A$AP Rocky’s latest release, "Ruby Rosary", featuring J. Cole, marks more than just a collaboration between two of the industry's most lauded rappers. With Alchemist's signature production backing their verses, this track offers a profound exploration of lyrical craftsmanship, overflowing with intricate wordplay, metaphors, and self-reflective narratives. Both artists skillfully navigate themes of success, mortality, and personal identity, merging their individual stories into a cohesive artistic expression.
A$AP Rocky’s Ruby-Covered Journey
From the very opening lines of the track, Rocky sets the tone with his braggadocious flow, backed by the elegance of ruby stones and rosaries. In the intro, he declares:
"I ain't playin' with these bitches no more / No, from now on, it's rose gold and rubies and pearls everything"
These lines establish the imagery of luxury and divine symbols, a juxtaposition of material wealth and spirituality that runs through the entirety of the track. The recurring metaphor of the “ruby rosary” is fascinating. Rosaries, traditionally used in Catholic prayer, symbolize devotion, and Rocky’s ruby-encrusted version implies a devotion to wealth, success, and his own identity.
The poetic use of “ring around this rosie” plays on both the classic children’s rhyme and a subtle homage to Rosalía, blending innocence with cultural reference. The allusions to Jodeci and black ownership further elevate the metaphor, connecting his success to a lineage of black excellence and musical history. As he boasts:
"All black stones, black owned, like I'm Jodeci / Funny how I birthed so many sons with no ovaries"
This clever wordplay exemplifies Rocky’s sharp lyrical wit. He likens his influence in the industry to being a father figure, birthing a new generation of rappers while emphasizing his black ownership, both literally and figuratively.
The Duality of Identity and Mortality
As the track progresses, Rocky delves into heavier themes of survival, resilience, and mortality. In his second verse, Rocky reflects on his upbringing:
"Illest nigga alive / As a lil' guy, very deprived / Took it in strivin' conditions where I shouldn't survive"
These lines underscore his journey from a harsh upbringing to becoming one of the “illest” in the game. The juxtaposition of his present luxury with the struggles of his past is a powerful commentary on the duality of success and survival. Rocky’s clever line—"I don’t get fresh to death, bitch, I’m buried alive"—combines his fashion-forward persona with a meditation on life and death. It’s as if he’s saying that his influence will live on, even as his physical body faces eventual demise.
The chorus also contains playful but layered metaphors:
"Ruby stones on, click your feet, you're comin' home with me / Take a load off, but baby, don't be Dorothy"
Here, Rocky’s allusion to *The Wizard of Oz* paints a whimsical yet symbolic picture. Dorothy clicks her heels to return home, and Rocky calls on his listeners to metaphorically “come home” to his luxurious world. However, he warns against becoming naive or disillusioned like Dorothy, suggesting that the world of success and excess isn’t as magical as it seems.
J. Cole’s Introspection and Masterful Wordplay
J. Cole enters the track in full force with a verse that matches, if not surpasses, the lyrical depth Rocky sets up. Cole’s signature introspection shines through, especially when he reflects on the transient nature of success and the inevitable passage of time:
"I'm startin' to think that judgement day they talkin' 'bout's comin' around / Show money they throw up is startin' to slow up, I bet that they humblin' now"
Cole’s mention of Judgment Day is more than just a religious reference—it’s a metaphor for the reckoning many artists face when their fame begins to wane. He candidly acknowledges his fear of becoming irrelevant, subtly touching on the anxieties that come with long-term success in the rap industry.
The self-reflective tone intensifies as he questions:
"What happens when rappin' no longer matters? Can I still make a stack on my brilliance?"
Cole, often praised for his socially conscious lyrics, brings his own vulnerability to the surface here. While Rocky’s verses boast of material wealth, Cole’s focus is more on the fear of losing what he’s built—a fear rooted in the very human concern of fading into obscurity. His brilliant wordplay and internal rhyme schemes reveal the complexity of this inner struggle, seamlessly transitioning into his commentary on the violence that surrounds him:
"I'm from a rough past, for a quick dollar they poppin' your hubcap rims, profit is just that slim"
Here, Cole not only reflects on his own upbringing but also ties it to the harsh realities that many still face. His “addict for comfort” line paints a picture of someone who has fought to escape poverty and is now driven by the need to sustain the security he’s found.
Cole’s use of metaphor is equally sharp. The line—"Reach down with a pistol, was down, so put one in your freckles"—is a grim reminder of the dangers in his environment, contrasting with Rocky’s more glamorous imagery. Cole’s grounded, gritty lyricism offers a balance to Rocky’s lavish descriptions, showing how their storytelling styles complement one another.
Subtle Tensions and Artistic Growth
Although some listeners speculate about underlying tensions between Rocky and Drake in this track, the subtle shots—such as "I heard dawg talkin' funny like it's Family Guy"—are kept low-key. These lines may or may not be veiled jabs, but the real focus of the track lies in the poetry of their verses rather than the possible feud. This artistic restraint keeps the narrative centered on their personal growth and reflections on success.
Both Rocky and Cole use this song to explore their individual journeys while showcasing their contrasting but equally compelling lyrical styles. Rocky's opulent imagery and bravado balance perfectly with Cole's introspective vulnerability, making "Ruby Rosary" a true lyrical masterclass.
Conclusion: A Meeting of Minds
"Ruby Rosary" stands as a testament to A$AP Rocky and J. Cole’s respective artistic evolutions. Rocky’s vivid depictions of wealth, legacy, and mortality pair beautifully with Cole’s introspective questioning of fame, purpose, and survival. Alchemist’s production acts as a lush backdrop to this meeting of minds, giving both artists the space to tell their stories in a way that feels cohesive and profound. For fans of intricate lyricism, this collaboration is a goldmine of poetic brilliance, layered metaphors, and self-reflection.
In the end, "Ruby Rosary" not only highlights their personal journeys but also offers a glimpse into the complexities of fame, identity, and artistic growth—an artful exploration of what it means to succeed and survive in today’s rap landscape.
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