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.
Heartless
Polo G Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My youngin's heartless so they ain't playin' no games
We really want 'em dead, he got hit up close range
He fucked up in the head, he wanna see some mo' brains
On that corner I can't stay up out that dope game
My cousin got indicted dealing cocaine
She an Instagram addict, she want mo' fame
Told my inner-self, "I promise you I won't change"
We make it hot up on yo block, we let that heat blow
Catch an opp, we dump the clip, it's time to reload
Put a scope on the AR just like a peep-hole
Think he a bully, we got choppers for the Deebo
Seven figure nigga, tryna maximize them three o's
Before the bag, I was fucking all the freak ho's
Balling hard, young legend out the Chi' bitch, I'm like D. Rose
"Cap, how you make it out this shit?" I got the cheat code
Way more to life then just the hood, I'm trying to reach goals
Maxine, my heart, since you've been gone, I miss your sweet soul
Aye, never tell a statement, we won't leak those
Better not go talkin to them people, better keep closed
My youngin's heartless so they ain't playin' no games
We really want 'em dead, he got hit up close range
He fucked up in the head, he wanna see some mo' brains
On that corner I can't stay up out that dope game
My cousin got indicted dealing cocaine
She an Instagram addict, she want mo' fame
I used to starve, now I'm blowing up like propane
Told my inner-self, "I promise you I won't change"
We hold a grudge and we want blood, we can't look past the issue
Play with us then and you gon' die, nigga, it's kinda simple
Show no mercy, we gon' kill whoever riding with you
Catch you on the other side then we gon' have to get you
Condolences to yo family, they gon' have to miss you
Lil' Joe on go and he gon' spark, that's if I pass the signal
My right hand mans, he got his name 'cause he gon' blast the pistol
Earned our stripes, we gon' blow if a nigga play foul
You would think we had a whistle
Lil' Cap-a-lot, G-O-A-T, yeah that's that guy's initials
Happiness and depression, I'm stuck inside the middle
I fell in love with dollar signs, won't let my mind forget you
Fuck it off, we spend it all on fast cars, and shining crystals
My youngin's heartless so they ain't playin' no games
We really want 'em dead, he got hit up close range
He fucked up in the head, he wanna see some mo' brains
On that corner I can't stay up out that dope game
My cousin got indicted dealing cocaine
She an Instagram addict, she want mo' fame
I used to starve, now I'm blowing up like propane
Told my inner-self, "I promise you I won't change"
The lyrics to Polo G's song Heartless delve into the dark side of life, where the singer and his associates are involved in drug dealing, violence, and revenge. The artist talks about his young associates who have become heartless and are no longer playing any games. They want to see their enemies dead, as they are now messed up in the head and crave to see more bloodshed. The singer talks about how he cannot stay away from the dope game and continues to indulge in it despite knowing its consequences.
The lyrics also talk about the singer's struggles before he became famous. He used to starve, but now he has achieved massive success and is blowing up like propane. He promises himself that he won't change and will remain grounded despite his achievements. The singer also talks about the violence that he and his associates inflict on their adversaries. They make it very hot on the enemy's block and dump the clip as they are continually striving to maximize their earnings.
