The song was first teased on October 22, 2020 with a snippet showing Nas X dancing to the song with producer duo, Take a Daytrip. A demo version of the song leaked in full late June 2021, using a slightly different instrumental and containing no feature. A week before its release, the rapper tweeted a promise, claiming he would drop “INDUSTRY BABY” once the June 2019 track, “Panini,” hit 400 Million views on YouTube.
The music video hit the goal shortly after and Lil Nas announced the song on July 19th, through a trailer portraying him being sentenced to jail in relation to his Nike court case. The trailer revealed the release date, producers, and Jack Harlow as a featured artist.
Lil Nas X in Genius ‘VERIFIED’ video:
”What I like about Jack’s bars is like he’s gonna pop some shit and he’s gonna have like some fun moments. “Sent her back to her boyfriend with my handprint on her ass cheek/City talkin', we takin' notes,” I thought that was fucking fire. And like other funny lines, it’s like, “I’m done makin' jokes ‘cause they got old like baby boomers.” I’m a joked out ass motherfucker, you know, I’m always cracking jokes online. I like felt that because a lot of people, like when they see me having fun with them on live, online, like laughing and stuff, they don’t think I take what I do seriously, but I very much do.”
Jack Harlow, in turn, also began to praise Lil Nas:
”We feel each other, you know what I’m mean? We do two different things, you know, we’re in this industry for two different reasons, you know, we came in with different music. But I feel him and I’m a fan of him, and I’m a fan of what he’s doing and what he stands for. I think, he’s becoming an icon. I just like what he does, bro, like I salute him. I think, he’s brave.”
Lil Nas' response:
"Thanks, brother."
Lil Nas X in Genius ‘VERIFIED’ video:
”The very first day of “INDUSTRY BABY”: me and Daytrip, Roy Lenzo, like we were all in the studio, and we were thinking, like what the fuck are we making right now. And I was like upset ‘cause we tried like seven different songs and nothing was like hating for me. And I heard like… [hums the intro melody]. I was like, “Hold on, what that is? Run that back.” When I first heard it, I was like, “Wow! This sounds like some, like king, intro kind of Jay-Z, royalty kind of beat. Whatever happens with this, I definitely have to pop my shit.” I was still like in the mindset of like, “Okay, these rappers, like they not really fuck with me like that, fuck these niggas.” But then, you know, I started talking to Jack like online or whatnot. He was like a real cool guy. And from there I was like, “Oh, perfect! Boom.””
Kentucky native added:
”I liked what he was talking about, it resonated with me. Y'all thought I was just gonna be here for a second. Look where I’m at — I’m here to stay. That’s how I feel, you know what I mean. When I first came out, I think, a lot of people had this feeling of, “Man, we’ll see. Maybe it’s a fluke.” So for me this felt like a chance. “Look, I’m here, too.” So I really resonated with the content. I love Nas and everything he’s doing but what he was saying on this song, I was like, “I feel that. I feel that, I wanna give my story.””
