[A$AP Rocky:]
Niggas pistol-poppin’ like it’s 1999
I was nine, maybe ten, then again, never mind
Press rewind, back in time
Before rappers droppin’ dimes
Trap or die, choppin’ pies
With clichés all in they rhymes
Now it’s Gucci, Prada and anything designer
Money, power, the whole enchilada
Commas, dollas, the greens and the guava (oh)
They serve you to your flocka
If you disrespect that blocka, blocka
Choppas on eavesdroppers
Fuck these choppas, I’m about it
Grindin’ like 2Pac or Biggie Poppa
Yeah, you outer, but I’m hotter
Car jackin’, pistol-packin’
Mothafuckin’ choppers clappin’
Metal jacket, automatic magazines, head-on traffic
Fenders smashin’, windows crashin’
Pants saggin’, fuck your fashion
Yeah, a nigga run Manhattan
Back in Cali’s where it happen
They fit Gucci, Escada and anything designer
Groupies, poppers, they all gonna swallow
It was probably the robbers
The goons and the goblins (oh)
They hatin’ a lot, medulla oblongata
From New York to San Andreas
And all around the world
Going back to Cali
Going back to Cali
New York to San Andreas
I’m screaming, “Fuck the world!”
I’m going back to Cali
Going back to Cali (Uh)
[Aston Matthews:]
Nigga, what’s brackin’? I’m really out here boolin’ on the West Side, you know what I’m sayin’?
West, you know what I mean?
Yeah, just seen a Camino, know what I mean?
Just bein’ careful out here
Lookin’ out for the enemies
Cuz, you already know how we get down, cuz
Fuck killin’ these, cuz, I’m on the set, cuz
We killin’ everything, anything movin’
Shit, I’m shootin’ at niggas on the sight, cuz
You already know, yeah
I’ve caught you slippin’, y’all can be back, nigga
He ain’t copped that, fuck that, Blood
Niggas slippin’ on the cuz, cuz
I had to make that happen with this solo
[A$AP Rocky:]
Maserati, like Atari
With no car keys, push to start it
New Bugatti, two Bugattis
Testarossa, blue Ferrari
Lamborghini, system bumpin’
Me no worried; Rastafari
This the hardest, supersonic
Systematic, too retarded
New Versace, new apartment
Bigger closet, newer carpet
Hit departments, cooler garments
Set my goal up, new accomplish
Shootin’ targets, you the target
Movin’ targets, new accomplice
Killed the game and still regardless
Beat the charges, do the honors
Returning to Roots: “R-Cali” Explored
“R-Cali” by ASAP Rocky is a bold homage to the gritty realities and cultural shifts between New York and California. The song’s narrative paints a vivid picture of Rocky’s early memories, referencing the era of late ’90s hip hop and the ongoing hustle of street life. Through rapid-fire verses, Rocky intertwines nostalgia for a past marked by struggle with the present-day trappings of success—designer brands, fast cars, and fame. The duality of nostalgia and ambition is palpable, as he juxtaposes memories of “pistol-poppin'” and “trap or die” with the extravagance of new wealth.
Urban Storytelling and Bravado
The track features a gritty cameo from Aston Matthews, reinforcing the West Coast vibe and streetwise authenticity. Together, their verses capture both the danger and allure of urban life, revealing pride in their origins while acknowledging the relentless pursuit of status and survival. The recurring theme of “going back to Cali” serves as both a literal and metaphorical homecoming, celebrating the influence of both coasts on Rocky’s journey.
Song Credits
Artist: ASAP Rocky
Featured artist: Aston Matthews
Release Year: 2013
Label: ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, RCA Records