Since the 1st Grade

Song Meaning

This track opens with a raw assertion of loyalty and status, immediately drawing a line between genuine "gang" and superficial association. The narrator, YSR Gramz, dismisses those who merely associate with the right people or flash small amounts of cash, emphasizing that true connection is forged through shared hardship and unwavering support. The sudden mention of losing "my nigga Gabe" injects a profound sense of grief, which then pivots sharply to a violent threat: "Drop a hundred shots on your gang, we gon' make it rain." This juxtaposition highlights a worldview where profound loss fuels a readiness for extreme retribution, framing loyalty as a fierce, almost dangerous, commitment. The core tension in the lyrics revolves around authenticity versus pretense, both in terms of street credibility and financial success. Gramz is quick to call out phoniness, whether it's someone claiming gang affiliation without earning it or rappers with minimal "plays." He contrasts this with his own journey, stating, "I always knew I was gon' be that one nigga since the sixth grade," a declaration of self-belief that predates his current success. This is echoed by YN Jay, who claims he knew "we was gon' make it since the first grade," establishing a shared history of ambition that anchors their present status. The most striking element is the lyrical back-and-forth that underscores their shared past and present realities. Gramz's verse is a declaration of his current status and his unwavering belief in his crew, while Jay's response, prompted by Gramz's mention of the "sixth grade," shifts to a more chaotic, stream-of-consciousness recounting of early struggles and recent exploits. Jay's verse is filled with vivid, often absurd, imagery of physical mishaps and sexual encounters, creating a jarring contrast with Gramz's more focused aggression. This stylistic difference, coupled with the shared theme of knowing they'd succeed from childhood, creates a dynamic where past aspirations are validated by present, albeit wildly different, manifestations of success and bravado. What makes these lyrics resonate is their unflinching portrayal of a specific kind of camaraderie built on shared origins and a mutual understanding of the hustle. The narrative moves from the harsh realities of street status and loss to a more boastful, almost surreal, recounting of personal triumphs and failures. The effectiveness lies in how the lyrics ground their current success in a deeply felt, almost preordained, childhood ambition, making their present-day boasts feel earned, even when delivered with a chaotic, almost disbelieving energy.