When it comes to rap lyrics, there’s a bit of bravado and showboating that comes with the territory. But what about the lyrics that cut a bit deeper and are inspired by real life events? The following are some of our favourite rap lyrics that are allegedly based on things that really happened…
5) Duckworth by Kendrick Lamar
The song from Kendrick’s 4th studio album discusses a real life incident that occurred at a KFC. The story goes that Kendrick’s future label manager, Top Dawg, and Kendrick’s Father, Ducky (who worked at the KFC) had an altercation that was almost fatal.
‘Then you start remindin’ them about that chicken incident
Whoever thought the greatest rapper would be from coincidence?
Because if Anthony killed Ducky, Top Dawg could be servin’ life
While I grew up without a father and die in a gunfight’
4) Masterpiece by DaBaby
The track features on DaBaby’s fourth album, and recounts a fatal shooting incident at a Walmart that the rapper was arrested in relation to. DaBaby denied pulling the trigger, and was ultimately served with a suspended sentence.
‘I don’t know what went down at that Walmart
I don’t know what happened on that freeway
Okay, there go DaBaby, he back now
Run it back, hey, bitch, turn that on replay’
3) ‘Mr Right Now’ by Drake
The former Degrassi star was regaling some of his dating history in the 2020 single, referencing his brief dalliance with SZA. SZA confirmed that the pair indeed dated… but says it was *actually* in 2009, not 2008. Maybe Drake was dating a different SZA in 2008?
‘Yeah, said she wanna f**k to some SZA wait,
cause I used to date SZA back in 08″
2) London Roads by Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne’s 2015 song relates a story from his childhood, when he shot himself in the chest, aged just twelve years old. Fortunately an off-duty police officer was nearby, and the rapper was able to be saved.
‘Ms. Cita I remember goin’ in your gun drawer
Puttin’ it to my chest and missin’ my heart by centimetres oh Lord
I remember dyin’ on her room floor’
1) Last Day In by Kodak Black
Just one year after having a number one album in the U.S with 2018’s ‘Dying To Live’, Kodak Black was arrested in relation to weapons charges and sentenced to four years in prison. The rapper’s incarceration was ultimately cut short when Trump granted him commutation in January 2021.
‘Trump just freed me,
but my favourite president is on the money’
