In a bold statement to the masses, along with Paul McCartney, Rihanna and Kanye West hit big with the new debut, “FourFiveSeconds.”
There are various ways to perceive the lyrics. Many say it’s just a “drink and relax” type of song. Surely, it has a mellow, relaxing vibe all its own. Likewise, some say it’s just feel-good music. That’s also possible. But then there are those who question otherwise.
Like, to whom was “all of my kindness is taken for weakness” addressed in Rihanna and Kanye West’s lyrics? Though it’s not definite they’re actually about anyone at all, it — like the other perspectives — is a possibility.
Accordingly, it’s known around the celebrity-relationship circuit that Rihanna is said to be in a “situationship” with Leonardo DiCaprio, and, of course, she and Chris Brown have had their “ins and outs.” Yet, sources still hint at Chris’ affections for her — whenever he and Karrueche split occasionally. Similarly, Kanye West is married to Kim Kardashian-West, but Kim has had her time with Ray J — who is rumored to move onto the very same street as the Wests.
In case you don’t know, Kim and Ray J have a sex tape that was leaked in 2007. Too, there’s now rumor of a possible sex tape development between her and Kanye West. However, so far, that is only rumor.
But to digress, in the song, Rihanna and Kanye West have chances to speak what they feel.
Rihanna’s lyrics state, “I think I’ve had enough. I might get a little drunk. I say what’s on my mind. I might do a little time. Cause all of my kindness is taken for weakness.”
Rolling Stone labels him a “kinder, gentler West.” Yet, Kanye West comes in with his lyrics.
“Woke up an optimist. Sun was shining I’m positive. Then I heard you was talkin’ trash. Hold me back I’m bout’ to spaz.
“If I go to jail tonight, promise you’ll pay my bail. See they want to buy my pride, but that just ain’t up for sale. See all of my kindness is taken for weakness.”
Though the song is mellow and smooth, Rihanna and Kanye West’s lyrics might indicate or suggest some type of slight confrontation. What kind? With whom? Who is testing them by taking their kindness for weakness?
The song’s traffic has been crashing websites all day. Like his wife, Kim Kardashian, it seems like Kanye West can also “break the internet.”
Those who have responded to the song have voiced their opinions all day.
Me trying to listen #FourFiveSeconds while websites are crashing pic.twitter.com/DXaGQA5JeT
— Nisa (@Nisonce) January 25, 2015
You can’t say it sounds like….. Because it sounds like nothing else. It’s standing on its own. #FourFiveSeconds
— Due Chaos (@DruChaos) January 25, 2015
Many agree that the song doesn’t sound like anything Rihanna and Kanye West have released before, whether together or separate. Interestingly enough, they’re known for being musically “different.”
As can be seen from Rihanna’s reaction, there’s plenty buzz happening with the song.
There’s even a landing page, specifically created for Rihanna and Kanye West’s “ FourFiveSeconds .”
Throughout musical history, there are a number of songs which mean one thing but — because of their moods — get totally different audience responses: “Brickhouse” (The Commodores), “The Reaper” (Blue Oyster Cult), “Papa Don’t Preach” (Madonna), “My Sharona” (The Knack), “Slowly, Surely” (Jill Scott), so on and so forth.
Why rule out the possibility that this could be a mellow song about something else as well?
What are your thoughts Rihanna and Kanye West’s new hit? Is this just a mellow song about drinking and relaxing? Or is there more?