Meaning of "MVP" by Russ

The lyrics of "MVP" delve into Russ' journey as an artist and his perspective on the challenges and sacrifices he has made to pursue his dreams. He begins by asserting his commitment to making money by being true to himself and believing in his own potential. The lines between reality and dreams blur as he describes the fatigue and struggle of constantly driving towards success, drawing a parallel to his state of being "half asleep." He invites others to witness his rise in the rap scene, emphasizing his ability to consistently deliver with hooks, beats, and verses. Despite his initial reluctance to sign with a label, Russ contemplates doing so after facing financial pressures, such as his dad asking for gas money and his mom already having spent it. The lyrics highlight the judgment others pass on those facing desperation, but Russ asserts that it only fuels his determination. He sees himself as the coach of his own career, waiting for a sign from God to enter the game and show his skills, comparing himself to a star player waiting on the sidelines. This metaphor emphasizes his confidence and readiness to take the stage.

Russ goes on to express his desire for recognition and greatness, desiring MVP (Most Valuable Player) status rather than being forgotten after death. He likens his life to a game show, where he is constantly buzzing with excitement and making noise, attracting attention from both R&B lovers and fans of his genre-blending music. He aspires for his albums to generate the same buzz as Lil Wayne's "Carter 3" album, hoping to live a life that others can only dream of. However, Russ acknowledges the importance of being cautious about who he includes in his journey, as he recognizes that many people want a free ride instead of contributing to his success. He shares his decision to leave college after just one semester, highlighting that it wasn't the right path for him, despite his mom's initial disappointment. Nevertheless, her witnessing his success firsthand at a concert reassured her and brought understanding to her previously confused emotions.

As the song continues, Russ reflects on the whirlwind of his life and acknowledges that it has led to trust issues. He acknowledges that past relationships and experiences may have contributed to this, but he decides to move on and focus on new things. He asserts his growth and resilience by saying that he has grown wings after staring up at the sky for long enough. He acknowledges that others may try to break him, but he remains steadfast in his pursuit of success. Russ sees himself as an individual who doesn't need others to speak for him, rejecting the notion of being represented by someone else. He desires a vacation where real people live, contrasting it with those who are constantly on vacation but have inflated egos, indicating that they are disconnected from reality. Russ expresses his independence and self-sufficiency by stating that he would be fine without those who doubt him. However, he recognizes that pride makes it difficult for them to accept this truth.

In the latter part of the song, Russ focuses on his reign in the music industry. He takes pride in his accomplishments and confidently asserts his position as the number one artist. He dismisses other rappers who are merely temporary fixtures in the game, while he considers himself to be a long-lasting presence, like a movie compared to a short snippet. He claims that he has the capability to get any rapper on his "hit list" and any dream girl on her "wish list," showcasing his confidence and charisma. Whether he chooses to showcase his rap skills or his ability to sing, he knows how to captivate his audience. Russ also subtly mentions his proximity to Drake, indicating that he is in the same league as other successful artists. He leaves the listener with a cryptic ending, suggesting that there is more to his story that will unfold in the future.

In summary, "MVP" is a self-reflective and assertive song where Russ expresses his determination, resilience, and belief in himself. It explores the challenges of pursuing a career in music, the pressures of the industry, and the sacrifices he has made. The song also touches on personal relationships and the impact of past experiences on his trust issues. Ultimately, "MVP" showcases Russ' confidence in his abilities as he strives for greatness and recognition in the music industry.