Interpreting a song’s lyrics is always subjective. What the artist intends to convey may differ from how each listener connects with the words. But with KSI’s “Thick Of It,” we’ll dive deep into what his lines could represent, piece by piece, keeping that in mind.
“I’m in the thick of it, everybody knows / They know me where it snows, I skied in and they froze”
Right from the chorus, KSI drops us into the heart of the action. Being “in the thick of it” is about being fully immersed in something challenging, a fight, or a situation where there’s no escape. He isn’t on the sidelines—he’s in the thick of the grind. The mention of “where it snows” and skiing through it adds an icy, unforgiving element. It’s not just a playful image; the snow can symbolize the coldness of the industry or life itself. But KSI isn’t fazed—he “skied in,” mastering the terrain, and others “froze” in his presence. It speaks to his confidence, knowing that others are stuck while he moves forward.
“I don’t know no nothin’ ’bout no ice, I’m just cold”
Here, KSI plays on the double meaning of “ice.” He’s dismissing the materialistic obsession with diamonds (“ice”), a status symbol in the rap world, and instead claiming that his coolness, his “cold,” is internal. His coldness comes from within—it’s who he is, not what he wears. It’s a clever jab at a culture that often places value on appearance, while KSI asserts that his worth is inherent.
“Forty somethin’ milli’ subs or so, I’ve been told”
This line feels almost understated, given its significance. Having millions of subscribers is a massive achievement, but KSI throws it out there casually, as if it’s no big deal. It’s a reminder that despite this success, he’s still in the thick of things, still grinding. The “I’ve been told” adds a layer of humility or even disbelief—it’s almost like he’s saying, “Yeah, that’s what they say, but I’m still hustling as if I have none.”
“I’m in my prime, and this ain’t even final form”
This line is a declaration. KSI is stating, with complete confidence, that he’s at his peak right now, yet the best is still to come. He compares his journey to a kind of evolution, referencing “final form” like a character in an anime who hasn’t reached their ultimate power level. This imagery amplifies the idea that he’s far from done growing. He’s already dominant, but his potential? That’s still unfolding.
“They knocked me down, but still, my feet, they find the floor”
Here, KSI acknowledges his setbacks. Life, fame, or critics may have tried to bring him down, but he emphasizes resilience. No matter how hard the fall, he always finds his footing. It’s an anthem of perseverance. The fact that his “feet find the floor” suggests that even after being knocked off balance, he doesn’t stay down for long. He’s grounded, ready to rise again.
“I went from living rooms straight out to sold-out tours”
This is KSI reminding us of his journey. He’s reflecting on how far he’s come, from small beginnings, possibly creating content in his own living room, to performing for sold-out crowds. It’s a classic “rags to riches” transformation, but it’s more personal than that—it’s about hard work paying off and dreams turning into reality. The contrast between these two worlds is sharp, highlighting the magnitude of his success.
“Life’s a fight, but trust, I’m ready for the war”
This line keeps the theme of struggle alive, but with a twist. KSI isn’t just fighting small battles—he’s preparing for war. It’s a powerful statement that emphasizes the scale of the challenges he faces, but also his readiness to meet them head-on. It shows us a fighter’s mentality, someone who isn’t afraid of the obstacles ahead, no matter how daunting they seem.
“From the screen to the ring, to the pen, to the king”
In Verse 2, KSI reflects on the many hats he’s worn. He’s been a YouTuber (“screen”), a boxer (“ring”), a musician and creator (“pen”), and now he’s aiming for royalty (“king”). This progression speaks to his ambition, his refusal to be boxed into one role. He’s constantly evolving, stepping into new arenas, and aiming for the crown. The “king” isn’t just about fame—it’s about mastering whatever domain he enters.
“Where’s my crown? That’s my bling, always drama when I ring”
KSI wants recognition. He’s earned it, after all. But instead of wearing diamonds, his crown—his “bling”—is the respect he demands. And when he enters a situation (“when I ring”), there’s always drama. This could refer to the attention he draws, the controversy he sometimes courts, or simply the fact that people notice when he steps into the room. The line has a swagger to it, showing that he’s unafraid of the noise that follows him.
