On May 9, 2022, Atlanta rapper Young Thug was arrested and jailed on RICO charges along with 27 other affiliates of his record label, Young Stoner Life (YSL). Despite being denied bond time and time again, Thug wasn't about to let the system stop his hustle. On June 23, 2023, he dropped a surprise bomb on the streets: his third album, Business Is Business.
The opening track, "Parade on Cleveland," sets the stage for the wild ride that lies ahead. It's a smooth entry point into the madness that awaits in the rest of the record.
Drake kicks off the track, spitting fire from Thug's perspective. He's all about loyalty, but he's got a warning for those snakes lurking in the shadows. Once Thugga is fresh out "the box" (prison), those backstabbers better watch out because street justice is coming their way.
Now, let's talk about Gunna, one of Thug's right-hand men and a frequent collaborator. Unfortunately, he got caught up in the legal web too. In December 2022, Gunna made a tough choice and took a plea deal. It landed him a five-year sentence, but with one year already served and four years suspended. On top of that, he had 500 hours of community service to tackle.
But here's the kicker: Gunna had to spill some beans to secure that deal. The prosecution wanted him to affirm that YSL, the record label they're all a part of, is more than just music. They wanted to pin criminal activities on the crew, including Young Thug himself. It's a sticky situation that implicates his co-defendants, and Gunna now finds himself a pariah in the rap game.
Drake's verse, with its subtle threats and hidden meanings, has many speculating it's aimed right at Gunna. It's a warning shot, a reminder that crossing paths with the wrong crowd can lead to some dangerous consequences. The rap game is a jungle, and loyalty is everything. Gunna's choices have set him on a different path, one filled with isolation and distrust.
Drake keeps the flow going, staying in Thug's shoes on the chorus. He's all about throwing a grand celebration in his community once he's finally free. But hold up, there's a little twist here. The song title might not be a direct reference to Cleveland, Ohio. Drake actually drops the line, "Parade on Bleveland soon as I get home."
Let's break it down. Drake swaps out the proper street name, Cleveland Avenue, with "Bleveland." And there's a deeper meaning to it. Cleveland Avenue holds significance in Atlanta, Young Thug's hometown, and both the rapper and YSL crew have strong connections to it. But why the change in name?
Well, some say it's a nod to the street's affiliation with the Bloods, a well-known street gang. Allegedly, YSL has ties to this gang, and "Bleveland" recognizes the territory as a part of their world.
Before Thug's verse, a voice recording plays indicating that a phone call is coming in from Cobb County Adult Detention Facility. Then, during a conversation between Drake and Thug, the incarcerated rapper talks about "pushing Peter." This isn't your everyday slang. While "Peter" might have some old-school connotations referring to one's manhood, that isn't what Thugga's getting at here. You see, Gunna had a banger of a track in 2022 called "
P Power," which became his signature anthem. So when Thug mentions "pushing Peter," it's likely a sneaky diss aimed at Gunna.
Thug's verse, laid down over that jail phone line, is all about flexing his prowess with the ladies. But there's more to it than just that. The imprisoned MC seizes the moment to assure his loyal fans that he's still the boss. With confidence in his voice, he declares, "Yeah, the big dog coming back." It's a statement that echoes his belief in making a swift exit from that jail facility.
Young Thug and Drake have collaborated several previous times, including the #1 hit single "
Way 2 Sexy" alongside Future.
Metro Boomin created the R&B influenced beat with Zinobeatz, Kid Masterpiece and David x Eli.
