Migos' T-Shirt Song: A Deep Dive Into Its Meaning

Migos' T-Shirt is a song from their second studio album, Culture (2017). The song, produced by Nard & B and XL Eagle, features each member of the hip-hop trio rapping about their own unique brand of braggadocio. The lyrics include references to drug dealing, with lines like Mama told me (Ayy) Not to sell work (Mama). The phrase seventeen five, same colour T-shirt is a reference to cocaine prices, implying that buying a kilo for $17,500 means you are high up in the drug trade. The white T-shirt is also linked to the colour of pure cocaine and the attire of drug dealers. The song's music video, directed by DAPS and Quavo, adds to the drug-related imagery with the trio dressed as Arctic hunters in fur and snow boots, riding snowmobiles and practising archery.

'Seventeen five' refers to cocaine prices

"T-Shirt" is a song by American hip-hop group Migos. The song features the lyrics "Mama told me (Ayy) Not to sell work (Mama) Seventeen five, same color T-shirt (White)". "Seventeen five" is a reference to cocaine prices. Buying a kilo for the low price of $17,500 indicates a high status in the drug trade. Jeezy, a rapper, famously dubbed himself "Mr. 17.5".

The "same colour T-shirt" line in the song draws a connection between pure white cocaine and the white T-shirts that are popular with drug dealers. The colour white is associated with both the drug dealers' clothing and the drug itself, which in its purest form is referred to as "fishscale". This term comes from the cocaine's resemblance to small flakes of fish scales.

The term "seventeen five" is used by several rappers when referring to cocaine, including Young Jeezy "Jay Jenkins", Fat Joe, and Migos.

'Same colour t-shirt' refers to white t-shirts worn by drug dealers

In the song "T-Shirt" by the American hip-hop group Migos, the lyric "same colour T-shirt" refers to white T-shirts worn by drug dealers. This lyric draws a connection between pure white cocaine and the white T-shirts that are popular among drug dealers. The colour white is associated with purity and cleanliness, suggesting that the dealers' product is of high quality.

The song includes the line "Mama told me (Ayy) Not to sell work (Mama) Seventeen five, same colour T-shirt (White)", indicating that the narrator, Quavo, is disregarding his mother's advice and engaging in drug dealing. The number "seventeen five" is a reference to the price of cocaine, with one kilo costing $17,500, and suggesting the dealer is high up in the drug trade.

The music video for "T-Shirt" further emphasises the connection between the drug trade and the colour white. Directed by DAPS and Quavo, the video features the trio dressed as Arctic hunters in fur and snow boots, surrounded by snowmobiles, spears, and archery equipment. The white snow-covered landscape evokes the colour of the cocaine, while the fur and snow boots worn by the group could be interpreted as a reference to the luxury and wealth associated with the drug trade.

The song "T-Shirt" is more than just a reference to drug dealing and the colour white; it is also a tribute to the late Atlanta rap icon Shawty Lo, from whom the line "same colour T-shirt" is derived. By interpolating this line into their song, Migos pay homage to Shawty Lo's impact on the Atlanta rap scene and the broader hip-hop culture.

'Mama told me not to sell work' refers to selling drugs

In the song "T-Shirt" by the American hip-hop group Migos, the line "Mama told me not to sell work" refers to Quavo's mother being concerned about her son's trap lifestyle and not wanting him to deal drugs. The song interpolates lyrics from late Atlanta legend Shawty Lo's verse on "I'm Da Man" by D4L. In the original song, Lo raps about buying cocaine at a low price, which implies a high status in the drug trade. The reference to "seventeen five" or $17,500 is the price of a kilo of cocaine. The "same color T-shirt" line draws a connection between the pure white cocaine and the white T-shirts often worn by drug dealers. Despite his mother's advice, Quavo is selling drugs, as indicated by the lyrics "Mama told me (Ayy) Not to sell work (Mama)/Seventeen five, same color T-shirt (White)".

The song, produced by Nard & B and TrenchWerk cohort XL Eagle, showcases each member of Migos rapping their own brand of braggadocio with a stop-and-start flow. The music video, directed by DAPS and Quavo, features the trio dressed as Arctic hunters in fur and snow boots, with snowmobiles, spears, and archery. It was filmed at a mountain range near Lake Tahoe and premiered on Migos' YouTube channel on January 6, 2017. "T-Shirt" peaked in the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100 and has garnered significant popularity on YouTube and Spotify.

