Ode to “Lollipop”

While en route from Milwaukee to Madison the day before Thanksgiving, I grew sick of listening to Paper Trail (which had been in my cd player for three weeks straight) and decided to go for a lil blast from the (recent) past – Lil Wayne’s The Carter III album.

After listening to the first 30 seconds of a couple of the first tracks and semi-enthusiastically nodding my head along- I skipped over to 12 and turned the volume way up.

I’m driving on the highway, enjoying the scenery, and this pleasant study-free hour of my life- the first beat of the song starts, and I think to myself- “This song is BRILLIANT.” For many reasons.  Sadly, this was my impetus for starting a blog- while many blog to share life experiences, political opinions and rants with friends and the general public, I would like to share my love for Lollipop with you.

2008 has had some great hits, especially in the hip hop area -which is mostly what I listen to. Hip hop is fun, great beats, gets you pumped up, and of course is great to dance to.  The lyrics aren’t supposed to be deep or particularly smart- its music and an escape from the realities and stresses of life!  But I digress.  So what did 2008 have to offer- big hits like Flo Rida’s “Low” and Usher and Jeezy’s “Love in this Club” (which is my runner up song of the year- but that’s a whole other blog).  And then there were the catchy hits that were great at the time, but eventually will fall into the category of semi forgotten: “Sexy Can I”, “Superstar”, “Bust it Baby Pt 2”, “Boss” etc.  “Love in this Club” is a true classic to me, but besides that- I think Lollipop has the most staying power.  As I said before, it’s brilliant.

The beginning of a song is crucial- it should catch the listener’s attention right away. (bonus points if the beginning strums having the effect of girls screaming “that’s my song!”, downing their drinks in one gulp and running to the dance floor).  And sometimes it’s better to have a slower, bass-less intro before you getting into the real stuff.  I love the beat in the beginning- sounds like some alien space ship beeping.  Then Wayne comes in with his signature raspy-bullfrog-mumbling voice, with the first of my three favorite quotes from the song: “Say he so sweet I wanna like the rapper” “So I let her lick the rapper.”  Ok, so the double meaning may be a bit elementary – (giggle) “He means, rapper- not wrapper- get it?  Lick the rapper???”  But to me, it’s such a great line. Even sexy, really.  As every fan sings along with Wayne, “So I let her lick the rapper.” our mouths can’t help but form a lil cocky smirk as we say the words- and for a second we are all a drunk-on-cough syrup-high-on-god-knows-what-dread-locked millionaire rapper, with a hand-picked groupie who is about to go to town on a…wrapper.  Despite your beliefs, morals, values regarding this situation- you have to admit it’s a smooth line.

I shall continue to dissect the song- now the bass and chorus of the song begin. No brilliantly written lyrics here, just the simple “Shorty wanna thug, bottles in the club” Thugs, clubs, shorties, bottles- what else is new in a rap song?  But it’s the beat and the singing of Static Major (RIP) that creates this unique almost haunting melody that’s very catchy and addictive.  I know haven’t gotten sick of this song yet.

I enjoy how the song is distinct in the beats from the chorus (the dragged out “thuuuuuuug”, “cluuuuub”), from other parts like the shorter-tempo’ed- “Drop it like its hot.”  Later in the song, the 2nd of my favorite quotes comes up – “Call me so I can make it juicy for you.”  No real reason for loving it- just it’s the quote most fans took from the song and ive seen it quoted many places.  It’s just silly and cute and fun. “Call me! So I can make it juicy for you!”

As said before, the lyrics in this song are especially lacking in any meaningful message, and they tend to just repeat themselves. Basically, the girl likes him and wants to pleasure him. Shock.  Really it’s about the beat.  BUT I have to give credit to the lyrical genius of the following line, in what has to be my favorite quote of the year- “And when I’m at the bottom she Hillary Rodham.”  Hilarious. Love it.   As I am a long time supporter of the Clintons- have met Bill, have read Hilary’s biography, and just think she is awesome. A very head-strong, successful, focused woman, and lawyer, ahem… this quote completely does her justice. Lil Wayne hit the nail on his inappropriate sexual anology right on the head. No other woman would have worked better than Hillary (change it to Monica and you get an image of a soft, chubby, blushing ho, excuse me, girl. Definitely not the strong dominating persona of my girl Hilary) Of course it helps that Rodham rhymes with bottom. But it’s a great shout out to Hilary. Bottom line- I love that bottom line.

(Since this is a blog I’m guessing I don’t need to throw out the disclaimer out that this is all MY view- no one else’s -and no one has to agree with me or respect what I have to say.)

Lastly, just in general- when the song starts- it is plain hot.  I consider myself a respectable girl, and would never categorize myself with any of the women that are portrayed in rap videos such as Lollipop, but this song sounds damn sexy and definitely has panty-dropping potential.  It’s slow, but not slow enough where you can’t get your dance on.  Especially if you’re in a club, or Club Civic (my lil Honda may be beat up and old- but what chu know bout the two JL 12s in the truck?)

So there you go- my song of the year.  Enjoy.