The Meaning Behind The Song: Panda by Desiigner

The Rise and Meaning Behind Desiigner’s “Panda”: From Brooklyn to the Billboard Charts

Table of Contents

Introduction

In 2016, a relatively unknown rapper from Brooklyn named Desiigner released a song that would catapult him into the music industry spotlight. The song was “Panda”, a banger that quickly climbed the charts and earned Desiigner a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. With its catchy beat and memorable lyrics, “Panda” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. But what’s the story behind the song? What does “Panda” actually mean? In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning and history of “Panda”, and explore how it became one of the most iconic rap songs of our time.

The History of “Panda”

Desiigner first gained widespread attention in 2015 with his mixtape “Zombie Walk”. But it wasn’t until a few months later, in December 2015, that he would create the hit that would turn him into a household name. “Panda” was originally released as a single on SoundCloud, and quickly gained traction on the platform. It didn’t take long for the song to catch the attention of Kanye West, who signed Desiigner to his record label, GOOD Music. From there, “Panda” was released commercially, and the rest is history.

What “Panda” Means: Breaking Down the Lyrics

At first glance, “Panda” might seem like a meaningless string of words. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see that there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Let’s break down some of the key lyrics in the song, and explore what they mean.

“Black X6, Phantom
White X6 look like a panda”

The opening lines of the song introduce us to Desiigner’s flashy, luxurious lifestyle. The “Black X6, Phantom” and “White X6” are both high-end BMW models, known for their sleek look and powerful engines. When he says they “look like a panda”, he’s referring to the cars’ two-tone color scheme, which resembles the black-and-white fur of a panda.

“Selling bar, candy
Man, I’m the macho like Randy”

In these lines, Desiigner reveals that he’s a drug dealer. “Bar” and “candy” are both street names for various types of drugs, and he’s boasting about his prowess in the trade. The reference to Randy Savage, a professional wrestler from the 80s and 90s, is a nod to Desiigner’s own aggressive, larger-than-life persona.

“I got broads in Atlanta
Twistin’ dope, lean, and the Fanta”

One of the most memorable lines in the song, this refers to Desiigner’s connections in Atlanta, where he has women (“broads”) who help him sell drugs. “Twistin’ dope” means preparing drugs for sale, while “lean” and “Fanta” are both code names for a popular drug cocktail made from prescription cough syrup and soda.

The Impact of “Panda”

When “Panda” was released, it quickly became a sensation. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and earned Desiigner a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Its impact went beyond just the music industry, though. The song became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless memes, parodies, and remixes. Its catchy hook (“I got broads in Atlanta…”) became a ubiquitous catchphrase, and everyone from elementary school kids to NBA players was singing along.

The Controversies Surrounding “Panda”

While “Panda” was undeniably a massive success, it wasn’t without its controversies. One of the biggest was the accusation that Desiigner was copying the style of another rapper, Future. Critics pointed to the fact that Desiigner’s flow and ad-libs were strikingly similar to Future’s, and accused him of lacking originality. Desiigner, for his part, denied the allegations and insisted that he was doing something new and unique.

Another controversy had to do with the sample used in the song. The distinctive beat that runs through “Panda” is actually taken from a song called “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2” by Kanye West, which was included on his album “The Life of Pablo”. Some argued that Desiigner should have given West more credit for the use of the sample, while others felt that it was fair game since West signed Desiigner to his label.

Conclusion

In the end, there’s no question that “Panda” was a massive hit. Its infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and memorable ad-libs made it a staple of pop culture for years to come. And while there were certainly controversies surrounding the song, it’s hard to deny its impact on the rap world and beyond. As for Desiigner himself, he’s continued to put out music since “Panda”, but hasn’t quite been able to replicate the success of his breakout hit. Regardless, he’ll always be remembered as the guy who made us all scream “I got broads in Atlanta!” at the top of our lungs.