Reactions
@ComplexMusic: .@Arell_Rose just dropped one of the hardest freestyles we've heard in YEARS on @HOT97. This kid is the real deal.
@djkhaled: THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO WIN @Arell_Rose BUT YOU KEEP WINNING! BLESS UP 🙏🔑
@50cent: Proud to see a young king kill my beat like that. @Arell_Rose got bars for days. Smart young man.
@KendrickLamar: The future is bright.
@Drake: Young with flavour. That's how we like it.
@JColeNC: When the young teach the old, that's growth. Salute to the next generation.
@XXL: 5 takeaways from @Arell_Rose's earth-shattering @HOT97 freestyle [LINK]
@RickyRozay: Ain't nobody buying out my contract. We got bread for days. Stay Humble. 😤💪
@MeekMill: Talk is cheap. Pipe down lil homie. Let's see who's really putting in that work.
@YoungThug: My slime 4real but we gotta talk.
@WORLDSTAR: Young Thug responds to Arell Rose's Hot 97 freestyle! 👀🔥 [LINK]
@TheShadeRoom: Drake wants to link up with Arell Rose? 👀 Swipe to see! #TSRExclusive
@TheBreakfastClub: We need @Arell_Rose back in the studio ASAP ASAP! @cthagod @angelayee @djenvy
@Genius: Breaking down every bar in @Arell_Rose's @HOT97 freestyle [LINK]
@HipHopDX: Is @Arell_Rose too young to be addressing social issues? Industry insiders weigh in [LINK]
@Forbes: How Arell Rose built a multi-million dollar empire before 20 [LINK]
@BusinessInsider: Infinity soars following Arell Rose's viral freestyle. Here's what future investors need to know [LINK]
@CNBC: Is Rose Property Investments connected to hip-hop phenom Arell Rose? What we know about the fast-growing Georgia based company [LINK]
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@champagnepapi: [DM to @indialove]
👼
Hey, you gonna be at Arell's show when he gets back to Atlanta tomorrow? Would love to meet you.
[Left on read: 4 hours ago]
@nickiminaj: [DM to @arell_rose]
Hey you! 💖 Heard you're in NYC. Let's hit the studio or grab dinner. HMU! 👑
[Left on read: 4 hours ago]
@50cent: [DM to @arell_rose]
Yo young king, loved that freestyle. If you're ever in Houston, let's link. I'll be passing through ATL in July if not. Keep killing it. 💯
@arell_rose: [DM to 50cent]
Thank you bro. It'll be legendary to have the opportunity to meet you. Defo pulling up to Houston.
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YouTube
Hot 97: Arell Rose CRAZY Freestyle on Funk Flex
Views: 800k | Comments: 5K | Likes: 47K
Top comments:
"Bro who tf is this kid and why is he so fire?? 🔥🔥🔥"
"This might be the hardest freestyle I've heard in a while. No cap."
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Genius: Arell Rose "Hot 97 Freestyle" Official Lyrics & Meaning | Verified
Views: 400k | Comments: 2K | Likes: 30K
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Complex
Arell Rose's Hot 97 Freestyle: 5 Things You Missed
1. Kendrick Lamar influence
2. Shots at established rappers
3. Commentary on black culture
4. Infinity's business moves
5. Hints at unreleased music
[Read More]
XXL
Is Arell Rose Anti-Black?
In a surprising turn of events, 19-year-old rapper Arell Rose has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent freestyle on Hot 97. The young artist, known for his lyrical prowess and business acumen, made comments about drugs and child abandonment being "normalized" in black culture, drawing both praise and criticism from fans and industry insiders alike. Alicia Garza, the owner of black-centered political will and movement building project, Black Lives Matter, has even weighed in, stating that Arell Rose's comments come about as a result of traumatic Negrophobia he's witnessed firsthand while growing up in Chicago.
[Read More]
Forbes
The Arell Rose Effect: How One Teenager Is Disrupting Multiple Industries
At just 19 years old, Arell Rose has already made waves in music, fashion, and now, potentially real estate. His company, Infinity, recently announced plans for large-scale production, with projected sales that have investors buzzing. But Rose's influence doesn't stop there...
