How to Understand NBA Youngboy’s “I Been” Lyrics

A step by step guide on how to understand the complex lyrics of NBA Youngboy’s “I Been”.

Introduction

When it comes to deciphering the often cryptic lyrics of Baton Rouge-based rapper NBA Youngboy, there is no one better suited for the task than Genius’ Editor-in-Chief Rob Markman. In the latest installment of Verified, he sits down with the 20-year-old rapper to discuss his No. 1 album AI Youngboy 2, which features the standout cut “I Been.”

As Markman points out, the song is full of vivid images and references to real-life events thatYoungboy has experienced over the last few years. From being shot nine times in 2016 to losing close friends and family members to gun violence, the rapper has lived through a lot of tragedy at a very young age. And yet, despite all of the pain he’s endured, he still finds a way to see the beauty in life and persevere.

In this Verified video, Youngboy breaks down some of the key lyrics from “I Been” and offers up some insight into what it’s like to be one of the most successful young rappers in the game today.

“I Been” Lyrics Analysis

In NBA Youngboy’s “I Been” he gives listeners a look into his life of crime and violence. He talks about how he’s been hustling since he was young and how he’s never been the one to back down from a fight. Youngboy’s lyrics are aggressive and in your face, but they also offer a deep look into the life of a young street kid trying to make it out.

Verse 1

“I Been” is the lead single off of NBA Youngboy’s fourth studio album, Still Flexin, Still Steppin. The song was produced by Dee Dave and Shawty Redd, and written by Youngboy himself.

The song features Youngboy recalling all the dirt he’s done and how he’s “been” through it all. He reflects on his come-up in the rap game, and how far he’s come since he was first grinding on the streets. Youngboy also touches on his loyalty to his team, and how they’ve always had each other’s backs.

The first verse of “I Been” is delivered in a very fast, choppy flow. This reflects the chaotic energy that Youngboy was feeling when he wrote the song. He’s clearly in a high-adrenaline state, as he recalls all the wild things he’s done in his life.

Verse 2

In the second verse of NBA Youngboy’s “I Been,” he raps about how he’s been through a lot in his life and how it has made him who he is today. He talks about how he grew up without a father and had to learn how to survive on his own. He also mentions how he’s been in and out of jail, and how all of these experiences have made him a stronger person.

Chorus

“I been through some things so I can’t imagine my kids goin’ through the same/I been round the world, I seen a lot of different places/And I’m still lookin’ for better days”

In the chorus of the song, NBA Youngboy reflects on his own life and how it has been shaped by various trials and tribulations. He specifically mentions how he doesn’t want his children to have to go through similar experiences. He also alludes to the fact that he’s seen a lot of different places but is still searching for something better.

Verse 3

In the third verse, Youngboy details how he’s been through a lot in his life and how it has led him to be the person he is today.

“I been dealt a bad hand ever since I came out the womb
My mama was a drug addict, my daddy was abusive
I was always fighting in school, got kicked out of classes
I ain’t never had no friends, I was always by myself
I always wondered why they ain’t never wanted to play with me
But I know it’s because I was different, I wasn’t like them.”

Youngboy talks about how he’s been dealt a bad hand in life, with an abusive father and a drug-addicted mother. He talks about how he was always fighting in school and got kicked out of classes. He talks about how he never had any friends and was always by himself. And he reflects on how he was different from other kids and how that might have led them to not want to play with him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NBA Youngboy’s “I Been” lyrics are full of emotion and depth. They offer a glimpse into the rapper’s mind and provide insight into his life and struggles. While some of the lyrics are difficult to decipher, overall they provide a moving and captivating look into the life of one of today’s most popular rappers.