Some would say, Bills ain’t bossing you (I.t.c.h.) was written with clear 2020 vision. In the United States, the country seems to be more divided as the Presidential election draws near. In response to the global pandemic, tensions are high due to months of quarantine and practicing social distancing. Protesting has escalated after the killings of Ahmad Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor just to name a few and frustration grows as many citizens continue to blame police for misconduct and abuse of power. The economy has taken a hit and many people are out of work, or have lost income with little to no assistance, while big corporations have been bailed out by the government. Many people are left to fend for themselves, and figuring out how to adjust and survive in the new world, post pandemic.

Produced by Eric G (Soul Council), One Be Lo’s first verse describes the pandemic as feeling like a “fish stuck in a bowl.” While looking for different ways to change his element, the clock is ticking. Some people are still flashing, while others are out here selling their souls to stay relevant. As the verse points out that politicians are able to be corrupted, he mentions, “You need more than campaigns to get us to vote.” People are looking for major changes, especially in response to the pandemic but overall due to many things coming to light in 2020 vision. Freeways verse explains the pain going on in America’s urban areas. Speaking from experience, while he was in the studio writing this verse, he received a phone call that one of his friends was killed by another so called friend. People die and life goes on, while the survivors are left trying to figure out the best way to cope.

The cover art is a photograph of One Be Lo aka Nahshid Sulaiman and a fellow inmate taken 25 years ago on the same day of this song being released, 9/29/95. The photograph was taken in prison. The pic was chosen as a reminder because we were behind bars for doing some of the things this song talks about. It reminded me of how folks are trying to figure out what they are going to do to make money, and how bad choices can land you behind bars or maybe even turn fatal. In the chorus, the question is rhetorical. “What you gonna do in the city? What you gonna do about money? Easy to get locked up in a life of sin and shame.” The message here is, in the midst of all the tension and drama, use your brain and think smart. Make good decisions. There’s a lot on the line during this election year, but also in general.