“Off the Grid” is the eighth track on Kanye West’s 2021 album ‘Donda.’ The song features vocals by Playboi Carti and Fivio Foreign. In the song, Kanye sings about being off the grid, away from the limelight, for the sake of his children, and Carti sings about reconciling his absence in his child’s life.
‘Donda’ is Kanye West’s tenth studio album released on August 29, 2021, after being teased and delayed multiple times. Kanye West held two listening parties for the album at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta leading up to the album release, and the third party in Chicago. This track was played at the second listening party.
Onyx Kelly is the name of Playboi Carti’s son with the singer Iggy Azalea. The two of them dated from 2018 to 2020 and broke up in a massive public feud where Iggy claims that Carti missed the birth of his son to play PlayStation games with his friend and fellow collaborator Lil Uzi Vert. It is also rumored that Carti refused to sign Onyx’s birth certificate as his father. However, in the song, Carti seemed to have reconciled matters with Onyx, at least.
Listen to “Off the Grid” by Kanye West Ft. Playboi Carti & Fivio Foreign
“Off the Grid” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Chorus
In the hook of the song, Kanye West sings about going off the grid for the sake of his peace of mind and for his kids. Going off the grid often signifies staying off the limelight, out of the conversation, off of social media, and the works. In 2018-2019, Kanye West relocated to Wyoming from California, initially to focus on his music. He grew more and more in love with the peace of mind Wyoming offered and moved his family there, too. In these lyrics, Kanye claims that this is also a move for the future of his children.
Verse 1
In the first verse of the song, Kanye sings about getting off the trenches thanks to God’s will. He credits the successes in his life to God. He also knows one of the reasons why he has become so successful is because he always spoke his mind. Bitter or sweet, the truth always wins. This attracted lines and lines of people to his concerts. This success dug his way out of the trenches and was able to buy his kids a better future. They will never have to go through what Ye went through.
Verse 2
In the second verse by Playboi Carti, the rapper seems to sing about reconciling matters with his son Onyx Kelly. On top of this, he talks about his tattoos and his love for Rolls Royce luxury cars.
Verse 3
The third verse begins with Fivio Foreign reminiscing the time he spent in jail. He recalls the simple routine of waking up, eating, working out, sleeping, and repeat. He thanks anyone and everyone who supported him during these low times.
Fivio also talks about how easy it is to grab the attention of the devil that can come in many forms. Even people who drink together with you can easily turn on you. However, he persists because of his wealth, heart, brain, and his work ethic.
But my pockets bigger and my heart richer (Uh)
My mind smarter, my grind harder
He knows people who sell their souls for a social media repost. Clout is the name of the game these days and one has to be smarter to not fall into these devilish traps.
Fivio also thanks God for everything He has done for the successes in his life. He knows he has been graced by His blessings through highs and lows.
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