The Meaning Behind The Song: Stir Fry by Migos

Hip hop group Migos released their hit song “Stir Fry” on December 20, 2017, as part of their third studio album, “Culture II.” The song quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike, peaking at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the catchy beat and infectious melody of the song are not the only things that make it stand out. In this article, we explore the meaning behind “Stir Fry” and the implications it has in the wider hip hop scene.

The Origin of “Stir Fry”

The idea behind “Stir Fry” came from a conversation between Quavo, one of the members of Migos, and basketball player LeBron James. The two were discussing the process of creating great music and how it mirrors cooking in some ways. Quavo later explained in an interview with Genius: “We listen to beats like we in a kitchen, we whip up different things. We on pots and pans, what’s cooking? Stir Fry.”

The Lyrics of “Stir Fry”

The lyrics of “Stir Fry” center around the idea of cooking up a hit song, using the metaphor of cooking food as the process of creating great music. Quavo leads off the chorus:

In the kitchen, wrist twistin’ like it’s stir fry (Whip it)
Hold them bands down, hold your mans down (Hold it down)
Who told you to come around? (Who?)
It’s that trap sound, hauntin’ the airwaves (Airwaves)

The chorus is followed by verses from each of the Migos members: Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset. Each verse expands on the theme of the song, with Takeoff’s verse emphasizing the group’s success and Offset’s verse highlighting the financial rewards of their work.

The Significance of “Stir Fry”

“Stir Fry” is significant for two reasons. Firstly, it highlights the process of creating hit songs. As Quavo said, making music is like cooking in a kitchen – it requires skill, creativity, and the right ingredients. Migos are known for their ability to produce catchy, melodic rap songs with strong beats and memorable hooks, and “Stir Fry” is no exception.

Secondly, the song is significant in the context of hip hop culture. In recent years, hip hop has become increasingly associated with cooking metaphors, particularly those related to drug dealing. This has been criticized as encouraging negative stereotypes and glorifying illegal activities. By using cooking metaphors to describe the process of creating music, Migos offer a different perspective on the association between cooking and hip hop.

FAQs

1. What inspired Migos to write “Stir Fry”?

“Stir Fry” was inspired by a conversation between Quavo and basketball player LeBron James. The two were discussing the process of creating great music and how it mirrors cooking in some ways. Quavo later explained in an interview with Genius: “We listen to beats like we in a kitchen, we whip up different things. We on pots and pans, what’s cooking? Stir Fry.”

2. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Stir Fry”?

The lyrics of “Stir Fry” center around the idea of cooking up a hit song, using the metaphor of cooking food as the process of creating great music.

3. Why is “Stir Fry” significant in the hip hop community?

“Stir Fry” is significant because it offers a different perspective on the association between cooking and hip hop. The song uses cooking metaphors to describe the process of creating music, rather than drug dealing, which has become increasingly associated with hip hop in recent years.

4. What does “trap sound” mean in the chorus of “Stir Fry”?

The term “trap” originated in Atlanta in the 1990s to describe the lifestyle and culture of drug dealers. In the context of “Stir Fry,” the “trap sound” refers to the genre of trap music, which is characterized by its use of heavy bass, sharp drums, and dark, melancholy melodies.

5. Who produced “Stir Fry”?

“Stir Fry” was produced by Pharrell Williams, who is known for his work as both a musician and a producer. Williams has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Jay-Z to Justin Timberlake, and is a respected figure in the music industry.

6. How successful was “Stir Fry”?

“Stir Fry” was a commercial and critical success for Migos. The song peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and was praised by critics for its catchy beat and playful lyrics.

7. What message does “Stir Fry” send to the broader music industry?

“Stir Fry” sends a message that creativity and hard work are essential for creating great music. By using cooking metaphors to describe the process of making music, Migos offer a fresh perspective on the association between cooking and hip hop.

8. What are the implications of using cooking metaphors to describe music?

Using cooking metaphors to describe music has the potential to challenge negative stereotypes associated with hip hop, particularly those related to drug dealing. By emphasizing the creative process involved in making music, rather than the lifestyle associated with selling drugs, Migos offer a different perspective on what it means to be a hip hop artist.

9. What other songs have Migos released?

Migos have released a number of popular songs in addition to “Stir Fry.” Some of their most famous songs include “Bad and Boujee,” “Versace,” and “Walk It Talk It.”

10. What impact has “Stir Fry” had on the wider hip hop scene?

“Stir Fry” has had a significant impact on the wider hip hop scene, both in terms of its lyrical themes and its production. The song’s emphasis on creativity and hard work in the music-making process has been praised by many as a refreshing change from the negative stereotypes associated with hip hop.

11. What is the significance of Pharrell Williams producing “Stir Fry”?

Pharrell Williams is a respected figure in the music industry, known for his work as both a musician and a producer. His involvement in producing “Stir Fry” adds to the song’s significance and has helped to cement its place in the wider hip hop canon.

12. What does Migos’ success with “Stir Fry” say about the current state of hip hop?

Migos’ success with “Stir Fry” is indicative of the current state of hip hop, which is characterized by a growing diversity of styles and sounds. The group’s ability to mix catchy melodies with hard-hitting beats is emblematic of the way in which hip hop has evolved in recent years, embracing new influences and sounds while remaining true to its roots.