Polo G was originally known for his Chicago drill sound, but eventually transitioned to a more melodic style. He has been noted for his "vivid and explicit storytelling"; his lyrics often involve tough subjects, including racism and mental health. He also regularly pays homage to his hometown, and, as noted by Ayana Rashed of Respect, "he is also quick to acknowledge the common injustice and frequent police brutality he and so many others face on the daily". He has stated that American rapper Lil Wayne and hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur are his biggest influences. He also grew up listening to Gucci Mane, as well as Chicago rappers Lil Durk, G Herbo and Chief Keef.
Bartlett was born in the Old Town area of Chicago. He was raised by both of his parents and grew up with three siblings in a small project development known as Marshall Field Garden Apartments. Before his rise to fame, Bartlett spent multiple stints in prison. Bartlett's first song ever recorded was titled "ODA". Upon creating a SoundCloud account in 2018, he released the track "Gang With Me", which quickly racked up millions of plays. He continued gaining traction with his songs "Welcome Back" and "Neva Cared". Bartlett went on to release "Finer Things", a song he wrote while incarcerated, in the latter half of 2018 and quickly gained millions of views. In early 2019, Bartlett released "Pop Out" featuring Lil Tjay which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's music video gained over 200 million views on YouTube and led to him signing a record deal with Columbia Records. Bartlett also released videos for his songs "Deep Wounds", "Through Da Storm", "Effortless", and "Dyin' Breed" from his critically acclaimed debut studio album Die a Legend, which was released on June 7, 2019, and peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200. "Heartless", a single released later in 2019, featured production from Mustard, and was later featured on his second album.
On February 14, 2020, Polo G released the track "Go Stupid", with rappers Stunna 4 Vegas and NLE Choppa. The song also featured production from Mike Will Made-It and Tay Keith. "Go Stupid" became his second song on the Hot 100 (after "Pop Out"), peaking at number 60 on the Hot 100, number 29 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number 20 on Hot Rap Songs. Polo G released his second studio album, The Goat, on May 15, 2020. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and ten songs from the album hit the Hot 100, including "Flex" featuring Juice Wrld and "Be Something" featuring Lil Baby, peaking at numbers 30 and 57, respectively.
In July 2020, Polo G was featured on Juice Wrld's posthumous album Legends Never Die on the song "Hate the Other Side". The song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, Polo G's first top-ten single and highest charting overall song. On August 11, 2020, Polo G was included in XXL's 2020 Freshman Class. Later that month, he released the music video for his single "Martin & Gina", which peaked at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Effortless
Polo G Lyrics
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Talk slick, he a dead man, shots from the FN sprayin'
These days, they don't give a fuck, they'll shoot where the kids playin'
Judge tryna give 'em life so them gang signs turn to prayer hands
I come from a dark place, I'll never be there again
Double G's on everything, Gucci my headband
Keep smokin' these dead niggas, I feel like Redman
Capalot bought guns for the hood, heard that's what the feds sayin'
My life a movie, ever since birth, it's been lights, camera, action
I did a lot of shit in these streets but only got booked for trappin'
I'm from Chicago, where it's normal to hear .40s clappin'
All you hear is them shots let off, that door slam, and them tires scratchin'
Rollie on my wrist, gotta get more rich, I want that brand new Patek
I ball like AI, this shit effortless, don't give a fuck 'bout practice
Where I'm from we all on that car, if he drive too fast, we gon' let him have it
Opposition wanna kill me, and I'll be damned if I let it happen
And the day I leave this Earth, I'ma die with legend status
I'ma reunite with my demons, we gon' be in heaven cappin'
Hunnid K on VVS, just to show I'm blessed from rappin'
I keep this glizzy tucked if they plan on necklace snatchin'
Talk slick, he a dead man, shots from the FN sprayin'
These days, they don't give a fuck, they'll shoot where the kids playin'
Judge tryna give 'em life so them gang signs turn to prayer hands
I come from a dark place, I'll never be there again
Double G's on everything, Gucci my headband
Keep smokin' these dead niggas, I feel like Redman
Pourin' lean up out my cup, runnin' through these bucks for my dead friends
Capalot bought guns for the hood, heard that's what the feds sayin'
My shoes from Germany, like James Harden, you'll step on the scene
Double G's, new Margiela, Alexander McQueen
And you know that bag on me, it's at least fifty bands in them jeans
Pockets fat and my jewelry dancing, diamonds flooded like New Orleans
Lavish life, now I live like a king, I got on, now I'm blessing my team
Told my brother, "I got your back", show my niggas what loyalty mean
But this shit wasn't as easy as it seem, my homie died at sixteen
I remember I was up all night, kept seeing death in my dreams
I was posted on Set with them fiends, hot and 'em got the TEC with the stream
Laser tag, we was playin' with them beams, young nigga tryna kill everything
Touch his soul with this four nickel ring, it's a whole lot of shots flying
You get face time with that Smith and Wesson ring, ayy
Talk slick, he a dead man, shots from the FN sprayin'
These days, they don't give a fuck, they'll shoot where the kids playin'
Judge tryna give 'em life so them gang signs turn to prayer hands
I come from a dark place, I'll never be there again
Double G's on everything, Gucci my headband
Keep smokin' these dead niggas, I feel like Redman
Pourin' lean up out my cup, runnin' through these bucks for my dead friends
Capalot bought guns for the hood, heard that's what the feds sayin'
Sonic
In Polo G's song "Effortless," he reflects on the violent reality of his upbringing in Chicago. The chorus, "Talk slick, he a dead man, shots from the FN sprayin', These days, they don't give a fuck, they'll shoot where the kids playin'," describes the harshness of his environment and the lack of regard for innocent lives caught in the crossfire. Polo G acknowledges that he comes from a dark place, but he doesn't want to return there again. He speaks about the importance of loyalty and brotherhood, highlighting the ways in which he supports his team.
