Same Problems? Lyrics

During his Amazon Music Live show, rapper Rocky dedicated a song to all members of the hip-hop community who have passed away. He mentioned that the rap industry has the highest mortality rate of all mainstream music genres. The song was first previewed in 2022, and many famous and influential hip-hop artists tragically passed away at young ages. Rocky spoke on how many people are desensitized to these issues and have gotten so accustomed to them that they just see them as an inevitable part of life. Rocky feels cursed, as he has lost at least a family member or friend in short proximity to every major release of his career. He also references his own trauma, as many of his closest friends and family members have sadly passed away before their time. Rocky feels as though karma has unjustly avoided him throughout his entire life, and he deserves to die no less than any of his late family, friends, or peers did. A$AP Yams references the struggles that African-Americans face when it comes to law enforcement and incarceration. In the line “All black like I’m tryna break in,” A$AP uses a comparison of a burglary outfit to highlight how “all black” people are seen as criminals. The song also takes a jab at Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States (serving 1981-89), for using his War on Drugs to target African-American communities. Rocky makes a reference to Kid Cudi’s February 2008 track, “Day ‘N’ Nite,” a track that has a similar concept of reasoning with the deceased and dealing with grief through drugs. The song ends on a less than optimistic note, with Miguel’s repeating of “I’m goin' down,” giving a sense of sinking deeper into the problems conveyed throughout the track. Miguel’s outro vocals are pitched down, an effect that Rocky frequently makes use of on his own vocals that also gives the outro an eerie sound.

About “Same Problems?”

Same Problems? is the lead single from A$AP Rocky's fourth studio album, DON'T BE DUMB, released on January 18, 2023. The track, co-produced by Tyler, The Creator, Thundercat, and Hector Delgado, reflects on the recurring issues within the hip-hop community, particularly the loss of young artists to violence and substance abuse. The song's release date aligns with the 8-year anniversary of A$AP Yams' passing, a significant figure in Rocky's life and career.

• Album: DON'T BE DUMB
• Release Date: January 18, 2023
• Producers: A$AP Rocky, Tyler, The Creator, Hector Delgado, Thundercat
• Genre: Rap, Memorial, Alternative R&B

Song Meanings Explained.

Same Problems? is a reflective and somber track where A$AP Rocky questions the ongoing cycle of violence, loss, and trauma within the rap community. Through its introspective lyrics, the song examines whether the problems faced by the community are ever truly resolved and how they shape the individuals involved.

[Verse 1]

In the first verse, Rocky highlights the frequent loss of life within his community, noting how crying and mourning have become almost routine. He expresses frustration with the lack of resolution and the normalization of violence. The phrase "Not new to drama, nigga, all my life" underscores how these issues have been a constant in his life, while the line "Been duckin' karma, nigga, all my life" suggests a continuous struggle to escape the repercussions of this environment.

[Chorus]

The chorus poses critical questions about whether the problems that Rocky and others face are ever truly solved. He questions if his experiences and the content of his songs contribute to the issues, reflecting on the impact of his words and actions. The repeated query "How many problems get solved?" emphasizes the cyclical nature of these issues and the difficulty in finding real solutions.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, Rocky speaks on the consequences of ignoring the issues at hand. The line "Don't bite the hand that feed you" warns against betraying those who support you, while "Annihilated all my people" reflects the devastating impact of systemic violence. Rocky also alludes to the crack epidemic with the line "This that crack, call him Ronald Reagan," criticizing the government’s role in exacerbating the problems faced by his community.

[Verse 3]

The third verse further explores the harsh realities of life, with Rocky referencing both the street violence he grew up with and the internal battles he faces. The line "Silent night, holy night / Bullets flyin', better duck and dive" contrasts the peaceful imagery of a Christmas carol with the violence that permeates his world. Rocky also touches on the pressures and expectations that come with his success, balancing his past experiences with his current life.

Song Theme.

The central theme of Same Problems? revolves around the ongoing struggles within the hip-hop community, particularly the issues of violence, substance abuse, and loss. A$AP Rocky uses the track to express his grief, guilt, and frustration, questioning whether these problems will ever be resolved and reflecting on his role within this cycle. The song serves as both a tribute to fallen peers and a call for introspection and change.

Technical Analysis.

Same Problems? features a haunting instrumental backdrop, characterized by its atmospheric production and minimalistic beats. The involvement of Thundercat and Tyler, The Creator adds layers of depth and complexity to the track, with Thundercat’s signature bass lines and Tyler’s nuanced production style. The song's structure includes multiple verses that blend Rocky's introspective lyrics with melodic contributions from Miguel and Lil Yachty, creating a poignant and emotionally charged narrative. The repeated chorus reinforces the track's central themes, making it a powerful reflection on the challenges facing the rap community.