Rockstar – An analysis of the hit song by Post Malone Ft. 21 Savage

By: Brandon Ben

By now, you’re probably familiar with Post Malone – the braided, bearded, and grilled faced rapper, singer, songwriter, guitarist, it goes on. And if you’re familiar with Post, you know “Rockstar” the chart-topping hit featuring 21 Savage. Whether you like it or hate it, the track is popular, and so is Post. But what’s underneath all of that auto tune? Beneath that beat is poetic genius. I intend to go deep into the words of Post Malone, revealing his literary genius.

I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies

Man, I feel just like a rockstar

Post Malone has definitely “made it,” and that is what he seems to be articulating with these lyrics. The “rockstar” has always been a sort of enigmatic figure, and Post is playing that role in real life. It seems simplistic but Post is touching on some classic characteristics of rock music: women and drug use. But he states, I feel like a rockstar, so perhaps, he’s questioning whether or not he is in fact a rockstar? What do the rest of his lyrics say?

Switch my whip, came back in black

I’m startin’ sayin’, “Rest in peace to Bon Scott”

Close that door, we blowin’ smoke

She ask me light a fire like I’m Morrison

Bon Scott – obviously a reference to the former member of AC/DC. Morrison seems to be Jim Morrison of the Doors. Perhaps Post Malone is paying homage to famous rock stars? His verse also contains more rockstar references.

Dude, your girlfriend is a groupie, she just tryna get in

Sayin’, “I’m with the band”

With this snippet, Post Malone brings up the term “groupie,” a word synonymous with rockstars from all eras.

The rest of the track contains a verse by 21 Savage (definitely not a rockstar), followed by multiple choruses. The track ends with Post repeating “rockstar” over and over again. So, is Post Malone a rockstar, or does he want to be one? In reality, Post Malone actually grew up playing guitar in rock bands before he made the transition to rap music. “Rockstar” is not Post Malone gloating about success. He even states “I feel just like a rockstar,” he doesn’t claim to be one! Post is showing his true self; he grew up listening to rock and dreaming of being a rockstar. But, he is not a Rock Star, yet. Will post shift genres in the near future? Only time will tell.

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