2 Chainz & Statik Selektah - Pops
In a music landscape often dominated by fast trends and short attention spans, 2 Chainz and Statik Selektah take a different route with their latest collaboration, “Pops.” The track stands as a reflective, grounded piece that blends mainstream presence with classic hip-hop sensibilities.
A Collaboration That Makes Sense
At first glance, the pairing might seem unexpected. 2 Chainz is widely recognized for his larger-than-life persona and chart-friendly records, while Statik Selektah has built his reputation on traditional, sample-driven hip-hop production. However, “Pops” proves that the contrast works in their favor.
Statik Selektah provides a soulful, stripped-back instrumental that allows space for storytelling, while 2 Chainz adapts seamlessly, delivering verses that feel more personal than performative.
The core of “Pops” revolves around legacy and personal influence. Rather than focusing on material success, the track explores deeper ideas, family ties, mentorship, and the long-term impact of those who came before us.
This thematic direction gives the record a sense of maturity. It’s less about immediate impact and more about lasting meaning, something that resonates strongly in a genre often criticized for prioritizing surface-level content.
Production That Honors Tradition
Statik Selektah’s production is central to the track’s identity. Built around warm samples and steady drum patterns, the beat reflects a boom-bap foundation while maintaining a modern polish.
There’s a deliberate simplicity in the arrangement:
No overcrowded elements
No unnecessary effects
Just a clean, focused backdrop for the vocals
This approach reinforces the song’s message, ensuring that nothing distracts from the lyrical content.
One of the most notable aspects of “Pops” is how 2 Chainz adjusts his delivery. Known for witty punchlines and high-energy performances, he instead opts for a measured, thoughtful flow.
His verses feel intentional, touching on personal experiences and perspectives that go beyond his usual themes. This shift doesn’t diminish his presence, instead, it adds depth, showing an artist who is comfortable evolving without losing his identity.
“Pops” doesn’t aim to dominate playlists or viral charts. Instead, it offers something more enduring, a track built on respect, reflection, and real-life perspective.
Lyrics
[Intro]
Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And I knew for sure
I was loved
Yeah (Statik Selektah)
If I could get another chance (2 Chainz)
Another walk
Another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
[Verse 1]
I know a lot of men out there don't express themselves ('Selves)
I miss my pops 'cause, to me, he was a hell of a man (Yeah)
He taught me to box, cook and shoot at a can
Don't know if I can drive the LaGrange (Again)
I went to my father' father house, popped up (Popped up)
I asked my granddad, "Was my dad locked up?"
He said he went to court, they kept him, wouldn't let him go home
Now I'm out here all alone (Again)
It wasn't the first time, ain't crying over spilled milk (Milk)
Holler at me when you settle, what you need pimp? (Pimp)
I'm getting older now, I'm just trying to build with you
I can't wait till I can chill with you (Again)
You gave me your release date, I'm coming to get you (Yeah)
Black Expedition, me, my mama, and Kesha (Kesha)
Told pops, "You staying with me," and he thought about it (Yeah)
Got him a suit, cell phone and got him a whip
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[Interlude]
Back when I was a child
So from this point on
Before life removed all the innocence
I picked my pops up from prison, he like in his 60's bruh
I'm like, "You're staying with me from here on out"
My father would lift me high
I got my crib, I got everything
I got a little motion, not a lot of motion, I'm still hustling
And I knew for sure
So, you know it's one of the best moments of my life
I was loved
Because I'm able to see him everyday
I'm able to build with him directly and indirectly
If I could get another chance
Know what I'm saying? But, pops start hanging with my homeboys a lot
Another walk
He in the crew or whatever
They like, "You know your pops out here hustling, right?"
Another dance with him
I'm like, "what, pop juggin' it?''
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
Man like, "Pop juggin it," I'm like, "Oh my God"
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
[Verse 2]
So I got a pack (Got a pack), pop got a pack (Got it back)
I had bought him the Ford, he traded it for the Cadillac
Asked him, "Why did you do that for?" He tried to buck back
You can't get years and them months back (Again)
Only get one life, that's only right
Got surgery in Montgomery, came back and lost his appetite
I can't explain it, something just ain't right
He told me, "I'll be alright," but something ain't alright (Again)
Called the ambulance, I should've came with you
But at the hospital I told you I'd hang with you
Give me a pillow and some covers, I'm staying with you
You know your number one fan with you (Again)
Oxygen levels low, I hear a beep sound (Sound)
Nurses come in, tell me to get out (Out)
You should've saw me, I was 'bout to freak out
Pop's passed right in front of me, it's hard to think about
[Interlude]
Back when I was a child
So I was in there by myself
Really the nurses went in and they, they, they did that
Before life removed all the innocence
CPR shock, they do that shock thing, boom
My father would lift me high
And she come out and I say, "Go back in
And I knew for sure
You know what I'm saying, try to get him again"
I was loved
She said, "we already broke two of his ribs"
I was like, "I don't care"
If I could get another chance
She said, "I lost my father too," you know what I'm saying
She tell me like, basically it's going to be alright
Another walk
I ain't even want to hear that shit
Another dance with him
I'm like, "Yo, go zap him again"
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
I said, "Bring him back," but you know
How I'd love, love, love
Just teaches you life lessons on how life go
How you got to keep going, keep pushing
To dance with my father again
[Outro]
Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again
