The Meaning Behind The Song: White Iverson by Post Malone

The Significance of Post Malone’s White Iverson: A Deeper Look at the Lyrics and Symbolism in the Song

Post Malone burst onto the music scene in 2015 with his now iconic hit “White Iverson.” The song’s catchy chorus, smooth flow, and braggadocious lyrics quickly captivated audiences and propelled the then-unknown rapper to stardom. But beyond its surface-level appeal, “White Iverson” is a song with a deeper meaning and powerful symbolism. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics of “White Iverson” and explore the significance of its message.

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The Inspiration Behind “White Iverson”

The origins of “White Iverson” can be traced back to Post Malone’s time as a high school basketball player in Texas. Malone has spoken in interviews about his love of the game and how it influenced his music. In particular, Malone has cited NBA legend Allen Iverson as one of his biggest inspirations. Malone’s admiration for Iverson is evident in the title of his song, which references the former basketball star’s signature cornrows.

But “White Iverson” isn’t just a tribute to a basketball player. It’s a reflection of Malone’s own journey and struggles as an artist. The song’s lyrics are filled with references to fame, money, and the trappings of success. But amidst the boastful lines, there’s a sense of vulnerability and insecurity that speaks to the challenges that Malone faced as an up-and-coming rapper.

The Lyrics of “White Iverson”

To truly understand the meaning behind “White Iverson,” we need to take a closer look at its lyrics. Let’s break down some of the song’s most impactful lines:

“When I started balling I was young, you won’t think about me when I’m gone”

This line speaks to the fleeting nature of fame and success. Malone is acknowledging that his rise to prominence may be brief and that he may be forgotten once he’s no longer in the spotlight.

“And I’m riding and I’m riding, I’m slipping and sliding”

This line is a reference to Malone’s struggles as an artist. The journey to success is rarely smooth and easy, and Malone is acknowledging the setbacks that he’s faced along the way.

“Saucin’, saucin’, I’m saucin’ on you”

This line has become one of the most iconic in the song, but what does it mean? “Saucin'” is a term that Malone uses to describe his confident and stylish demeanor. By “saucin’ on you,” Malone is asserting his dominance and superiority over his critics and detractors.

“I be ballin’ like my brother, want that ball like brother (Ball like Kobe) yeah”

This line is a direct reference to Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Malone is comparing his own skills and success to those of his brother (who we can assume is also a talented basketball player) and to Bryant himself.

“Seen too many brothers down, I know they want me to see the penitentiary”

This line speaks to the challenges that Malone faced growing up in a tough neighborhood. He’s acknowledging the struggles and dangers that many of his peers faced, and he’s grateful for the opportunities that he’s had to escape that fate.

The Symbolism of “White Iverson”

Beyond its lyrics, “White Iverson” is also a song with powerful symbolism. The title alone is a reference to a basketball player, but it also speaks to the idea of being a “white Iverson” – someone who’s able to succeed in a field where they might not traditionally belong. Malone is a white rapper in a genre that’s dominated by African American artists, and he’s acknowledging the challenges that he’s faced as an outsider.

The concept of the “White Iverson” also speaks to the notion of cultural appropriation – the idea that white artists are appropriating elements of black culture for their own gain. This is a contentious issue in the world of music, and Malone has faced criticism from some who accuse him of appropriating hip-hop culture.

But Malone has defended himself, arguing that he’s simply a fan of hip-hop and that he’s not trying to appropriate anyone’s culture. In an interview with Vibe, he said, “I love hip-hop. I’m not here to appropriate anything. I’m just here to make music and make people feel good.”

The Legacy of “White Iverson”

Five years after its release, “White Iverson” remains a touchstone for Post Malone and for hip-hop as a whole. The song helped to launch Malone’s career and set the stage for his later hits, including “Congratulations,” “Rockstar,” and “Sunflower.”

But beyond its commercial success, “White Iverson” is a song that speaks to the challenges and insecurities of being an artist. Malone’s vulnerability and honesty have resonated with millions of fans, and his success is a testament to the power of music to inspire and connect us.

In the end, “White Iverson” is a song about resilience, determination, and the power of self-belief. It’s a reminder that success is never guaranteed, but that with hard work and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

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