To pay respects to Screw, Travis is both literally and metaphorically slowing down on the track in dedication to him.
Travis also pays homage to Houston rap icons Big Moe, E.S.G., and Big Pokey and their 2000 track “Maan!!,” by following their same pattern of saying “man” at the end of each line in his second verse. The three artists were founding members of Screwed Up Click, a hip-hop collective led by DJ Screw.
While there is no clear connection between the two, both Travis and Screw are Houston natives. An article from 2013 cited Scott’s musical influences, which included DJ Screw:
"Artists like Bjork, Little Dragon, and M.I.A. are influences for [Travis Scott] alongside DJ Screw or Pimp C."
R.I.P. SCREW
Travi$ Scott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly
(I gotta let you know the move)
(I'm gonna let you know the move)
(I'm gonna take you on a cruise)
(I'm gonna take you home and screw)
And that's all I've been sayin'
(South Side)
If you fall for the games then you're the one playin'
Because it's too much money out here
And there's too many honeys out here
Feel like I tripped off the drank, that's weird
Feel like I tripped off the drank, that's weird
Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly
Oh my God, I just can feel the love
Drop top with the windows up
Jump inside and won't you roll with us
Make the devil bite the angel dust
Shawty, shawty, please
(Shawty would you go)
(Shawty what you like)
(Tell me what you want)
Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly (yeah)
I just took a four to the head like "mane"
Drop the top on the slab, like "mane"
Off the top of the dome like "mane"
Nothin' beating home like "mane"
And the Screw tapes zone like "mane"
I go Pimp C on the phone like "mane"
Flip say Platinum don't do chrome like "mane"
Had the Southside fade, now let the braids hang
This shit SUC, smooth like "mane"
Rest in peace, Screw, like "mane"
Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly
Oh my God, I just can feel the love
Drop top with the windows up
Screw found into a national sound because
Throughout the South, and it's new to, umm
Shawty got a thing for us
The lyrics to Travi$ Scott's song "R.I.P. SCREW" pay homage to Robert Earl Davis Jr., aka DJ Screw, who was a legendary Houston-based DJ, producer, and leader of the Screwed Up Click (SUC) music collective. DJ Screw is credited with developing the chopped and screwed style of music, which involves slowing down and remixing songs to create a unique sound. The song's opening line, "Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly," sets the tone for the mournful yet celebratory tribute to the late DJ.
Throughout the song, Travi$ Scott reflects on his own success in the rap game, acknowledging the lure of fame and fortune, but maintaining that he remains true to the South Side where he grew up, and to the legacy of DJ Screw. He raps, "If you fall for the games then you're the one playin'/Because it's too much money out here/And there's too many honeys out here/Feel like I tripped off the drank, that's weird." Here, he cautions against getting caught up in the superficial trappings of the music industry, and attributes his own success to staying grounded and true to his roots.
The song's chorus, "Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly/ oh my God, I just can feel the love/ Drop top with the windows up/ Jump inside and won't you roll with us" is an invitation to the listener to share in the moment of reflection and celebration. It's a call to slow down, appreciate what we have, and honor those who paved the way for us.
Line by Line Meaning
Rest in peace to Screw, tonight we take it slowly
Paying tribute to DJ Screw, the artist will take it slow and smooth.
I gotta let you know the move
Important to communicate what needs to be done to make progress.
I'm gonna take you on a cruise
A smooth, enjoyable experience will be provided.
I'm gonna take you home and screw
Same as above but with a reference to Screw's music style.
If you fall for the games then you're the one playin'
Don't let others fool you, or you'll be the one who pays the price.
Because it's too much money out here
Opportunities and wealth are abundant in this environment.
And there's too many honeys out here
There are plenty of attractive women around.
Feel like I tripped off the drank, that's weird
Feeling disoriented after consuming alcohol or other substances.
Oh my God, I just can feel the love
A strong, positive emotion is being experienced.
Drop top with the windows up
Driving with a convertible top down but the windows up for optimal sound quality.
Jump inside and won't you roll with us
Invitation to join the group and enjoy the ride.
Make the devil bite the angel dust
Experience something so amazing even the devil would be impressed.
Shawty, shawty, please
Addressing a woman, asking for her attention or affection.
Shawty would you go
Asking a woman if she would like to join.
Shawty what you like
Inquiring about a woman's preferences or interests.
Tell me what you want
Asking a woman to communicate her desires or expectations.
I just took a four to the head like "mane"
Consumed a large quantity of a particular substance.
Off the top of the dome like "mane"
Freestyling without preparation or planning.
Nothin' beating home like "mane"
Feeling comfortable and unbeatable in one's own environment.
And the Screw tapes zone like "mane"
DJ Screw's music has a unique, immersive quality.
I go Pimp C on the phone like "mane"
Calling someone in the manner of the late rapper Pimp C.
Flip say Platinum don't do chrome like "mane"
Quoting the rapper Flip who states that platinum is superior to chrome in terms of car accessories.
Had the Southside fade, now let the braids hang
Changed hairstyle from a short cut to longer braids.
This shit SUC, smooth like "mane"
Referring to the collective Screwed Up Click, and acknowledging the smooth nature of their music.
Screw found into a national sound because
Explaining how DJ Screw's sound became known nationwide.
Throughout the South, and it's new to, umm
The sound was initially regional but is now gaining popularity in other areas.
Shawty got a thing for us
Reiterating that a woman is interested in the group's members.
Rest in peace, Screw, like "mane"
Closing out the song with another reference to the late DJ Screw.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Blair Taylor, Jacques Webster, Khalif Brown, Markous Roberts, Mike Dean
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@li4592
“Oh My God I just can feel the love” I love that part
@bellegarde7822
freeshavacado sus
@wavydomx
freeshavacado YES
@jordan12118
tyrone how is that sus? Goofy ass
@Javale_McGoat
tyrone L my nigga
@tyleringle3212
Drop top with the wiiindooows up
@thanos7812
This song makes me feel nostalgia for something that’s never happened
@THEOPAPAA
same here wtf
@r-h1233
This song gives me memories of a summer 5 years in the future
@sandyheaven6285
exactly im feeling the same 😌