On April 30, 2021, the talented American rapper Joyner Lucas treated the world to his latest musical creation, “Ramen & OJ,” featuring none other than Lil Baby.
This catchy tune, produced by the dynamic duo of Tom French and Glazer, found its way to our eager ears courtesy of the Twenty Nine Music Group. When these two hip-hop heavyweights teamed up, it was like striking gold, and fans across the globe couldn’t get enough.
“Ramen & OJ” isn’t just your run-of-the-mill song. It’s a gritty and street-smart masterpiece that delves deep into the trials and tribulations of growing up in poverty. The lyrics shine a light on the relentless grind required to break free from such circumstances. The song’s title itself, “Ramen & OJ,” is symbolic of the basic and affordable sustenance that Joyner Lucas and Lil Baby had to rely on during their formative years. The song’s raw, unfiltered lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in the hood.
One of the standout features of this song is its compelling chorus. Lucas and Baby’s words echo with determination and resilience, a testament to the indomitable spirit needed to conquer adversity. They deliver a powerful message:
“I came from the bottom, I had to grind
I had to hustle, I had to shine
I had to make it, I had to climb
I’m not giving up, I’m in my prime”
“Ramen & OJ” resonates with anyone who has faced the daunting task of making ends meet. It’s an anthem of hope, perseverance, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
Now, let’s dive into the collaborative process behind this musical gem. Joyner Lucas expressed his interest in collaborating with Lil Baby after being moved by Baby’s track “Drip Too Hard.” The two artists joined forces using the music-making app Tully, a platform co-founded by Lucas himself. Tully enabled these creative minds to work together seamlessly from different locations, allowing them to focus entirely on their music.
What’s the heart and soul of “Ramen & OJ,” you ask? In an interview with Complex, Lucas shed light on the song’s essence. He described it as a testament to “coming from nothing and making something of yourself.” Moreover, the track emphasizes the significance of staying true to oneself and persisting relentlessly in the pursuit of dreams.
Lil Baby echoed these sentiments in an interview with XXL, emphasizing that the song is all about staying hungry and motivated. Lucas and Baby aimed to craft a tune that would ignite the fire of aspiration within people and inspire them never to abandon their dreams.
The reception of “Ramen & OJ” was nothing short of spectacular. Critics showered it with accolades for its raw and gritty production, the impassioned performances by Lucas and Baby, and the uplifting message it carried.
Pitchfork, in a glowing review, hailed the song as a “powerful and moving ode to overcoming adversity.” They also commended the remarkable synergy between Lucas and Baby, highlighting that they “sound incredible together.”
Complex shared the enthusiasm, branding the song as a “must-listen for fans of hip hop.” Their review was effusive in its praise for the song’s production, the emotive performances of Lucas and Baby, and its inspirational message. They declared it as “a song that will inspire people to chase their dreams.”
