Role Model

Song Meaning

The narrator explicitly states, "I can't say I call myself a role model," setting a clear, almost defiant tone from the outset. This isn't a boast, but a disclaimer preceding a detailed account of a lifestyle far removed from conventional aspirational figures. The immediate follow-up, "But I just got another roll of new hundreds," grounds this disclaimer in material success, suggesting a disconnect between societal expectations of role models and the narrator's reality. The central tension arises from this juxtaposition: the rejection of the "role model" label juxtaposed with the accumulation of wealth and luxury symbolized by "new hundreds" and "gold bottles." The lyrics present a stark contrast between the perceived virtues of a role model and the narrator's chosen path, which appears to prioritize tangible success and indulgence over moral guidance. This creates an ironic space where the narrator acknowledges their unsuitability as an example while simultaneously showcasing the very markers of status that often attract admiration. The most striking craft element is the direct comparison of past and present role models: "Role models used to be the brick man / Now the role models gotta be the hitman." This sharp, almost brutal redefinition highlights a perceived societal shift, framing influence not through construction or stability, but through violence and illicit activity. The narrator then elevates their own status by comparing their artistic output to "a young Da Vinci" and contrasting their own "pockets filled with money rolls" with an implied other's empty wallet, further solidifying their position within this new, morally ambiguous paradigm. This lyrical approach is effective because it confronts the listener with an uncomfortable truth about influence and aspiration. By repeatedly disavowing the "role model" title while flaunting the trappings of success, the narrator forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes a desirable figure in contemporary culture. The bluntness and repetition of the chorus, combined with the provocative imagery in the verse, create a potent, albeit controversial, statement about ambition and the often-unacknowledged realities of achieving status.