The Sultry Snake Charmer Strikes Back
In a hypnotizing display of bravado and lyrical dexterity, bombshell rapper Megan Thee Stallion has unleashed her latest single, the fiery diss track “Hiss.” Slithering atop a piano-laced drill beat, the hip-hop femme fatale coils her way around perceived detractors, sinking her verbal fangs into any who dare cross her. Indeed, the self-proclaimed “hot girl coach” seems ready to strike with venom at the slightest provocation.
Oozing confidence in a skin-tight red dress with strategic cutouts, Thee Stallion introduced “Hiss” this week with artwork featuring herself draped by a menacing white serpent. The symbolism is clear – this is one vixen you don’t want to vex. “I just wanna kick this s— off by sayin’ f— y’all,” she raps by way of introduction, making no apologies as she prepares to lay bare her rebuttals. The profanity laced lyrics pull no punches as Thee Stallion addresses those she believes talk too recklessly about her. “Every time I get mentioned, one of y’all bitch-ass n—-s get 24 hours of attention,” she hisses, calling out what she sees as desperate ploys for fame and headlines.
Though coy about naming names directly, subtle references have fans speculating on exactly who the smackdown is aimed towards. Several lines seem to allude to a long simmering tension with fellow chart-topper Nicki Minaj. “I don’t really know what the problem is,” Thee Stallion raps, “But I guarantee y’all don’t want me to start.” She even references “Megan’s Law,” leading some listeners to infer comments about Minaj’s controversial husband Kenneth Petty’s criminal history. Shots undoubtedly fired, but Thee Stallion later teased that her lyrics are open to interpretation. “A hit dog gon’ holler,” she said. “Whoever feel it, feel it.”
Never one to shy away from confrontation, the 28-year-old firecracker has been blazing trails in hip-hop’s male dominated landscape since her 2016 debut mixtape. Though she’s collaborated musically with the likes of Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion in the past, her independent spirit refuses to be overshadowed. The queen of “hot girl summer” wants it known she bows to no one. With three Grammys under her belt for 2020’s provocative hit “Savage,” along with numerous other accolades, her status in the game is undisputed.
Now, as she prepares to drop a new album, Thee Stallion is reclaiming control of her public narrative. “Hiss” comes as the second single off the highly anticipated project, on the heels of January’s female empowerment anthem “Cobra.” If these songs set the tone, audiences can expect more big, bombastic beats layered with the artist’s signature mix of bawdy lyrics extolling body positivity and sexual freedom.
Never content to be just another pretty face peddling tired trends, Megan Thee Stallion has captivated fans with an unapologetic celebration of her voluptuous form combined with a sharp tongue ready to strike at any sign of disrespect. Like the mythical gorgons of ancient Greece, this hip-hop Medusa holds even the boldest gaze in thrall, turning detractors to stone with just one glare from her big brown eyes.
So for those tempted to test her mettle with snide remarks or idle gossip, consider this your warning. Thee Stallion is poised to sink her teeth in deeper than ever before. The venom flows fast and potent. One drop and you’re down for the count. This hip-hop honey will always have the last word. Approach with caution or feel the sting
