R.I.P
The Migos Lyrics

In The Migos's song R.I.P, Takeoff and Quavo reminisce about their struggles with fame and the loss of loved ones. The song’s hook references two significant figures in southern hip hop who have since passed away: Pimp C and OG Double Dee. The two cups filled with easter pink in the chorus are a reference to a popular cocktail consisting of codeine cough syrup and a soft drink. Takeoff expresses his unease with the music industry in his verse, recalling advice given to him by OG Double Dee. He mentions his desire to move to Canada to escape the scrutiny of the media, and his fear of being caught by the authorities. Quavo talks about his own struggles with losing his father at a young age and his own pressure to succeed as a rapper. He references Double Dee’s encouragement to continue going hard and mentions reading the Bible as a way of coping with the stress.

The use of Pimp C and OG Double Dee as references in the song speaks to the larger cultural significance of southern hip hop, which has historically been underrepresented in mainstream music. Both artists had a significant impact on southern rap, with Pimp C being one of the founding members of UGK and OG Double Dee contributing to the Houston rap scene in the 90s. The use of the easter pink cocktail as a motif in the chorus reflects the drug culture present in southern rap and highlights its dangers.

In addition, the references to violence and gun culture in the song speak to larger issues within hip hop culture, particularly the glorification of violence and the struggle to escape dangerous environments. The Bible reference in Quavo’s verse highlights the role of religion in hip hop, particularly in the south, where faith is often intertwined with music and culture.

Overall, R.I.P is a song that speaks to the struggles of being a young rapper and the pressures of fame, as well as the losses that come with it. With its references to southern cultural icons and its use of drug culture motifs, it highlights the complexities of southern hip hop and its place in mainstream music.