Fetty Wap’s breakout hit “Trap Queen” became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2014, blending an infectious melody with raw depictions of street life. The song celebrates love and loyalty within the context of a hustler’s lifestyle, painting a vivid picture of a romantic partnership thriving amidst an illegal drug trade.
The track’s massive success was undeniable, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for weeks. Its commercial appeal, fueled by its catchy hook and relatable themes of ambition and devotion, made Fetty Wap a household name and cemented “Trap Queen” as one of the defining songs of its era.
This article dives into the meaning behind “Trap Queen,” examining the lifestyle it references, and unpacking key slang terms. Along the way, we’ll explore concepts like the “bando,” the significance of “1738,” and what it means to “cook pies.”
Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen” Video (2014)
“Trap Queen” Lyrics Meaning
Fetty Wap uses “Trap Queen” to narrate a love story set against the backdrop of drug culture. The song mixes romantic devotion with the high-risk, high-reward nature of hustling, employing vivid imagery and slang to convey a gritty yet glamorous lifestyle.
What is “1738?”
In the intro to “Trap Queen,” and in many other Fetty Wap songs, “1738” refers to Fetty Wap’s crew, the Remy Boyz, named after Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac, a premium brand of liquor. The term acts as both a signature shoutout and a marker of the group’s luxurious aspirations.
Refrain
I’m like “Hey, what’s up? Hello” (Ayy)
Seen yo pretty ass soon as you came in the door
I just wanna chill, got a sack for us to roll
Married to the money, introduced her to my stove
Showed her how to whip it, now she remixin’ for low
She my trap queen, let her hit the bando
We be countin’ up, watch how far them bands go
We just set a goal, talkin’ matchin’ Lambos
At 56 a gram, 5 a hundred grams though
Man, I swear I love her, how she work the damn pole
Hit the strip club, we be lettin’ bands go
Everybody hatin’, we just call them fans, though
In love with the money, I ain’t never lettin’ go
The refrain establishes the central dynamic of the song: Fetty Wap introduces us to his “trap queen,” a partner who not only shares his affection but also his business ambitions. He teaches her how to “whip” (a term for cooking crack cocaine), symbolizing her integration into the hustling world.
Together, they count money (“bands”) and set goals, emphasizing their shared commitment to success, no matter how unconventional.
What is the “Bando?”
The phrase “let her hit the bando” refers to the bando, or abandoned house, where illegal drugs are often produced and distributed. This line underscores her active role in their enterprise. Rather than being a passive participant, the “trap queen” is Fetty’s equal in ambition and execution.
Chorus
And I get high with my baby (My baby)
I just left the mall, I’m gettin’ fly with my baby, yeah
And I can ride with my baby (My baby)
I be in the kitchen cookin’ pies with my baby, yeah
And I can ride with my baby (My baby)
I just left the mall, I’m gettin’ fly with my baby, yeah
And I can ride with my baby (My baby)
I be in the kitchen cookin’ pies
In the chorus, Fetty Wap describes their bond outside the “bando,” blending moments of intimacy with indulgence. They ride together, shop together, and cook “pies” in the kitchen. Cooking pies is slang for preparing crack cocaine, reinforcing the fusion of love and hustle that defines their relationship.
Verse 1
I’m like, “Hey, what’s up? Hello”
I hit the strip with my trap queen, ’cause all we know is bands
I just might snatch up a ‘Rari and buy my boo a Lamb’
I just might snatch her a necklace, drop a couple on a ring
She ain’t wantin’ for nothin’ because I got her everything
It’s big ZooWap from the bando
Remind me where I can’t go
Remy Boyz got the stamp though
Count up hella them bands though
Boy how far can your bands go?
Fetty Wap, I’m livin’ fifty thousand K how I stand though
If you checkin’ for my pockets I’m like…
This verse focuses on the rewards of their lifestyle. Fetty Wap describes showering his trap queen with luxuries like cars, jewelry, and a comfortable life. Phrases like “snatch her a necklace” and “buy my boo a Lamb'” depict their rise from adversity, with money acting as the ultimate measure of success.
Here, the line “big ZooWap from the bando” doubles down on Fetty Wap’s self-assurance and pride in his roots. By referencing the bando repeatedly, he connects his current wealth to the sacrifices and risks taken in the drug game.
Verse 2
I be smokin’ dope and you know Backwoods what I roll
Remy Boyz, Fetty eatin’ shit up, that’s fasho
I’ll run in ya house, then I’ll fuck your ho
‘Cause Remy Boyz or nothin’
Re-Re-Remy Boyz or nothin’, yeah
In the second verse, Fetty reaffirms his identity as a Remy Boy, a member of his crew associated with RGF Productions. While this section briefly mentions more indulgent behaviors like smoking weed (“Backwoods”) and flaunting dominance, it ultimately reiterates the tight-knit loyalty between Fetty Wap and his trap queen. Together, they’ve built a lucrative enterprise while dismissing outsiders or haters.
Closing Thoughts
“Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap encapsulates the intersection of love and ambition within the trap lifestyle. By fusing gritty realities with moments of joy and connection, Fetty Wap crafts a narrative that’s both romantic and unapologetically raw. The song’s success lies in its ability to make the hustler’s world relatable while celebrating the unbreakable bond between two people striving for success together.