In conclusion, Heartless is a powerful song that delves into the dark underbelly of society, where violence and drug dealing are rampant. The artist's lyrics are deeply reflective of the realities of life, where people are struggling to make ends meet and are willing to go to any lengths to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
My youngin's heartless so they ain't playin' no games
My associates are ruthless and do not hesitate to take action
We really want 'em dead, he got hit up close range
We have violent intentions towards our enemies and are willing to get close to them in order to act on them
He fucked up in the head, he wanna see some mo' brains
One of our associates is mentally unstable and seeks further carnage
On that corner I can't stay up out that dope game
I am involved in the drug trade and cannot resist the urge to continue
My cousin got indicted dealing cocaine
My relative was caught by law enforcement while selling drugs
She an Instagram addict, she want mo' fame
My cousin is obsessed with social media and is seeking more attention
I used to starve, now I'm blowing up like propane
I was once in poverty, but now I am succeeding and making a lot of money
Told my inner-self, 'I promise you I won't change'
Despite my newfound success, I am determined to remain true to myself and not become corrupt
We make it hot up on yo block, we let that heat blow
We cause chaos and destroy the peace in your neighborhood
Catch an opp, we dump the clip, it's time to reload
When we encounter an enemy, we immediately shoot them and prepare to shoot again
Put a scope on the AR just like a peep-hole
Our weapons are equipped with scopes for better aim
Think he a bully, we got choppers for the Deebo
If someone thinks they can intimidate us, we are prepared to retaliate with heavy artillery
Seven figure nigga, tryna maximize them three o's
I have a lot of money, and I am trying to make even more
Before the bag, I was fucking all the freak ho's
Before I became successful, I was sleeping around with promiscuous women
Balling hard, young legend out the Chi' bitch, I'm like D. Rose
I am succeeding greatly and being compared to a famous basketball player
'Cap, how you make it out this shit?' I got the cheat code
People ask me how I am successful, and I attribute it to having an advantage or trick
Way more to life then just the hood, I'm trying to reach goals
I am trying to leave my past life behind and achieve greater things
Maxine, my heart, since you've been gone, I miss your sweet soul
I am mourning the loss of someone close to me
Aye, never tell a statement, we won't leak those
We will never reveal any information or incriminate ourselves to law enforcement
Better not go talkin to them people, better keep closed
It is best to not speak to law enforcement or anyone who may give away information about us
We hold a grudge and we want blood, we can't look past the issue
We are deeply resentful towards our enemies and seek revenge
Play with us then and you gon' die, nigga, it's kinda simple
If someone tries to mess with us, they will be met with deadly force
Show no mercy, we gon' kill whoever riding with you
We will not show any mercy towards those associated with our enemies
Catch you on the other side then we gon' have to get you
We are determined to carry out revenge even if it means waiting until the opponent's death
Condolences to yo family, they gon' have to miss you
We are not responsible for the pain and loss that our actions may cause to our enemies' loved ones
Lil' Joe on go and he gon' spark, that's if I pass the signal
My associate Lil' Joe is ready to take action as soon as I give the signal
My right hand mans, he got his name 'cause he gon' blast the pistol
My associate's nickname indicates his willingness to use his firearm
Earned our stripes, we gon' blow if a nigga play foul
We have proven ourselves and will resort to violence if necessary
You would think we had a whistle
We are very efficient and coordinated in our violent actions
Lil' Cap-a-lot, G-O-A-T, yeah that's that guy's initials
My associate's nickname indicates his high status and skill
Happiness and depression, I'm stuck inside the middle
I am dealing with both positive and negative emotions that are conflicting
I fell in love with dollar signs, won't let my mind forget you
My obsession with money dominates my thoughts and actions
Fuck it off, we spend it all on fast cars, and shining crystals
We are not afraid to spend all of our money on material possessions that display our wealth
My youngin's heartless so they ain't playin' no games
My associates are ruthless and do not hesitate to take action
We really want 'em dead, he got hit up close range
We have violent intentions towards our enemies and are willing to get close to them in order to act on them
He fucked up in the head, he wanna see some mo' brains
One of our associates is mentally unstable and seeks further carnage
On that corner I can't stay up out that dope game
I am involved in the drug trade and cannot resist the urge to continue
My cousin got indicted dealing cocaine
My relative was caught by law enforcement while selling drugs
She an Instagram addict, she want mo' fame
My cousin is obsessed with social media and is seeking more attention
I used to starve, now I'm blowing up like propane
I was once in poverty, but now I am succeeding and making a lot of money
Told my inner-self, 'I promise you I won't change'
Despite my newfound success, I am determined to remain true to myself and not become corrupt
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Dijon McFarlane, Shahrukh Khan, Taurus Bartlett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BlackySpeakz
Impressed with how Polo just keeps getting better & better man. These melodies are so infectious
@coolboykrill746
BlackySpeakz wassup blacky
@tropical9913
now, before you start
@dualbadger7125
Facts
@trucknibbler69fanboy16
Fax
@jm-yq4gk
shit sounds the same
@actuallynotcesar6112
If this song don’t play at my funeral I’m not going
@sluxure2603
Facts
@sluxure2603
Wait
@peterroe6073
stfu