INDUSTRY BABY
Lil Nas X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby back, ayy
Couple racks, ayy
Couple Grammys on him
Couple plaques, ayy
That's a fact, ayy
Throw it back, ayyThrow it back, ayy
And this one is for the champions
I ain't lost since I began, yeah
Funny how you said it was the end, yeah
Then I went did it again, yeah
I told you long ago, on the road
I got what they waitin' for
I don't run from nothin', dog
Get your soldiers, tell 'em I ain't layin' low
You was never really rootin' for me anyway
When I'm back up at the top I wanna hear you say
He don't run from nothin', dog
Get your soldiers, tell 'em that the break is over
Uh, need to, uh
Need to get this album done
Need a couple number ones
Need a plaque on every song
Need me like one with Nicki now
Tell a rap nigga, "I don't see ya", ha
I'm a pop nigga like Bieber, ha
I don't fuck bitches, I'm queer, ha
But these niggas bitches like Madea
Yeah, yeah, yeah (yeah)
I ain't fall off, I just ain't release my new shit
I blew up now everybody tryna sue me
You call me Nas, but the hood call me Doobie, yeah
And this one is for the champions
I ain't lost since I began, yeah
Funny how you said it was the end, yeah
Then I went did it again, yeah
I told you long ago, on the road
I got what they waitin' for (I got what they waitin' for)
I don't run from nothin', dog
Get your soldiers, tell 'em I ain't layin' low
(Bitch, I ain't runnin' from no one)
You was never really rootin' for me anyway (like, ooh-ooh)
When I'm back up at the top I wanna hear you say (like, ooh-ooh)
He don't run from nothin', dog
Get your soldiers, tell 'em that the break is over
(Yeah)
My track record so clean
They couldn't wait to just bash me
I must be gettin' too flashy
Y'all shouldn't have let the world gas me (woo)
It's too late 'cause I'm here to stay
And these girls know that I'm nasty (mm)
I sent her back to her boyfriend
With my handprint on her ass cheek
City talkin', we takin' notes
Tell 'em all to keep makin' posts
Wish he could but he can't get close
OG so proud of me that he chokin' up while he makin' toasts
I'm the type that you can't control
Said I would then I made it so (so)
I don't clear up rumors (ayy)
Where's y'all sense of humor? (Ayy)
I'm done makin' jokes 'cause they got old like baby boomers
Turn my haters to consumers
I make vets feel like they juniors (juniors)
Say your time is comin' soon but just like Oklahoma (mm)
Mine is comin' sooner (mm)
I'm just a late bloomer (mm)
I didn't peak in high school, I'm still out here gettin' cuter (woo)
All these social networks and computers
Got these pussies walkin' 'round like they ain't losers (losers)
I told you long ago, on the road
I got what they waitin' for (I got what they waitin' for)
I don't run from nothin', dog
Get your soldiers, tell 'em I ain't layin' low
(Bitch, I ain't runnin' from no one)
You was never really rootin' for me anyway (like, ooh-ooh)
When I'm back up at the top I wanna hear you say (like, ooh-ooh)
He don't run from nothin', dog
Get your soldiers, tell 'em that the break is over
(Yeah)
I run it up, run it up for the ratchets
TikTok bitches doin' dances
Rodeo blastin' in my mansion
With all this damn fetti, I been feelin' like a (champion)
I'm the industry baby (yeah)
I'm the industry baby (yeah)
The lyrics to "INDUSTRY BABY" by Lil Nas X are about his rise to fame in the music industry despite facing criticism and negativity from some people. Starting with a confident declaration of his success, Lil Nas X boasts of having won Grammys and earned plaques. He then offers a shout-out to his fans and supporters as "champions" who've always been by his side. The chorus makes a reference to those who doubted him, suggesting that they were proven wrong when he succeeded once again.
Lil Nas X takes the opportunity to address those who may still doubt him or try to bring him down. He emphasizes his resilience and determination, stating that he doesn't run from anything and that he's not going into hiding. The artist is also quite vocal about his sexuality and his identity as a queer person, stating that he doesn't "fuck bitches" and that men who act like women are not any less of men. Lil Nas X even calls out his haters and turns them into "consumers," highlighting his confidence and independence in the face of the industry's pressure. Overall, "INDUSTRY BABY" is a celebration of Lil Nas X's hard-won success in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby back, ayy
I'm back in the game and better than ever.
Couple racks, ayy
I've got a lot of money to throw around.
Couple Grammys on him
I'm a successful and accomplished artist.
Couple plaques, ayy
I've achieved a lot of success and recognition.
That's a fact, ayy
All of my accomplishments are undeniable.
Throw it back, ayy
I'll celebrate my success by partying and having fun.
And this one is for the champions
I'm dedicating this song to those who have achieved success and greatness.
I ain't lost since I began, yeah
I've been winning since I started in the industry.
Funny how you said it was the end, yeah
People have tried to bring me down, but I keep succeeding.
Then I went did it again, yeah
I keep achieving success despite the odds against me.
I told you long ago, on the road
I've been working hard for my success for a long time.
I got what they waitin' for
My fans are eager for new music from me.
I don't run from nothin', dog
I'm not afraid of any challenges or obstacles.
