All right, buckle up everybody because we're doing a deep dive, a deep dive today on AP
Rocky's Taylor Swift.
This track, this track has been causing a stir online and we're going to figure out
why from the Taylor Swift name drop to the wild music video filmed in Kiev right before
the Russian invasion and then there's the whole album delay because of leaks.
That's a lot to unpack.
We've got lyrics, we've got the official video and we've got some sharp analysis from music
journalists to guide us.
You can be good.
So what has grabbed your attention most about Taylor Swift so far?
I would say for me it's this really interesting mix of AP Rocky's signature swagger and these
unexpected European influences we keep seeing.
Like first with the whole Babushka boy phase and now this Kiev filmed video.
I feel like there's a cultural exchange happening that's worth exploring.
Totally.
Yeah.
All right, well let's jump into the lyrics first.
Right away it's classic AP Rocky with lines about wealth, fashion and that unmistakable
bravado.
Yeah.
We've got go to my Taylor, got me dripped like go to my Taylor, got me dripped up, done
a bitch.
Yeah.
Pure swagger.
Right.
Pure swagger.
But it's not just surface level boasting though.
Right.
What's really interesting is how he weaves in these like glimpses of his past.
Like talking about eating lamb chops on the block when they were broke.
Even like eating goats when times are really tough.
Oh wow.
Like bringing in some realness.
Yeah.
You know it's not all.
Yeah, you're right.
It adds a layer of depth.
Yeah.
Reminding us that his journey wasn't always glamorous.
Makes you wonder is this a straightforward celebration of his success or is there some
tension there, some reflection on what it took to get here.
That's a great question.
Yeah.
And it gets even more complex when you consider the line that everyone's buzzing about.
I'm too swift, don't tell Taylor about this shit.
Oh yeah.
What is that?
Is it playful?
Right.
Is it provocative?
Yeah.
Is it?
Maybe both?
Yeah.
It's definitely got the internet buzzing.
Everyone's wondering if Taylor's heard it, what she thinks, if this is the start of some
you know epic musical crossover.
Right.
AP Rocky, Taylor Swift, track.
Who knows?
Yeah.
But that's the genius of it.
Yeah.
AP Rocky's like created this talking point that goes beyond just the song itself.
Really?
Like he's turned it into a cultural event.
Yeah, he's turned it into a whole thing.
And to think this wasn't even supposed to be on the album.
Right.
It leaked last year, fans heard it at Rolling Loud and AP Rocky even addressed it on X saying
since you dummies leaked it already.
Love it.
Yeah.
So it's out there.
Which raises another question.
How does a leaked track, especially one some are calling a throwaway, affect an artist's
overall message?
Does its unplanned release give it a different meaning?
Yeah.
You're getting a raw, unfiltered look behind the scenes in a way.
Right.
Almost like a sneak peek into the creative process.
Yeah, exactly.
It makes you think about artistic intent versus what actually reaches the audience.
Exactly.
Especially since the full album, Don't Be Dumb, was supposed to drop in August but got
pushed back.
It did.
And AP Rocky mentioned on X that leaks and sample clearances were the reason for the
delay.
Oh yeah.
That's got to be frustrating for everyone involved.
Yeah.
It really highlights the challenges that artists face today trying to maintain control over
their work in a digital age where leaks are almost inevitable.
Okay.
Let's move on to the music video itself.
Yeah.
We know it was filmed in Kiev in 2021, just a couple of months before the Russian invasion.
Did you pick up on any connections between the visuals and the lyrics?
Definitely.
The video, which was directed by Vanya Hyman and Gal Mugia, is full of these surreal, chaotic
images.
Right.
You've got AP Rocky being chauffeured by a dog.
A wild party getting crashed by a skydiver.
Yeah, it's wild.
I feel like it definitely echoes the extravagant, almost lawless energy that comes through in
the lyrics.
It's like a fever dream you can't quite shake off.
Yeah.
But overall, AP Rocky maintains this cool, almost detached persona, very much his style.
Yes.
And it plays into that idea of him navigating these different worlds.
Oh, okay.
He can embrace the strange and unexpected while staying true to himself.
Right.
It's like he's saying, I'm comfortable in any environment.
Which makes me think back to his Babushka Boy phase a few years ago when he fully embraced
the head scarf look.
Do you think there's something about Eastern European culture, at least aesthetically,
that appeals to him?
That's a good question.
Yeah.
Perhaps it's the contrast between the more traditional, ornate elements of Eastern European
culture and his modern street-style aesthetic.
I think there's a visual tension there that's really striking.
And maybe even conceptually interesting.
What happens when you bring those seemingly different worlds together?
Totally.
He's creating a new kind of cultural hybrid.
Exactly.
And that's something we see not just in his visuals, but also in his music.
The way he samples and blends genres pulls from all these different influences to create
something fresh and unexpected.
I think that's a key part of what makes him so unique.
Speaking of the music, Taylor Swift definitely feels different from some of his previous
work.
It does, yeah.
What are your thoughts on the sound?
It's definitely a departure.
The production by HitKid is sparse, almost hypnotic.
It leans heavily into that trap sound, heavy 808s, minimalist melody.