[Read More]
The Source
Arell Rose's Hot 97 Freestyle: A Lyrical Breakdown
"They say young folks can't be poetic / But I'm droppin' gems that'll make Socrates frenetic"
This line showcases Rose's awareness of his youth while asserting his intellectual and lyrical capabilities. The reference to Socrates adds a layer of depth, challenging the notion that wisdom only comes with age.
"Richer than the rappers throwin' shots, I just got here / The boss, I could pay contracts, sign the dotted line right here"
Here, Rose addresses the criticism he's faced from established artists, notably Rick Ross, The Game and Meek Mill. He's not just claiming to be wealthy; he's positioning himself as a power player in the industry, capable of signing artists himself.
[Read More]
Instagram Live
Young Thug: Yo, what's good. Look, we gotta talk about my lil homie Arell. Now y'all know that's my slime for real, but...
[Fan comment]: "He said 'They say young folks can't be poetic / But I'm droppin' gems that'll make Socrates frenetic' 🔥🔥🔥"
Young Thug: See, that's what I'm talkin' bout. Lil bro got bars, no cap. But he up there sayin' all this stuff about black culture and whatnot. He too young to be on that, feel me? Like, I get it, but you can't be up there saying that type of stuff, especially to Flex. That's not what the people wanna hear when they turn on the radio, you feel me?
[Fan comment]: "But he's speaking facts tho 💯"
Young Thug: Nah, listen. Arell my slime and all, but he don't know everything yet. He still learning. We all are. But you can't be going on the biggest platform in hip-hop and saying that kind of stuff. It's deeper than rap, you feel me?
[Fan comment]: "You just mad he spittin' better than you 😂"
Young Thug: Aye, watch your mouth. This ain't about who spittin' better. This about respecting the culture and knowing your place. Arell gonna be great, but he gotta learn some things first. That's all I'm saying.
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No Life Shaq was already hyped as he hit record on his setup.
"What's good, No Life Gang! It's ya boy—it's your homie!—It's ya- man finish that, man finish that ya'll." He stretched out the words, letting the excitement build before breaking into a laugh. "Aye man, listen... y'all been blowin' up my DMs, y'all been hittin' me with the tweets, the comments, everythang! I get it! I get it! Y'all said, 'Shaq, you gotta check out that new Arell Rose freestyle on Funk Flex!' And I was like... Say less. I been seein' the blogs talkin', y'all been talkin', so we 'bout to see for ourselves. We gon' see if he came correct. Y'all ready? 'Cause I been ready!"
Shaq leaned back, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he prepared to hit play. "Now, Arell... I ain't gon' lie, that boy been on fire lately. He just dropped Freestyle, and now he's up here on Hot 97 doin' a freestyle?!" Shaq slapped the desk dramatically, laughing. "I know he's about to go crazy."
He clicked play, and the first part of the interview with Flex started rolling. Shaq watched intently as Arell and Funk Flex exchanged pleasantries. When Funk got into asking about Arell's track "Rihanna My Type," Shaq nodded along, already vibing. But then, when Arell started speaking about why he didn't want to release the song—out of respect for his girl and how they had a child on the way—Shaq's face lit up.
"Aye, yo, see, I respect that! Y'all hear that? This man said, 'Nah, I'm not puttin' out no track fantasizing about another woman when my girl's carrying my child.' Bro, that's GROWN MAN talk right there!"
The conversation shifted to Arell's rapid rise to fame, his connections with Pharrell and Kendrick. Shaq's head was bobbing the whole time.
"Pharrell AND Kendrick co-signing him already? Bro, that's heavy. When you got those names vouchin' for you, that says somethin'. That means Arell ain't no industry plant."
Then came the part that really caught Shaq's attention—when Arell started talking about not drinking, smoking, or being out in clubs. His words about breaking cycles in the culture hit Shaq hard.
"Yo, hold up, hold up. Y'all hear that?" Shaq paused the video, leaning forward as if speaking directly to his audience. "He said it's normalized in our culture to abandon your kids. To do all this wild shit. And he's saying nah—he ain't 'bout that life. Bro, if you don't agree with that, you ignorant, straight up. We need more young dudes sayin' stuff like this. Y'all can't be out here wildin' and callin' it culture."