Polo G also boasts about his luxurious lifestyle, symbolized by brands such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Margiela. He recounts the struggles he faced in his past, including losing a close friend at the age of sixteen. Despite the hardships, he persevered and now lives like a king. However, he remains aware of the dangers that come with his success, keeping his trusty gun close by in case of danger.
"Effortless" provides a raw view into Polo G's life, blending gritty depictions of violence with moments of triumph and celebration. It's a reflection of the harsh reality in the inner cities, and the challenges that come with rising above it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk slick, he a dead man, shots from the FN sprayin'
If you talk negatively or disrespectfully, you will be killed by gunshots from a FN gun.
These days, they don't give a fuck, they'll shoot where the kids playin'
In the modern era, people don't care about collateral damage and will shoot even where children are playing.
Judge tryna give 'em life so them gang signs turn to prayer hands
The court is trying to give the gang members long sentences, so they start to pray instead of throwing gang signs.
I come from a dark place, I'll never be there again
I come from a rough neighborhood, but I am not going back there.
Double G's on everything, Gucci my headband
I have the brand Double G on all my stuff, and even my headband is Gucci.
Keep smokin' these dead n*****s, I feel like Redman
I am constantly smoking dead people, and it makes me feel like the rapper Redman.
Pourin' lean up out my cup, runnin' through these bucks for my dead friends
I'm drinking lean and rushing through money in memory of my deceased friends.
Capalot bought guns for the hood, heard that's what the feds sayin'
It's rumored that my crew, Capalot, bought firearms for our neighborhood, and the federal authorities are aware of it.
My life a movie, ever since birth, it's been lights, camera, action
My life has always been filled with drama and action, as if it's a movie.
I did a lot of shit in these streets but only got booked for trappin'
I have been involved in many activities on the streets, but I only got caught for drug trafficking.
I'm from Chicago, where it's normal to hear .40s clappin'
I'm from Chicago, where it's common to hear gunshots from .40 caliber guns.
All you hear is them shots let off, that door slam, and them tires scratchin'
All you hear is the sound of gunshots, followed by a slamming door, and then screeching tires.
Rollie on my wrist, gotta get more rich, I want that brand new Patek
I have a Rolex watch, but I want to get even more wealthy, so I'm saving up for a new Patek Philippe watch.
I ball like AI, this shit effortless, don't give a fuck 'bout practice
I play basketball as good as Allen Iverson did, and it seems simple and easy for me, without needing much practice.
Where I'm from we all on that car, if he drive too fast, we gon' let him have it
In my neighborhood, if someone is driving too fast, we will shoot at them.
Opposition wanna kill me, and I'll be damned if I let it happen
My rivals are trying to kill me, but I refuse to let that happen.
And the day I leave this Earth, I'ma die with legend status
When I die, I'll leave a legendary legacy behind.
I'ma reunite with my demons, we gon' be in heaven cappin'
When I die, I'll meet my inner demons, and we'll be causing trouble in heaven.
Hunnid K on VVS, just to show I'm blessed from rappin'
I spent a hundred thousand dollars on VVS diamonds to show how lucky I am to make money through rapping.
I keep this glizzy tucked if they plan on necklace snatchin'
I always keep my gun with me in case someone tries to steal my jewelry.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Eric Sandoval, Taurus Tremani Bartlett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zayymontanaa8230
“Judge tried to give him life so them gang signs turned to prayer hands” 🙏🏾 shit gave me chills
@lucaswagner4579
zayy montanaa big facrs I felt that shit he ripped through this whole song
@TMTLamonte
zayy montanaa you seen me react
@imberious6321
on god i thought i was the only one 🤦🏽♂️
@Jalen-ew8vo
idk how tf you get chills from that i do know that was Real AF Tho
@Dercudez
That Was Real Asf Mayn
@gookie5844
Polo G the realest he don’t make a bad song
Die a Legend album of the year no cap
@zofitty
Bawskee 3.5 and die a legend
@RGSNADIR
Fuck no yb album dropping soon 😂
@7isaac4
@@RGSNADIR when it dropping