And it works perfectly as a backdrop for AP Rocky's flow, which feels effortless and
playful on this track.
Yeah, his delivery is different too, right?
It's less of the aggression we've heard before.
Less aggression.
And more of a smooth, almost conversational vibe.
Totally.
He's inviting us into his world, in a way, letting us listen in on his thoughts and experiences,
rather than trying to make a grand statement.
Which in a way makes it even more intriguing.
I think so, yeah.
We're getting a glimpse of AP Rocky unguarded, the man behind the carefully constructed image.
And I think that's what fans are always looking for, that sense of authenticity.
Absolutely.
We're in an era where artists face constant pressure to maintain a certain image, to be
on all the time.
So a moment of vulnerability, even within a track that's about confidence and swagger,
I think can be incredibly powerful.
You've just made me think of something.
We've spent a lot of time talking about what AP Rocky is saying in this song, but what
about what he's not saying?
Are there any hidden messages, any subtexts we might be missing?
That's a great question.
And it's something I think worth considering as we look closer at the music video and the
context of his upcoming album.
Remember, Taylor Swift wasn't meant for release, it was leaked.
So are we getting a glimpse of a more raw, unfiltered side of AK Rocky?
Would there be clues in this song about where he's heading musically, even personally?
That's really interesting.
So we've got these lyrics about wealth and status, this playful shout out to Taylor Swift,
and a video set in pre-Invasion Keef.
But how does it all come together?
What's the bigger picture here?
Well, if we connect this back to our discussion about authenticity and vulnerability.
Yes, go on.
Maybe Taylor Swift, despite its surface level boasting, is actually hinting at a deeper
evolution for AT Rocky.
A shift in perspective, maybe even some introspection.
Whoa, I like where you're going with this.
Even though the song is about being swift and dripped out, there's a deeper layer that's
about more than just material things.
Totally.
Think about those references to his past, the struggles he faced before the fame and
fortune.
He's including those in a song that, because of the leak, wasn't carefully curated for
release.
It feels almost like a confession slipped into a track that's otherwise all about confidence.
So you're saying we shouldn't just take the lyrics at face value.
There's a deeper meaning if we consider the context, the leak, and even his past interest
in Eastern European aesthetics.
Exactly.
It's like we're piecing together a puzzle.
The lyrics, the key of setting for the video, the delayed album, it all points to something
more complex than just a simple brag track.
I love when a deep dive gets this deep.
It's like we're cracking a code.
Totally.
Now let's break down those visuals in the music video.
ADP Rocky being chauffeured by a dog, someone crashing the party by parachute.
It's all very surreal and over the top.
And that's what makes it so effective.
The directors, Hayman and Mugia, are known for creating these visually striking, almost
absurd scenes that grab your attention and make you question what you just saw.
It's like they're mirroring the lyrics.
The over the top visuals match the extravagant lifestyle he's rapping about.
But there's this undercurrent of absurdity.
Things aren't what they seem.
Totally.
Which brings us back to authenticity and vulnerability.
Maybe the surrealism of the video reflects AP Rocky's own internal state.
Perhaps amidst all the fame and fortune, he's feeling a bit lost, trying to find his footing
in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable.
I'm always fascinated by how music videos can add a whole other layer of meaning to
a song.
Me too.
It's like they create this visual language that's just as powerful as the lyrics.
Totally.
Absolutely.
In any case, the video for Taylor Swift really amplifies the song.
It adds a layer of surrealism, of questioning reality that makes the song's themes even
more complex and intriguing.
We've got these thought-provoking lyrics, a mind-bending music video, and a delayed
album release shrouded in mystery.
What does it all mean for AP Rocky's future?
What are you expecting from Don't Be Dumb based on what we've seen so far?
I think we can expect the unexpected.
AP Rocky isn't an artist who likes to stay in one lane.
He's constantly evolving, experimenting, pushing boundaries.
I think Taylor Swift, even though it's a leaked track, offers a glimpse into where he might
be heading.
If Taylor Swift is any indication, Don't Be Dumb is going to be anything but predictable,
we might hear more introspection mixed with bravado, genre-bending sounds, maybe even
more Eastern European influence.
I wouldn't rule anything out.
He's clearly willing to take risks and embrace the unexpected, both in his music and his
personal style.
That's what makes him such a captivating artist to follow.
We've been focused on AP Rocky's perspective, but I can't help but wonder about Taylor Swift's
side of things.
What do you think her reaction to Taylor Swift might be?
That's a great question.
And unfortunately, we can only speculate.
Come on, let's have some fun with it.
Do you think she'll embrace the shout-out?
Ignore it entirely.
Maybe even release a response track.
Knowing Taylor, she's probably already strategizing her next move.
She's a master at turning unexpected situations to her advantage.
Maybe she'll see this as an opportunity to connect with a new audience to show her playful
side.
Or maybe she'll pull Beyonce and drop a surprise album in response.
Oh, maybe?
Okay, probably not, but a fan can dream, right?
Definitely.
But realistically, I think it's more likely we'll see a subtle acknowledgement from her.
Maybe a cryptic social media post or a hidden reference in one of her upcoming songs.