“See, I believe that if I see it in my heart / Smash through the ceiling ’cause I’m reaching for the stars”
KSI emphasizes the power of faith in oneself—if he can envision it, if it’s in his heart, then it’s achievable. And he’s not just aiming high; he’s smashing through ceilings, breaking barriers that were meant to hold him back. The idea of “reaching for the stars” connects this line to the idea of limitless potential, suggesting that his ambitions are sky-high.
“I’m in the thick of it, everybody knows / They know me where it snows, I skied in and they froze”
KSI opens with a powerful declaration. He’s not just part of the hustle; he’s fully immersed in it. When he mentions that “everybody knows,” it’s not just about fame; it’s about being recognized for his struggles and triumphs. The line about skiing in where it snows is striking. It suggests that he’s comfortable in icy situations, perhaps indicating that he thrives in tough environments. Others “froze” around him, which highlights his ability to stand out in a cold world. KSI is not only present; he’s making an impact.
“I don’t know no nothin’ ’bout no ice, I’m just cold”
Here, KSI cleverly flips the idea of “ice.” Instead of focusing on material wealth, he emphasizes his intrinsic coolness. This line conveys a sense of confidence in his identity. He’s saying, “I don’t need the diamonds to prove my worth.” His “cold” demeanor is a badge of honor, suggesting that he’s toughened by his experiences. It’s a refreshing take that contrasts with typical bravado in hip-hop.
“Forty somethin’ milli’ subs or so, I’ve been told”
In this line, KSI casually references his massive following. The way he phrases it—”I’ve been told”—indicates a humble attitude despite his success. He acknowledges the number without boasting. It’s as if he’s reminding listeners that even with such a substantial platform, he’s still grinding and focused on the journey ahead. The use of “forty somethin'” feels almost casual, reinforcing the idea that he’s not just resting on his laurels.
“Highway to heaven, I’m just cruisin’ by my lone'”
In Trippie Redd’s verse, we shift to a more introspective tone. The “highway to heaven” paints a picture of a journey toward something greater, but he’s doing it alone. There’s a sense of solitude here, as if he’s navigating his path without the support he once expected. It hints at the sacrifices made along the way and the loneliness that can accompany success.
“They cast me out, left me for dead, them people cold”
This line introduces a darker note. Trippie reflects on betrayal and abandonment. The imagery of being “cast out” and “left for dead” is poignant. It speaks to the harsh realities of life and the entertainment industry. The people he trusted turned out to be unkind, which adds depth to his experience. The use of “cold” mirrors KSI’s earlier lyrics, connecting their narratives and highlighting the emotional weight of their journeys.
“My faith in God, mind in the sun, I’m ’bout to sow”
Trippie shifts gears, revealing a glimmer of hope. His “faith in God” acts as an anchor amidst turmoil. When he mentions being “mind in the sun,” it suggests a focus on positivity and growth. The phrase “I’m ’bout to sow” implies he’s ready to plant the seeds for a fruitful future. There’s a blend of spirituality and ambition here, showcasing how he’s channeling his pain into purpose.
“My life is hard, I took the wheel, I cracked the code”
In this line, Trippie acknowledges his struggles but also his agency. By taking the wheel, he asserts control over his life. Cracking the code suggests he’s figured out how to navigate challenges effectively. It’s an empowering statement, reinforcing that despite the difficulties, he’s ready to face whatever comes next. It emphasizes the theme of self-determination present throughout the song.
“Ain’t nobody gon’ save you, man, this life will break you”
This line strikes a heavy chord. It’s a blunt reminder that in life, you can’t rely on others to save you. The stark reality that “this life will break you” reflects the pressures faced in the pursuit of success. There’s an element of tough love here, urging listeners to recognize their own strength. It resonates deeply, especially for anyone facing adversity.
“In the thick of it, this is how the story goes”
Returning to the chorus, KSI reinforces the narrative he’s crafted. Being “in the thick of it” is more than a phrase; it’s a state of being. He’s embracing the chaos, and by stating, “this is how the story goes,” he’s accepting that his journey is ongoing. It’s an acknowledgment that challenges are part of the narrative, shaping who he is.
“Woah-oh-oh / This is how the story goes”
The outro serves as a reflective moment. The repetition of “this is how the story goes” emphasizes acceptance. It’s a mantra that encapsulates the ups and downs of their experiences. It suggests that every twist and turn has led them to this point, and they’re ready to embrace whatever comes next. The echoing lines create a sense of closure while leaving room for future adventures.