Get your soldiers, tell 'em I ain't layin' low
I'm not hiding or backing down.
You was never really rootin' for me anyway
People have doubted me and my abilities.
When I'm back up at the top, I wanna hear you say
I want those who doubted me to acknowledge my success.
He don't run from nothin', dog
I'm a strong and fearless artist.
Get your soldiers, tell 'em that the break is over
It's time for me to come back stronger than ever.
Need to, uh
I have some goals I need to achieve.
Need to get this album done
I need to finish my new music.
Need a couple number ones
I want my new music to be chart-topping hits.
Need a plaque on every song
I want all of my new music to be recognized and celebrated.
Need me like one with Nicki now
I want to collaborate with Nicki Minaj.
Tell a rap nigga, "I don't see ya," ha
I'm focused on my own success and not worried about other artists.
I'm a pop nigga like Bieber, ha
I'm a successful pop artist like Justin Bieber.
I don't fuck bitches, I'm queer, ha
I'm an openly gay artist.
But these niggas bitches like Madea
These male artists act like women.
My track record so clean
My history of success is untainted.
They couldn't wait to just bash me
People want to bring me down and criticize me despite my success.
I must be gettin' too flashy
My success is making others jealous and envious.
Y'all shouldn't have let the world gas me (woo)
People shouldn't have let my success go to my head.
It's too late 'cause I'm here to stay
I'm not going anywhere and will continue to succeed.
And these girls know that I'm nasty (mm)
My music is provocative and sexually explicit.
I sent her back to her boyfriend
I'm not interested in being in a relationship with her.
With my handprint on her ass cheek
We had a sexual encounter and I left my mark.
City talkin', we takin' notes
People are paying attention to my success and learning from it.
Tell 'em all to keep makin' posts
Encourage others to share and promote my music.
Wish he could but he can't get close
Other artists can't compete with my success.
OG so proud of me that he chokin' up while he makin' toasts
Veteran industry professionals are amazed and happy about my success.
I'm the type that you can't control
I won't let anyone else dictate my success.
Said I would then I made it so (so)
I set goals for myself and achieved them.
I don't clear up rumors (ayy)
I don't waste time addressing false rumors or accusations.
Where's y'all sense of humor? (Ayy)
People need to lighten up and not take things so seriously.
I'm done makin' jokes 'cause they got old like baby boomers
My humor is no longer appreciated or funny.
Turn my haters to consumers
I've turned those who dislike me into fans of my music.
I make vets feel like they juniors (juniors)
I've achieved so much success in a short time that it makes veterans of the industry feel like they're newbies.
Say your time is comin' soon but just like Oklahoma (mm)
People keep saying I'll fail soon, but I keep succeeding.
Mine is comin' sooner (mm)
I'll continue to achieve success at a record pace.
I'm just a late bloomer (mm)
I started achieving success later in life than most artists.
I didn't peak in high school, I'm still out here gettin' cuter (woo)
I haven't hit my ceiling yet and will continue to improve and become more successful.
All these social networks and computers
Technology has helped me achieve success and connect with fans.
Got these pussies walkin' 'round like they ain't losers (losers)
Other artists try to act like they're not losing to me, but they are.
I'm the industry baby, mm
I'm the new star of the music industry.
I'm the industry baby
I'm the top artist in the industry and will continue to achieve success.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Biral, Jackman Thomas Harlow, Kanye Omari West, Mark Carl Stolinski Williams, Montero Lamar Hill, Denzel Michael-Akil Baptiste, Nicholas David Lee, Rosario Peter IV Lenzo, Raul Ignacio Cubina
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lilnasx
NASARATI 2 OTW https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaJrsJZtcK8MSo8FL3JpAhzlyM6YtJt_5
@heartpart2
Ola
@HellRaveMW
Your clip is masterpiece bro)
@vannguyenthai1524
Alright im here before this owner comment blow frfrfr
@이섹이
어제네
@north_87
One day ago??
@MrWobbles
the editor for this had some WORK to do with these blurs my goodness
@LightningSquad
I uploaded my Face Reveal.......
@popcornpizza8869
S
@somemartian.4106
Yeah