I Mean It – G-Eazy ft. Remo
G-Eazy’s track “I Mean It,” featuring Remo, is a powerful declaration of confidence, swagger, and determination. Released in 2014 as part of his debut studio album These Things Happen, the song quickly became a fan favorite due to its bold lyrics and infectious hook. The accompanying music video further amplifies the message of self-assurance, with its unique concept and visual flair. In this article, we’ll explore the themes of “I Mean It,” break down the video’s symbolism, and examine why this song resonated so strongly with audiences.
The Message Behind the Song
At its core, “I Mean It” is a song about self-confidence, ambition, and the pursuit of success. G-Eazy, born Gerald Gillum, delivers verses that showcase his rise in the music industry and his certainty that he’s destined for greatness. The phrase “I mean it” is repeated throughout the track, serving as an affirmation of G-Eazy’s dedication to achieving his goals and living the high life.
From the opening lines, G-Eazy makes it clear that he’s no longer just another up-and-coming rapper. He’s someone who has earned his place in the spotlight. The lyrics reflect his newfound fame and success, but they also hint at the work he’s put in to reach this point. G-Eazy has always been open about his hustle and determination, and “I Mean It” is a prime example of him asserting his place in the industry.
In the hook, performed by Remo, the lyrics, “If I ever said I’m never scared, just know I mean it,” emphasize G-Eazy’s confidence and fearlessness. He’s not afraid of failure or competition. Instead, he embraces the challenges that come with fame and success. The repetition of “I mean it” becomes a mantra, reinforcing the idea that G-Eazy isn’t just talking about success—he’s living it.
Lyrical Themes of Confidence and Bravado
G-Eazy’s lyrics in “I Mean It” are filled with braggadocio and swagger, as he talks about his success, wealth, and status. His verses boast about everything from expensive cars and women to his elevated status in the rap game. However, the tone of the song isn’t just about flaunting material success—there’s a sense of purpose behind G-Eazy’s words. He’s not simply bragging for the sake of it; he’s demonstrating that he’s earned his success through hard work and perseverance.
Lines like, “I told her ‘hop in, let’s roll,’ I got places to go” and “I’m stacking this paper, it’s sort of habitual” underline his business-savvy mindset and focus on growth. He sees his achievements as a result of calculated moves and a relentless drive. G-Eazy’s delivery is smooth and confident, matching the laid-back but self-assured vibe of the track. It’s a performance that reflects the persona he has built—someone who is both effortlessly cool and fiercely ambitious.
The Official Music Video: A Satirical Take on Fame
The music video for “I Mean It” takes an interesting approach to visualize the song’s themes. Set in the style of a news broadcast, G-Eazy plays both the news anchor and himself, with the news report centering around his life and success. The concept plays on the idea that G-Eazy is a larger-than-life figure, so much so that his every move is “newsworthy.” The video also adds a layer of satire, poking fun at how the media often sensationalizes the lives of celebrities.
The video opens with G-Eazy sitting at a news desk, introducing himself as “Gerald” and delivering a mock news segment about his own success. This dual role highlights his awareness of his public image and how the media can shape the narrative around a celebrity. It’s a clever commentary on how fame works in the modern world—everything an artist does, no matter how trivial, can become fodder for headlines and social media.
As the video progresses, we see scenes of G-Eazy performing, surrounded by beautiful women and living a glamorous lifestyle. These visuals reinforce the themes of wealth, success, and confidence present in the song. The news format adds a humorous twist to the typical rap video tropes, making “I Mean It” stand out from other music videos of the time.
In the final moments of the video, G-Eazy breaks the fourth wall, acknowledging that the entire broadcast is a constructed image meant to entertain. This self-awareness adds depth to the video, as it suggests that G-Eazy understands the fine line between reality and performance in the world of fame. The video is not just a celebration of his success, but also a commentary on the artificiality of celebrity culture.
