Key Glock, Lean Habits | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 15^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz , we highlight “Lean Habits” performed by Memphis rapper, Key Glock. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 15^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2023), we break down “Lean Habits” performed by Key Glock.

“Ayy, y’all go some more ice?” Memphis rapper Key Glock needs that ice for his lean, of course.  Why? He’s got “Lean Habits”! “I got lean habits / I got kinfolk in the trenches, never seen a Patek / Yeah, I was raised by my granny, barely seen my pappy / Yeah, now I’m paid, I got bitches callin’ me daddy.” Come-up and flex ! “Lean Habits” appears as the seventh track on his 2023 album, Glockoma 2. Besides asking for ice, drinking sound effects can be heard during the intro as well – not surprising! Of course, lean is referenced multiple times, including his assertion he has a “Baby bottle full of syrup with no baby, baby,” and later, admits, “I was sixteen, sippin’ lean when I started rappin’, nigga.” With ample lean in the mix, “Lean Habits” also encompasses drip, money, sex – the shallower things in life.

Key Glock keeps those habits brief, at least in terms of the song.  Two-and-a-half-minutes is ample time for him to mention those fast whips, shooters, Wilt Chamberlain (obligatory baller reference), and, I quote, “can’t put my trust up in these bitches, these hoes janky.”  WOO! Besides the hip-hop clichés via Glock’s compelling, easygoing yet assured flow, the production ( RamyOnTheBeat and Oh Ross) fuels the fire. It’s those keys, the warm vocals, and the stuttering drums. Notably, a sample – “Friday” by Laura Groves – ups the ante. Who says trap can’t be classy? At least the instrumental! Lean = BAD while “Lean Habits” = BANGER.

Key Glock • Glockoma 2 • Paper Route EMPIRE • 2023

Key Glock, Lean Habits: Bangerz N Bopz No. 15 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Paper Route EMPIRE; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]