“Slippery” is a chart-topping single by Migos, featuring Gucci Mane. The song was released on April 28, 2017, as a part of their album Culture. It quickly became a hit, achieving impressive chart positions in the US, Canada, and the UK. The songstands out for its catchy beat, playful references, and explicit lyrics. But what is the meaning behind “Slippery”? What message is Migos trying to convey with this song? In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind the lyrics, explore the song’s backstory, and answer some frequently asked questions about the song.

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The Lyrics: Breaking Down “Slippery”

The lyrics of “Slippery” are explicit, and use a lot of slang. However, at the core of the song, there’s a message about being successful, and the challenges that come with it. The song is about the ups and downs of fortune, particularly sexual and financial success.

The title of the song itself is a reference to how success can make things complicated. When you’re at the top of your game, everything can seem “slippery” and out of your control. The chorus is a repetition of “raindrop, drop-top”, which may seem like a meaningless phrase but is, in fact, a reference to the way expensive cars’ roofs can be opened and closed. The phrase “drop-top” invokes a sense of luxury, but the chorus flips the notion on its head by referring to things like sex and drugs.

The first verse is performed by Migos’ rapper Takeoff. He starts by talking about the lavish lifestyle that comes with success, referencing the expensive jewelry and cars that he owns. He then touches on the darker side of success, where everyone wants a piece of your fortune, and people start acting fake and trying to take you down. The second verse, performed by Gucci Mane, also touches on these themes, with Gucci describing how he came from rags to riches but had to experience pitfalls and betrayals on his way up.

The Backstory: How “Slippery” Came About

Migos achieved immense success prior to the release of “Slippery”, thanks to their hit single “Bad and Boujee.” However, the trio of rappers knew that they needed to following it up with another hit if they wanted to maintain their momentum. As explained by Quavo, a member of Migos, the idea behind “Slippery” came from the beat.

Producer OG Parker created the beat by sampling “We Run Things” by Jamaican singer-songwriter Desmond Dekker. The catchy beat had a Caribbean flavor to it, with a lot of percussion and horns. When Migos heard it, they knew they had to come up with a song that fit the rhythm.

According to Quavo, they were in the studio with Gucci Mane, who was their mentor and big brother, when they heard the beat. Gucci took a liking to it and suggested that they make a song about how “slippery” things can get when you’re successful. The group started brainstorming lyrics and ad-libs on the spot, and within a couple of hours, they had the song. They knew that they had a hit on their hands.

The Reception: How “Slippery” Performed

“Slippery” was released on April 28, 2017, as a part of Migos’ album Culture. The song was an instant hit, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 25 on Canadian Hot 100, and number 49 on the UK Singles Chart. The music video for the song, which was directed by DAPS, was released on May 4, 2017, and has amassed over 323 million views on YouTube.

Critics praised the song for its catchy beat and playful lyrics, but some criticized it for the explicit nature of the lyrics. However, the song’s success proved that Migos had tapped into a cultural moment and created an anthem for those seeking success, no matter the cost.

The Controversies: Is “Slippery” Problematic?

As with many popular songs, “Slippery” has been at the center of a number of controversies. The song’s explicit content, particularly the references to drugs and sex, has drawn criticism from some quarters. Some have accused the artists of promoting a negative image of success and perpetuating negative stereotypes about black culture.

However, the artists themselves have defended the song, arguing that it’s simply a reflection of their experiences and the realities of success. In an interview with Complex, Migos stated that they’re just telling their story and that they’re not trying to glorify anything. They see their music as an outlet for expression, and a way to connect with their fans.

The Legacy: What Impact Has “Slippery” Had on Music?

“Slippery” may have been released in 2017, but its impact on music is still being felt. Migos’ use of ad-libs, catchy beats, and slang has influenced countless rappers and producers. The song is often cited as an excellent example of trap music, a style of hip hop that originated in the Southern United States.

In fact, “Slippery” has been so influential that it has even spawned memes and viral videos. The “raindrop, drop-top” chorus has been parodied countless times, and the song has become a cultural touchstone for a generation of music fans.

FAQs About “Slippery”

1. What is the meaning behind “Slippery”?

At its core, “Slippery” is about the challenges and complexities of success. The song touches on themes like betrayal, fake friends, and the pressure to maintain your success. The title of the song itself is a reference to the way success can make everything seem out of your control.

2. What is the backstory of “Slippery”?

“Slippery” was created when Migos heard a beat created by producer OG Parker. The beat had a Caribbean flavor to it, and Gucci Mane suggested that they make a song about how things can get “slippery” when you’re successful. The group came up with lyrics and ad-libs on the spot in the studio.

3. Who performed “Slippery”?

“Slippery” is performed by Migos, a hip hop trio consisting of members Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset. Gucci Mane, a fellow rapper from Atlanta, is also featured on the song.

4. What impact has “Slippery” had on music?

“Slippery” is often cited as an influence on trap music, a style of hip hop that originated in the Southern United States. The song’s use of ad-libs, catchy beats, and slang has influenced countless rappers and producers.

5. What controversies has “Slippery” been involved in?

“Slippery” has been accused of promoting a negative image of success and perpetuating negative stereotypes about black culture. The song’s explicit content has also drawn criticism from some quarters.

6. What role did Gucci Mane play in “Slippery”?

Gucci Mane was a mentor and big brother to Migos before his own success. He was in the studio with the group when they heard the beat for “Slippery”, and he suggested that they make a song about how things can get “slippery” when you’re successful. Gucci performs a verse on the song.

7. What inspired the chorus of “Slippery”?

The chorus of “Slippery” repeats the phrase “raindrop, drop-top”. This is a reference to the way the roofs of expensive cars can be opened and closed, but the phrase is also used to refer to sex and drugs.

8. What is the impact of “Slippery” on popular culture?

“Slippery” has been parodied and referenced in countless memes and viral videos. The song has become a cultural touchstone for a generation of music fans.

9. How successful was “Slippery” upon its release?

“Slippery” was an instant hit, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 25 on Canadian Hot 100, and number 49 on the UK Singles Chart.

10. What is the legacy of “Slippery”?

“Slippery” is still influencing music today. The song’s use of ad-libs, catchy beats, and slang has left an indelible mark on the hip hop genre.

11. How have Migos defended “Slippery”?

Migos has argued that they’re simply telling their story through their music and that they’re not trying to glorify anything. They see their music as an outlet for expression and a way to connect with their fans.

12. What are some of the key themes of “Slippery”?

“Slippery” touches on themes like betrayal, fake friends, and the pressure to maintain your success. The song is about the ups and downs of fortune, particularly sexual and financial success.