Collaboration with Remo
Remo, a relatively lesser-known artist compared to G-Eazy, delivers the hook on “I Mean It” with a smooth, almost haunting vocal style. His contribution is integral to the song’s success, as the repetitive hook serves as the backbone of the track. Remo’s voice contrasts with G-Eazy’s confident rap verses, adding a melodic element that makes the song more accessible to a broader audience. The collaboration between the two artists works well, with Remo’s hook elevating the overall vibe of the song and helping it stick in listeners’ heads.
Impact and Reception
“I Mean It” was a major success for G-Eazy, both in terms of chart performance and cultural impact. The song peaked at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Its success helped solidify G-Eazy’s place in the hip-hop scene and introduced him to a wider audience.
The song’s confident lyrics and catchy hook resonated with fans, especially those who admired G-Eazy’s rise to fame. For many, “I Mean It” became an anthem of self-assurance, a song that could boost their confidence and motivate them to chase their own dreams. The music video, with its unique concept and blend of humor and commentary, also helped the song stand out in a crowded market.
Conclusion
“I Mean It” is a standout track in G-Eazy’s discography, showcasing his talent for blending confident lyricism with clever visuals. The song’s message of ambition and self-assurance, combined with its infectious hook, made it a hit with fans and helped elevate G-Eazy’s career. The music video’s satirical take on fame adds an extra layer of depth, showing that G-Eazy is not only aware of his own success but also the sometimes absurd nature of celebrity culture. Overall, “I Mean It” is a powerful declaration of confidence that still resonates with listeners today.
You know if I say something I mean it
These things happen
Yeah
If I ever said I’m never scared
Just know I mean it
If I ever said I fucked your bitch
Just know I mean it
Ayy, and if I ever said I’m gettin’ money
Just know I mean it
Ayy, and oh Lord, oh Lord knows
He knows I mean it
Yeah (yeah), you know I mean it
You know I mean it
Ayy, just know I mean it
Ayy, just know I mean it
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
If I say that shit then I mean it
She calls me, I screen it, I’m only fuckin’ if it’s convenient
You lie on pussy, that’s weak shit, we pass pussy ’round, that’s G shit
But you ain’t fam, so what is this we shit?
You cuff yours and then leash it
Listen, I’m tellin’ you, it’s my world, I does what I wish to
If you’re mad, well, too bad, sounds like a personal issue
I walk in, they all stare like who the fuck is this dude?
Kicks game is just rude, don’t get jiu-jitsued
Tunnel visions, I get ahead, stayed solid I never fled
My haters feel like I’m better dead but I’m quite alive getting bread instead
With a better girl, with a better face, I’m in a better place gettin’ better head
I just wanna stay broke forever, yeah, that’s that shit no one ever said
Never scared
Just know I mean it
If I ever said I fucked your bitch
Just know I mean it
Ayy, and if I ever said I’m gettin’ money
Just know I mean it
Ayy, and oh Lord, oh Lord knows
He knows I mean it
Yeah, you know I mean it
You know I mean it
Ayy, just know I mean it
Ayy, just know I mean it
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Signed Gerald, I’m sincere
This year I’m in here, I’ll spell it out to make things clear
And meanwhile your end’s near, I’ve got a lane and I’m in gear
You people wonder who’s next up, that conversation really ends here
You rappers just talk a bunch, stress me out, I chop a dutch
Weak rappers tryna bite the sound, but my style is a lot to munch
I’m more like whiskey neat, and you’re more like vodka punch
“G’s dope, he might blow up, ” think I know, I’ve got a hunch
On my side it’s authentic, you try to stunt but it’s all rented
But you’re dope you got a bad chick, yeah, cool, bro, we all get it
She wears a ring, came through without it
You really think she stay true? I doubt it
‘Cause I’m fucking your girlfriend and there’s nothing you can do about it
If I ever said I’m never scared
Just know I mean it
If I ever said I fucked your bitch
Just know I mean it
Ayy, and if I ever said I’m gettin’ money
Just know I mean it
Ayy, and oh Lord, oh Lord knows
He knows I mean it
Yeah, you know I mean it
You know I mean it
Ayy, just know I mean it
Ayy, just know I mean it
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
You know I mean it
You know I mean it