Shaq leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in admiration. "Man said he's tryin' to break cycles. That's what we need. And bro said he don't got no hoes, no side chicks—he loyal. I respect that heavy. Y'all know me and my girl tight like that. Ain't no cheatin' or messin' around."
As Funk Flex set up the freestyle, and the beat for 50 Cent's "Wanksta" started playing, Shaq's excitement hit a new level. He leaned into the screen, eyes locked. "Alright, Arell... You 'bout to spit on 50? Oh, nah, you gotta kill this one."
Arell's bars hit hard from the first line:
"Yeah, yeah, uh / Funk Flex, Hot 97 we on here / Let's get to it," Arell began, his flow immediately catching Shaq off guard.
"Hold up, hold up!" Shaq exclaimed, frantically waving his hands jokingly. "Did y'all hear how he came in? Bro, he ain't even started spittin' yet, and I'm already shook!" He took a mock deep breath, composing himself. "Alright, let's get into this."
"I'm a secret that can't be kept in, like a pregnancy test
Positive influence, I'm blessed to be a blessing
Of mediocrity, I'm exceptional, no cap, that's facts
I can speed it up, slow it down, chop and screw it
Do anything with the flow except lose it"
Shaq's eyes bulged. He yanked off his headphones, stood up abruptly, and paced around. "Nah, nah, nah! This man did not just... Hold up!" He returned to his seat, rewinding the video. " "Bro said 'I'm a secret that can't be kept, like a pregnancy test'—Aye, what?!" He threw his hands up, then paused the video. Y'all heard that? He said he's a secret that can't be kept in, like a pregnancy test. But then he flipped it! Positive influence! Blessed to be a blessing! That's that wordplay now ya'll. Don't sleep on it."
He leaned in closer, breaking it down further. "And peep how he's talkin' about his flow. He can do anything with it except lose it. That's confidence right there."
The freestyle continued, and Shaq's reactions grew more animated with each line:
"From the bottom where they love you on the block
But hate to see you rise, treating success like ops
I'm not here for the fame or to be your idol
I'm here to inspire, light your fire, make you go viral
With knowledge of self, 'cause that's the true wealth
Can't put a price on knowing yourself, that's stealth"
Shaq nodded solemnly, his face serious. "That's real talk right there. Y'all don't even know how true that is. When you start to make it, some of the same people who was ridin' with you start to switch up. They treat your success like it's the enemy." He paused, letting the words sink in. "But peep how he flips it. He's not here for fame or to be an idol. He's here to inspire. That's what real artistry is about, man. And that line about knowledge of self being true wealth? That's some deep stuff right there. Bruh, how is he this good? Since when did he get bars like this? Nah, he stayed around Kendrick for a day and got +50 to his freestyle skills or somethin', 'cause ain't no way, mane. Ain't NO WAY!"
"The verse is a testament, no need for co-signs
I'm too busy drawing my own lines to stay inside
Theirs, I'm an outlier, outstanding in my field
A Scarecrow with a brain, heart, and skills revealed"
Shaq froze, his eyes wide. "Wait, wait, wait! Did he just... Yo, that Wizard of Oz reference is crazy! He's the Scarecrow, but with a brain, heart, and skills. That's like... that's like saying he's got everything."
The energy in the room shifted as Arell continued, touching on his personal history and lifestyle choices:
"Grew up in the Windy, where dreams get blown away
Dad dropped before I knew him, recognized his body anyway
Young with wisdom, they say it's outta place
But when I spit that fire, watch how quick they embrace
No weed, no hoes, just bars and flows
One queen by my side, India Love, she knows"
Shaq's face became somber. "Damn... that's heavy." He paused. "But look at how he flips it. He's young with wisdom, and he's choosing a different path. No drugs, no playin' around. Just focused on his craft and his woman. That's growth, fam. That's maturity."
"I'm not with The Game, told her keep the frame
If the end ain't the image, why should I remain?
Superficial love? Nah, I'd rather be alone
From Englewood to Hollywood, same ingredients
America and Sodom, both cookin' up expedients."
