Old School Lyrics – Illy

Old School Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
Illy hypes up the song, giving a shoutout to his crew and setting the old-school vibe.

[Verse 1]
Illy takes us back to his childhood, reminiscing about the simple joys of growing up. He recalls playing classic street games, collecting snap bands, and trading Pokémon cards, though he lost interest when he started drinking his first alcoholic premix. He talks about how money seemed like a big deal as a kid—saving up from his paper route to buy a fireball yo-yo or the much-anticipated Nintendo 64. Video games were a big part of his youth, from *NBA Live ’95* on the Sega Mega Drive to newer consoles like Xbox. He mentions his approach to gaming, preferring skill over button-mashing, but jokes that he hasn’t played in a while. Despite growing up, his love for games and old habits never fades. He embraces his past, leading into the song’s hook.

[Chorus]
Illy proudly calls himself “old school,” emphasizing his deep connection to the classic hip-hop sound and culture. He raps over soul-sampled beats, a style commonly associated with golden-age hip-hop. The repetition in the chorus reinforces the idea that even as times change, he stays true to the music and lifestyle he grew up with. His love for old-school rap and nostalgia for simpler times is the heart of the song. He’s not trying to chase trends—he’s sticking to what he knows and loves. The hook is catchy and drives home the theme of appreciating the past while still moving forward.

[Verse 2]
Illy shifts from childhood memories to teenage experiences. He recalls wild summer breaks, where school felt like a prison they had escaped from. His summers were full of adventures—bus trips, beach parties, and house parties where they’d drink, smoke, and hook up. He laughs at how guys would give girls just one digit instead of a full phone number, and if a guy managed to impress a girl, he’d act like it was a huge deal.

Music played a big role in shaping his youth. He idolized artists like Tupac, Biggie, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z, not just for their music but also for their tough, rebellious image. He admits that their lyrics about weed and partying influenced him and his friends, even though their version of “blunts and bottles” was much more low-budget—just a six-pack and a simple pipe.

He reflects on the innocence of youth, where everything felt exciting and new. He remembers getting high for the first time, sharing with a girl, and thinking he was being a gentleman. The memories are a mix of fun and regret, as he admits he smoked so much he forgot parts of the past but still carries the emotions with him.

He gives a shoutout to the places and people from his teenage years—station hangouts, backyard parties, and local landmarks. These were the spots where they lived their youth to the fullest. The verse captures the carefree, reckless energy of being young, making mistakes, and creating memories that stick with you forever.

[Outro]
Illy closes out by bringing the song full circle, shouting out his crew again, reinforcing the idea that he’s back, staying true to his old-school roots.