undesirable, with even basic food sources being contaminated
Hand me down, this my brother brother shit
My possessions are inherited from my siblings or peers within my community
Don't compare me to no other other niggas
I am unique and incomparable to other individuals within my environment
In the city, boy, they say they fuckin' with you
Within the urban environment, individuals may express admiration or support for me and my actions
Heebie jeebie, that's a bit disgustin' but I get it
While unsettling, I understand why some people may be fascinated or frightened by my behaviors
I'm full of tension, full of spirit but full of shit
I am filled with conflicting emotions and desires, but ultimately engage in harmful and negative behaviors
Standin' next to Lil Tay when that bullet hit him
I was present and involved in the death of someone I knew personally
Shit, I miss him, I wish that that bullet missed him, but it didn't
I feel remorse and regret for the death of Lil Tay, but ultimately acknowledge my role in his demise
And since I been livin' with it like a sickness
The guilt and trauma of Lil Tay's death has consumed and affected me like an illness
Intimate, infinite rhymes, give me the baton
My lyrical talent allows me to express my deepest and most personal thoughts and experiences
A tickin' tickin' time bomb, takin' the finish line
My lifestyle of drugs, violence, and recklessness has put me on a path to self-destruction and inevitable death
Look alive, look in my eyes, look at you niggas tryin'
Be aware and vigilant of my actions and intentions, as I may be seeking to harm or deceive those around me
And you dumb, dumb better run, run 'cause we fryin' em
Those who oppose or threaten me and my associates will face violent and fatal consequences
Eastside, where ya from, from niggas wildin'
The urban environment in which I reside is notorious for its violent and chaotic behavior
So be silent before my niggas creep silent
Stay quiet and submissive to avoid provoking my associates, who may be seeking to harm you
With street knowledge, complete nonsense
While possessing knowledge and experience of the urban environment, many of our actions and behaviors lack rationality or logic
Delete comments, online, all lies, we see violence
We are not interested in hearing criticism or dissenting opinions, and will resort to violence to resolve conflict
Everyday in my eyes, they killin' my niggas, die, nigga die
The constant threat of violence and death in my community is overwhelming and traumatic
Pull up with the fire, get 'em nigga, it's eye for an eye
Retaliation and revenge are necessary measures for those who have harmed me or my associates
If we gotta ride, fuck it, nigga, ride for the ride of ya life
If violence and danger are necessary, then we will embrace them fully and without reservation
Diabolical minds, I don't mind it, I like it, I like it, I love it
Our actions and behaviors are often immoral or evil, but I am personally drawn to the rush and excitement of this lifestyle
I fuck wit' you, you a thug, I'ma thug with you
I am drawn to individuals within my community who also engage in violent and criminal behavior
We can knuck, we can buck if a nigga fuck wit' you
If someone poses a threat or insult to one of my associates, we are ready and willing to engage in violent retaliation
I got love for you out the mud with you, off the muscle
I have genuine affection and loyalty for those individuals who have shared similar experiences and struggles to me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Destin Route, John Welch, Peter Mudge
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hungryhippo09
J.I.D.: drops a new vid.
Me: drops everything.
@Sobasedrightnow
My toast literally was about to burn mate no lie
@cshbdinduv
hungryhippo09 LMFAOOO I got a company law exam tomorrow but when this popped up, y’all already know I got my priorities straight 😂
@jaymack8568
MSK talm bout “I got my priorities straight” 😭😂😂 my nigga
@dialect2916
LMAOOO
@Bmatt3
Me: Who the fook is Jid ?? 🤷
@henry5829
J.I.D gave the beat 43 seconds
And still, he caught up to the beat
@seabass9217
Caught*
@snowchildd83
Fr lmao
@kokolatte825
He ran over this beat and gave us 6 minutes of lyrics in under 3.