The song is a homage to Shawty Lo

The song "T-Shirt" by Migos is a tribute to Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo and his iconic style. Shawty Lo, who passed away in 2016, was known for his unique fashion sense and his love for designer T-shirts. The song's lyrics are a celebration of Shawty Lo's influence on the Atlanta rap scene and his lasting impact on the culture of hip-hop. The line "Shawty Lo, my mentor" is a direct reference to the late rapper, acknowledging his influence on the group and their style. The song is an anthemic and respectful homage, with a catchy chorus and verses that detail the group's own rise and their connection to Shawty Lo's legacy.

The song's title, "T-Shirt," is a direct reference to Shawty Lo's signature accessory. He was often seen wearing designer T-shirts, which became a staple of his wardrobe and his unique sense of style. The T-shirt became a symbol of Shawty Lo's success and influence, and the song pays tribute to that. The group raps about their own success and the luxury items they can now afford, with a focus on the T-shirt as a symbol of their achievements, in the same vein as Shawty Lo. The song also mentions other designer items, but the T-shirt remains the central focus, with the group even rapping about having "a closet full of T-shirts."

Migos' connection to Shawty Lo goes beyond just fashion. Shawty Lo was an influential figure in the Atlanta rap scene and played a mentorship role for many up-and-coming artists, including Migos. He was known for his generosity and support for the community, often giving back and helping those around him. The song "T-Shirt" is a way for Migos to honor his memory and pay respect to someone who had a significant impact on their careers and lives. The group has also spoken about Shawty Lo's influence in interviews, further emphasizing the deep connection and respect they have for him.

The song's release also holds significance. It dropped in 2017, just a year after Shawty Lo's untimely passing. The group may have used the song as a way to process their grief and pay tribute to their mentor and friend. The timing of the song's release adds an extra layer of emotion and significance, showing that Migos wanted to keep Shawty Lo's memory alive and celebrate his legacy in their own way. The group has also performed the song at various shows and events, ensuring that Shawty Lo's name and influence continue to be recognized and celebrated.

"T-Shirt" by Migos is a heartfelt and respectful homage to Shawty Lo, celebrating his life, his style, and his impact on the rap game. The group's lyrics and performance capture the essence of Shawty Lo's influence and keep his memory alive. The song has also become a fan favorite, with many listeners embracing the message and paying their own respects to the late rapper. Migos successfully captured the essence of Shawty Lo in this song, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and influence the hip-hop community.

Through their lyrics and public statements, Migos has made it clear that Shawty Lo played a pivotal role in their artistic journey and personal lives. "T-Shirt" serves not only as a tribute to Shawty Lo's enduring influence but also as a testament to Migos' gratitude and admiration for a mentor who left an indelible mark on their music and their hearts.

The song's video was directed by DAPS and Quavo

The music video for Migos' "T-Shirt" was directed by DAPS and Quavo, one of the members of the hip-hop trio. It premiered on January 6, 2017, via Migos' YouTube channel, and has since garnered 336 million views as of February 2022. The video was filmed at a mountain range near Lake Tahoe and features the trio dressed as Arctic hunters in fur and Versace snow boots, with snowmobiles, spears, and practicing archery, alongside three women. The aesthetic is comparable to the film "The Revenant", with the trio rocking fur in an icy environment.

The song "T-Shirt" is the second single from Migos' second studio album, "Culture" (2017), and was produced by Nard & B alongside their TrenchWerk cohort XL Eagle. It impacted radio on February 14, 2017, and peaked in the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also received critical acclaim, with music critic Simon Reynolds praising it as "vocal alchemy via Auto-Tune, turning profane tales of fast lane life into a holy trance, a choral weave of glistening rap, ecstatic ad libs, and a wordless backing ripple of Gregorian gurgles and droning moans."

The lyrics of "T-Shirt" reference a 2005 lyric by late Atlanta rap icon Shawty Lo from D4L's underground hit "I'm Da Man". In particular, the line "seventeen five, same color T-shirt" has been interpreted as referring to the price of cocaine and the colour of the clothing of cocaine sellers, with pure white cocaine often being associated with white T-shirts.

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