Song meaning of 6 Five Heartbeats by The Alchemist (Ft. Vince Staples)

The song "6 Five Heartbeats" by Vince Staples, featuring The Alchemist, delves into the harsh realities of street life and the struggles faced by individuals trying to survive in that environment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the challenges and choices that one must make in order to navigate through this world.

In the opening lines, a sample of Eddie Griffin's voice sets the tone, describing a situation where someone walks out and nobody knows what happened. This sets the stage for the theme of uncertainty and danger that permeates the song. Vince Staples then begins his verse by contrasting his own experiences with those of others, stating, "You had a blog; we had Berettas. Couldn't buy no birds; we fly together." Here, he highlights the stark contrast between his own reality and the facade that some rappers present, emphasizing the authenticity of his own experiences.

Staples continues to question the prevalence of drug-related themes in rap music, asking, "How has every single rapper been a dopeman?" This line suggests a critique of the glorification of drug dealing in the genre, challenging the authenticity of these claims. He goes on to express his own experiences with violence and danger, rapping, "I done slid enough to see a Glock jam. Couldn't take the heat, so you bought a fan." These lines depict the harsh realities of street life, where violence is a constant threat and individuals must adapt to survive.

Amidst the darkness, Staples also touches on the importance of love and support. He mentions his parents, stating, "My momma helped my daddy bag the dope—that's real love." This line reveals a complex dynamic within his family, where love and support are present even in the midst of illegal activities. Staples then expresses his longing for genuine love, singing, "I'm searching for some real love. Someone to set my heart free." This vulnerability adds depth to the song, showcasing the emotional toll that this lifestyle takes on individuals.

The outro of the song reinforces the theme of loyalty and the consequences of crossing boundaries. Staples warns, "You go on and sort him out, 'cause he wasn't cool 'round here." This line suggests that there are consequences for betraying trust or disrespecting the community, further emphasizing the harsh realities of street life.

Overall, "6 Five Heartbeats" by Vince Staples offers a raw and introspective look into the struggles and complexities of street life. Through his lyrics, Staples challenges the glamorization of violence and drug dealing in rap music, while also expressing a longing for love and a sense of belonging.