Being Rich: The Irony of Life – by @ niksofly

Preparing  for the release of his highly anticipated effort “Bigger Than Me” (due September) , the Houston native- Kirko Bangz released the visual to his melodic song “Rich “. The fetching  track laced with nuances of  old school melodies  features the sensual vocalist- August Alsina .It is an ingenious collaboration. Lyrically dancing with the harsh reality of working extensively only to barely afford to breathe, Bangz exposes the façade of being rich as he tabulates his journey in the industry thus far.  “Rich” is the confirmation that realness is slowly re-emerging in an industry that is turgid.  Bangz , whom made the coveted list of XXL’s Freshman Class 2013 , has brought depth into his career, a facet that is often neglected.

The video chronicles the tribulations of a working Bangz who turns to life in the fast lane in hopes of the coveted life he believes he wants.  His reign as a rich person ends violently as he is gunned down without regard in daylight, but not before the director demonstrates how money can change your perspectives. Based on the premise of duality (reality v. appearance), Bangz spits “tired of fronting for these fake n*ggas! Need a diamond chain to be a great n*gga. I got one, but I ain’t great n*gga? What it takes for the rap game to notice me? I top the chart for nine weeks,  but they still ain’t notice me ”. 

The entire idea of being rich, for those who encompass naivete, is to project a life most desire which is a poor perspective of the term.  Rich extends beyond fortune and fame. When it cradles the purity of the pursuit of one’s dreams, it is wealth. It becomes the grind and the process. The problem arises when the grind isn’t patient.  This generation hardly possesses a resilient bone.  They see flawless stones brilliantly set in rose gold, the Wraiths with buttoned shoes and the adoration of many . They want the same and often choose the hare’s route instead of the one the tortoise traveled.  They see the appearance and never the reality.

The reality is the craft, game, process, grind is all one in the same… just a different vehicle of choice.  When you are up, you are everyone’s favorite.  When those seven  numbers become six , the adoration dwindles.  You begin to rob Peter to pay Paul. Women and men that once tattooed your name on their hearts allow disdain to erase the ink. You become a disposable entity rather it is death in life( as exhibited in the visual) or a career. It is the reality of the falsehood in being rich. Those that took the slower route usually become “wealthy”. They acquire million dollar lessons at the cost of pennies , so to speak.  They gain the unwavering affinity of perseverance and tenacity. The end reward is far more sweeter. Often times it is less glamorous, but the best road to travel.  Never aspire to be rich. Always aspire to be wealthy.

Kirko Bangz personified this struggle with his latest track and if it is a reflection of his growth in his music, Bangz has solidified  his position in the industry once again. “Rich” is definitely an example of what realness sounds like.  One time for H-Town!