"5 Steps Back" by Hotboii is a song about the artist's journey to success and the obstacles he has faced along the way. The lyrics portray Hotboii's determination to prove himself and overcome adversity. He starts by acknowledging that while he has made progress in his career, he often feels like he takes more steps back than forward. Despite this, he is focused on perfecting his craft and moving forward rather than dwelling on setbacks. He wants to show everyone that he can succeed and had to prove himself. Hotboii mentions that he is driving big trucks on the road, symbolizing his rise to prominence and success. He knows that everyone wants to win and might not like how he surpassed them and put them on the bench. However, he asserts that he doesn't give handouts but instead puts his people in positions of power to succeed. He wants all his friends or "niggas" to succeed together. The artist declares that he told his enemies that if they sleep on him now, they won't wake up later. This means that if they underestimate him or ignore him now, they'll miss out on his success in the future. Hotboii reveals that he rides with a gun even in his luxury car, the Wraith, indicating that he is cautious and prepared to protect himself. Hotboii emphasizes that he surrounds himself with loyal friends who've been by his side since day one. He knows they would go to great lengths to protect him. The song also references ATL Jacob, who likely produced the beat. The lyrics further highlight Hotboii's ambition, as he constantly thinks about making money as soon as he wakes up. He doesn't feel satisfied or at ease when he tries to relax or lay back. He believes that real shooters move in silence and don't reveal their intentions to anyone. Hotboii states that he doesn't have any emotions and feels robotic, probably indicating that he has developed a thick skin and is unaffected by negativity or fear. He asserts that he plays the game according to the rules dictated to him, as he was given no other options. He challenges his critics, saying that they can drop if they doubt him. The artist reflects on his past, where he had to avoid the police as a juvenile. Now, they want to bring him down because he is happy and successful. He remembers how things used to be and how he and his crew would hit other people's spots. But now, they are making features (collaborations) for significant amounts of money. He can't do anything but smile and feel accomplished because he has reached the top. Hotboii acknowledges that people may think he's acting strange or different now, but he has multiple sides to his personality as a Gemini. This could imply that he is complex and adaptable. Overall, "5 Steps Back" is a song that tells the story of Hotboii's journey to success, his determination to prove himself, and his resilience in overcoming obstacles along the way.
