Megan Thee Stallion, New Single Cobra and The Controversial Return of The Original Hot Girl
By B. Sims aka ‘Urban Music Enthusiast’
‘Yes, I’m very depressed, How could somebody so Blessed wanna slit they wrist?’ Sh*t I’d probably bleed out some Pinot when they find me, I'm in Valentino.’
These triggering lyrics among many others, are a lot for listeners to unpack, and were spoken in the first verse of Megan Thee Stallion's new single, entitled ‘Cobra.’ Of note, this song is her first single released since the previous album Traumazine, in August 2022. It's also her first single as an independent artist, without record label representation or budget. The single and upcoming album are self-financed by Hot Girl Productions.
Since her last album release, the world was awaiting the verdict and sentencing of Tory Lanez in relation to a shooting that occurred in July 2020. In December 2022, Tory Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan in July 2020, after leaving a party at Kylie Jenner's home, and in August of 2023, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The lyrics of this new single reflect an ongoing struggle with mental illness masked with substance use disorder and isolation. Listeners could assume this state of mind is a residual effect of the public's reaction to the aforementioned case, but she also hints at missing her parents in the song, which she has historically been very vocal about. ‘Man, I miss my parents, way too anxious, always cancel my plans.’
Megan's Mom, Holly Thomes, passed away in March 2019 after losing her battle with brain cancer. Notably, Megan's Mother was a huge motivation in her rap career, encouraged her to become an emcee, and was her manager until her passing. Megan's Father, Joseph Pete Jr, passed suddenly when she was only 15, and she often referenced him as not only ‘the best day in the world’ but also ‘her first best friend.’
Interestingly, even when unpacking vulnerable and triggering topics like depression, alcoholism, and suicide, Megan's pen remains sharp and the signature storylines and pocket cadence remain intact. A skill she learned from her Mother, who was also a rapper, with the stage name ‘Holly-wood.’
To be a newly orphaned emcee, in a male-dominated industry, while receiving endless hate as an unsupported victim, with little support from peers, while dealing with infidelity from trusted partners- is understandably a very isolating place to be. Isolating and mentally debilitating. And considering the unhealthy coping mechanisms mentioned throughout this track, it makes the isolating place a toxic one as well.
This single was as heavy as it was necessary, and as triggering as it was endearing. Not sure what comes next, but cultivating a supportive inner circle (preferably not on the payroll) and developing healthy coping mechanisms to add to the Hotgirl toolbox will be most beneficial. Many artists use music as an art form of therapy in their toolbox, but adjunct forms such as talk and somatic therapy may be of benefit to her as well. As much as I would like to see Megan continue to sharpen her pen, I would also like to hear lyrical evidence of her healing. As much as I have an understanding of how marketable and lucrative ‘sad rap’ is, I also would like to hear her genuinely happy again.
While I'm looking forward to unparalleled bars, I also hope she does shadow work as she navigates through the 7 stages of grief, in order to achieve a sustainable inner peace before her next project. If they were alive, I would assume her parents would advocate for the management of her mental health and emotional wellness, along with honing her craft and skill set. And I would also argue that the fans care more about witnessing Megan actually doing well than hearing her rap well. There will always be more raps to write, albums to be recorded, concerts to perform, and awards to be nominated for and subsequently won. But it starts with understanding that you are worthy of this place in this industry and labels, fans, critics, or potential partners cannot add to this worthiness, it has to come from within.
Keep writing, Keep rapping, But don't forget to sit still, intermittently, to do the necessary inner work TOO.
-An Unwavering FAN.