An Illustrated Guide to SremmLife, According to Rae Sremmurd Lyrics

If you want to live like Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, here's what you need to do.

Sep 16, 2016
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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Illustrations by Greg Matesich.

If you enjoy having a good time, you know Rae Sremmurd. Brothers Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee follow in one Southern rap's time-honored traditions of transcribing life’s high notes.

With Atlanta producer Mike WiLL Made-It, Rae Sremmurd have created a sound that is recognizable, though not easily imitated. In the last two years, they’ve landed a deal with Puma (alongside the likes of Kylie Jenner and Rihanna), wrote Beyoncé’s world-stopping single “Formation,” and settled into an L.A. home that serves as the base for their team of collaborators. They also released an excellent sophomore album, SremmLife 2, this summer. On the album, Jxmmi and Swae demonstrate that they're just as comfortable as ever in their own skin, and aren't here to follow anyone’s lead.

If you’re looking for an album that speaks to the resilience and infectious relevance of young black culture, look no further. The storied generational divide in hip-hop is more perception than reality. With 40 years of wear, the photos from Jxmmi and Swae’s Puma Suede campaign could have easily been showcasing the Sremm brothers as a pioneering hip-hop crew affiliated with Kool Herc and the Herculoids.

The SremmLife is timeless, and it has more to do with hip-hop than many golden-era revivalists would like you to believe. That said, living the SremmLife isn’t easy. That’s why we've created this illustrated guide to help you figure out where your life and SremmLife intersect.

Start a Party

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Whether you’re trying to make new friends, impress old ones, or just have the night of your life, Swae and Jxmmi provide all the insight you need to throw the illest party.

Of course, if you’re going to host, you’ve got to look good. Lots of people make the mistake of taking too long to get ready. As Swae puts it, “Give me 20 minutes/Show up in some leather pants.” Stay casual and relaxed, but reach for that special occasion article of clothing. Wearing a classic pair of kicks, like the Puma Suede, is enough to make a statement.

Fancy cars help, too. According to Swae, “Gettin' money my favorite sport/Carrera my favorite Porsche.” If you have access to a dope ride, make sure it’s parked prominently at the entrance.

Look Alive or Don't Bother

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To be called “lifeless” is one of the worst insults imaginable, and Rae Sremmurd knows it. That’s why they’ve devoted themselves to looking alive.

“I'm so far out of sight/Yeah, that sounds about right/Sounds about right,” is Swae Lee’s mantra on “Look Alive.” Don’t focus on appearances; you need to learn to “see past your eyes” if you really want to grasp the concept.

Chill

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Chilling is one of our generation's great pastimes; we all know too well that it’s the perfect activity to pair with Netflix. And who better than Rae Sremmurd and Kodak Black to guide us in chilling?

“Big diamonds on my mouth when I burp/Big rims when I skrt skrt.” Diamonds connotes luxury, and luxury connotes success, which in turn, signifies comfort.

Be Your Own Idol

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The Beatles, many argue, are the greatest band of all time. Gucci Mane—a legend in his own right—anointed Rae Sremmurd the Black Beatles. You do the math.

“That girl is a real crowd pleaser/Small world, all her friends know me/Young bull livin' like an old geezer.” Swae Lee is an old soul, in tune with other generations. But most importantly he knows what pleases a crowd.

Do Yoga

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We all know yoga is great. It strengthens the body, mind, and immune system, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. For Swae and Jxmmi it's also a way to access your inner self. To gain a deeper perspective, dedicate yourself to SremmYoga.

“Know the world can be intimidating/I know the world can be intimidating,” Jxmmi admits. Even though SremmYoga requires you to let go of everything outside of yourself, you never truly forget it. It’s important to stay grounded, and at the same time, embrace all that the world has to offer. 

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