Shaq let out a hysterical laugh. "Yo, peep how she threw shots at The Game there. Nah, I done seen that video, leave that man alone Arell! Leave that man Alone! But, ey' wait, hold up," He paused, rewinding the video to listen to the lyrics again. "If the end ain't the image, why should I remain?" He read out. "Mhmmm." He sounded as he repetitively nodded at the camera. "If ya'll don't already know, man I done told my girl this very same line, if you ain't looking at the end, boy, you best not be dating, keep it 100 with yourself."
"I'm realizing now my verses have consequence
Spiritual depth, no need for séance
Chicago state of mind, where the bullets fly
But I'm aimin' higher, watch my words touch the sky
From the bottom to the top, yeah, we really did climb
Now they wonder how we shine in such little time"
Shaq leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. "Y'all hear how he's connecting everything? He's talking about the weight of his words, the spiritual aspect of his art, and then bringing it back to his Chicago roots. But he's aiming higher, literally and figuratively."
Just when Shaq thought it couldn't get any better, Arell switched up the beat and went for round two. As the more melodic tone filled the room, Shaq's eyes widened. "Oh, we doin' this now? Alright, Arell, show me whatchu got!"
The second round of bars hit even harder:
"I don't smoke, don't drink, just think and link
Bars together like the chain on my kitchen sink
They say young folks can't be poetic
But I'm droppin' gems that'll make Socrates frenetic
I'm on some other shit, like a toilet in the attic
Magnetic flow, I'm attracting static."
Shaq's laughter filled the room. "Bro, this man really out here makin' bein' sober sound hard!" He laughed out spinning in his chair, before his face contorted with realization. "Hold up. Hold all the way up. Did this man just mention Socrates in a freestyle? And use the word 'frenetic'? Wait. Bro, I gotta Google that real quick." After a brief pause to check his phone, Shaq's looked back at the camera. "Frenetic means fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way…. Ok, I feel that."
"Raised on Maxwell Street, where the Polish met the blues
Now I'm parked in front of Lueders, next to Church's, payin' dues
Got 10 on command like Moses, no need for sinners
From Robert Taylor Homes to a mansion, that's growth"
Shaq's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, he's taking us on a tour of Chicago now. Maxwell Street, Lueders, Church's, Robert Taylor Homes..."
"They want that Lil Durk flow, that Chief Keef energy
But I'm on some Noname shit, that Chance divinity
Swervin' through I-90 thoughts, mind racin' like the Dan Ryan
Second guess my success? That's your second mistake, y'all"
Shaq paused the video. "Nah, nah, nah! This man didn't just name-drop half of Chicago's finest in one bar! Ain't no way!" He joked. "And peep how he's using landmarks to describe his thought process. I-90, Dan Ryan..."
As the freestyle neared its end, Arell's bars became even more introspective and hard-hitting:
"I been starting seeing the world through a lens, narcissistic and conceited
Everybody chasin' fame, they don't even see it
Logos on their chest, they value what's material
I'm guilty too, rockin' brands like it's ethereal
Niggas flauntin' riches, but they broke in the soul
Sellin' out for clout, it's takin' its toll"
Shaq nodded solemnly. "That's that real talk. In this social media age, everyone's so caught up in their own image, they forget what's really important." He paused, letting the words sink in. "And look how he's including himself in this. He's not just pointing fingers. He's acknowledging his own part in it. Self-awareness is important ya'll."
The final bars hit provided a untimely end to the freestyle.
"Skyscrapers of metaphors, I'm mayor of these players
Checkin' mate in three moves, I'm Bobby Fischer
Fisher of men, my words'll make a new believer"
Shaq sat in silence for a full ten seconds after the freestyle ended. Then, slowly, he removed his headphones, placed them gently on the desk, and looked directly into the camera.
He shook his head, still in disbelief. "Arell Rose, if you're watching this, bro... that was a masterclass." He paused, increasing the dramatic effect. "But where the hell is the rest of the freestyle?"
He grinned. "Flex, I know you're hiding the rest of that freestyle somewhere. There's no way that was all of it! That was too hard! too short. Pause." Shaq chuckled before continuing.
Shaq took a deep breath, composing himself. "Alright, No Life Gang. I think I need a minute to process all of this. Arell Rose, you got a fan for life right here. Keep doing your thing, young king. The game needs you."