Florida rapper Kodak Black took some creative liberties with the name of Usain Bolt for his single “Usain Boo,” featured on his latest album “Back For Everything” released by Atlantic Records.
In his lyrics, laced with references to cocaine, he compares his street skills, both in sexual prowess and otherwise, to Usain Bolt’s speed:
“Usain ain’t nothin’ new,
I hit the trap with a special Like the New York Times,
you square, how you gon’ play with a stepper?
Mhm, Megan, you know you ain’t created that animal Say I’d rather go blind, swear,
I ain’t tryna see it and detect it Usain ain’t no boo,
I ran it up in Margiela Usain ain’t nothin’ baby,
Usain ain’t no boo Usain ain’t no boo,
I’m comin’ fast when I’m in here”
Black utilizes Olympic metaphors throughout his verses:
“Audi like Olympics, but the engine came up out a ‘Vette Usain ain’t nothin’ new, I’m crossin’ tracks, like I’ma Haitian pack”
Over the years, numerous songs have paid tribute to the three-time Olympic gold medalist and 100m World Record Holder, including the 2009 track “Lightning” by Vybz Kartel and “Legend” by Koffee.
Since his retirement from Track and Field, Bolt, along with his business partner NJ, has ventured into the music business. Their productions include the Clockwork riddim, featuring artists like Vybz Kartel, Cham, Charly Black, and others. Bolt’s previous productions include the Olympe Rose riddim in 2019 and the Immortal riddim in 2020. His album “Country Youths” debuted at number 6 on the Billboard reggae chart.
In an exclusive interview with World Music Views, Bolt’s manager NJ mentioned that the pandemic provided Bolt with more time to pursue his musical aspirations, expressing his ultimate goal of winning a Grammy award.
Regarding Kodak Black’s use of Bolt’s name in his song, NJ stated, “Kodak wouldn’t be the first to call out Bolt’s name in a song. We own the IP for Usain Bolt, but I’d have to discuss with him to find out how he feels about it. I wouldn’t see Bolt fronting or caring about what a man wants to say.”
According to the intellectual property website Gerben Law, Bolt owns several trademarks, including his name “Usain Bolt,” the stylized initials “UB,” and a silhouette logo of Bolt’s signature preparatory and celebratory pose.
