Mac Mikes‘ s “TURNAROUND,” is a lyrical journey of the rise and fall of street life, done with unapologetic honesty by Zay Bang, Lil Yee, and Baby Money. The song’s lyrics give listeners an unapologetic look at the rise and fall of city life.
Zay Bang’s hook on the lines “Its blue tips in this bitch don’t get burnt down” and “I remember being broke I had to stay down” serving as an ode to what it takes to keep going through the adversity that the world often throws your way. His voice is catchy and emotional, perhaps the best moment in the track.
Lil Yee’s verse is a lyrical realism lesson. His couplets, “Money and murder jail time its a lose lose” and “I done took them losses to the chin, I bounce back,” encapsulate the cycle of hardship and determination to escape it. His delivery is raw and impassioned, giving context to the song’s theme.
Baby Money’s verse brings a sense of urgency and drive to the song. His verse, “Load up my Glock about to head shot em / He made millions off that block now the feds got em,” is a bitter reminder of the risks of the hustle. But there is a message of brotherhood and loyalty underlying it all, as he raps, “If I eat then my niggas eat tell em come with me.”
The spontaneous quality of the collaboration is what makes it so compelling. Lil Yee and Baby Money were thrown in as an afterthought, but their rhymes complement Zay Bang’s hook perfectly, and the chemistry between them is both natural and electric. Each of the artists contributes his perspective, but the song sounds cohesive, a testament to the chemistry between them.
Mac Mikes and his fellow writers have crafted a song that is lyrically rich and sonically dense. “TURNAROUND” is a prime example of hip hop’s potential as a storytelling medium.