Ooh, I like that.
The queen of Easter eggs strikes again.
All right, before we go too far down the rabbit hole of Taylor Swift theories, let's bring
it back to AP Rocky.
Okay.
We've talked about the lyrics, the video, the delayed album release, and even his connection
to Eastern Europe.
But there's one more piece of the puzzle to consider.
The fans.
Ah, yes, the fans.
The driving force behind any artist's success.
Exactly.
What do you think their reaction to Taylor Swift has been?
And how do you think it's affecting the anticipation for Don't Be Dumb?
From what I've seen online, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.
Fans are excited to see AP Rocky back, experimenting with new sounds and visuals, and the Taylor
Swift shout out.
It's definitely added fuel to the fire, creating even more buzz and intrigue.
It's funny, even though Taylor Swift wasn't meant to be a lead single, it's ended up doing
just that.
It's got everyone talking, debating, and eagerly awaiting the album.
It really shows the power of a well-crafted song, even one that wasn't planned for release.
Sometimes the most impactful moments happen organically, unexpectedly.
And a little controversy never hurts when it comes to drumming up hype for an album.
Indeed.
Right.
AP Rocky is a master of generating buzz, whether intentionally or not.
And I have a feeling Don't Be Dumb is going to live up to its name in terms of surprises,
sonic explorations, and maybe even a few more unexpected shout outs.
Okay.
I'm officially on the edge of my seat waiting for this album to drop.
Yeah.
But before we wrap up this deep dive, I have one last question for you.
Do you think Taylor Swift, despite being a leaked track, offers any real clues about
the overall direction of the album?
Right.
Or is it just a standalone moment of brilliance we should enjoy for what it is?
That's a tough one.
Yeah.
I think it's a bit of both.
Okay.
On one hand, it is a standalone banger that showcases AP Rocky's unique style and ability
to create a moment.
But on the other hand, there are definitely hints here about his evolution as an artist.
Like what?
Spill the tea.
Well, I think we're seeing a more mature introspective side of AP Rocky starting to emerge.
The bravado is still there, but it's tempered by a sense of self-awareness and acknowledgement
of his past struggles and the complexities of his current position.
Okay.
I see it now.
Yeah.
It's like he's not just flexing for the sake of flexing.
Right.
He's not just a carrier of depth and vulnerability that wasn't as present in his earlier work.
Totally.
And I think that's what makes Taylor Swift such a compelling track.
Yeah.
You know?
It's not just catchy.
It's like thought-provoking.
Right.
It leaves you with more questions than answers, which is always a good sign.
You know what you've just made me even more excited for?
Don't be dumb.
Me too.
If this one leaked track is any indication, we are in for a wild ride.
I couldn't agree more.
Yeah.
I think JP Rocky is about to deliver something truly special with this album.
Okay.
Something that will challenge our expectations and solidify his status as one of the most
innovative artists of his generation.
Well said.
Yeah.
All right.
That's about all the time we have for today's Deep Dive.
Okay.
But before we sign off, I want to leave you with one final thought to ponder.
Okay.
Do you think Taylor Swift, despite its unconventional release, will end up being the most defining
track on Don't Be Dumb?
Right.
Or is it just a taste of the brilliance to come?
Now that's a question worth pondering.
Only time will tell, right?
Yeah.
But hey, that's the beauty of music.
Totally.
It's subjective, sparks conversation, and it leaves us wanting more.
Well said.
Right.
Yeah.
So to our amazing listeners, we hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of Taylor Swift.
Yeah.
And hey, if you haven't already, go check out the music video.
For sure.
It's a visual feast that you won't soon forget.
I second that.
Yeah.
And remember, keep your ears peeled for Don't Be Dumb dropping sometime this autumn.
Yes.
We have a feeling it's going to be an epic journey.
Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and keep those deep dives going.
Deep dives.
Yeah.
And you know what's so exciting about this whole Taylor Swift situation?
Yeah.
It's got people thinking and talking about AP Rocky in a whole new way.
Right.
And I think we've worked these conversations about authenticity and vulnerability and the
complexities of being a successful artist in today's world.
Totally.
And it's like a reminder that even in seemingly straightforward tracks, there can be layers
of meaning waiting to be uncovered.
Right.
It's all about paying attention to the context, the artist's history, and even those unexpected
moments of serendipity, a leaked song.
So for our listener out there who might be diving into AP Rocky's world for the first
time, what would you say is the one thing they should take away from this deep dive?
I would say don't underestimate AP Rocky's depth.
Yes.
You know, yes, he's a master of style and swagger.
Right.
But there's a sharp mind at work there.
Someone who's engaging with culture and challenging expectations in really interesting ways.
Totally.
Taylor Swift is just one example of that.
Yeah.
And I think we're going to see even more of that complexity and evolution in don't be
dumb.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Yeah.
So to our listener, keep exploring.
To be questioning.
Keep questioning.
Yeah.
And keep your ears open for don't be dumb.
Yeah.
Dropping this autumn.
This autumn.
We have a feeling it's going to be one for the books.
One for the books.
Until next time, keep those deep dives going.
Yeah.
Keep those deep dives going.