It seems as if the holidays have enlightened Lil Yachty, who gifted fans with the release of his viral snippet “GIMME DA LITE” on Friday (Dec. 10).
Linking up with 808 Mafia’s Southside, the Let’s Start Here artist continues to employ his revitalized soundscape on the new song and video. Alongside other drops in “The Secret Recipe,” “Tesla” and more, Boat’s had a big year — leading conversation as to who 2023’s MVP should be.
Just after starring in Tyler, the Creator’s newly released le FLEUR* lookbook, “GIMME DA LITE” sees Boat reside in the familiar grittiness of Atlanta trap. Filled with whirly synths and buzzy 808s, Boat’s charismatic flows sizzle in the quick-cut visual filled with stark colors and eye-catching blue hues. Lil Yachty and Southside have previously teamed up for energetic collaborations such as “Menace,” “Boat Skirrt,” “Das Cap,” “Flex Up,” and more.
Amid playing a huge role in Drake’s For All The Dogs — ultimately becoming a face for hip-hop in its current state — the “Another Late Night” rapper recently addressed his lyricism in a conversation with Tierra Whack for Rolling Stone’s “Musicians on Musicians.” Lil Yachty explained how he strives to steer clear of negative topics other rappers tend to focus on, alluding to his peers in the 2016 XXL Freshman Class.
“When I was younger, and coming up, the class I was a part of glorified drugs, face tats, everything under the book, you know,” he said. “And what I learned as I got older — I’m grateful for the fan base I have. It’s a huge fan base, and the love is real. But I always realized that I never had the fan base of certain peers because I didn’t glorify negativity. I didn’t glorify things that I didn’t stand by, you know.”
He and Tierra’s conversation followed Boat’s polarizing comments on the state of hip-hop, saying it’s “in a terrible place.” “The state of hip-hop right now is a lot of imitation. It’s a lot of quick, low-quality music being put out,” Lil Yachty told Rolling Stone. “It’s a lot less risk-taking, it’s a lot less originality… People are too safe now. I rather take the risk than take the L.”
Does he achieve this on “GIMME DA LITE”? You be the judge.
Check out “Gimme Da Lite” below!