JPEGMAFIA's song "Quarter Life Crisis" is a deeply introspective and introspective reflection on the struggles and frustrations of being in your mid-20s. In the lyrics, the artist expresses feelings of being stuck in a limbo, not fitting in with either the older or younger generation, and feeling isolated due to their race. The line "Too young for the old kids, too old for the young" speaks to the struggle of not feeling a sense of belonging or connection with either age group. The artist also explores the theme of racial identity and the feeling of not fully fitting in, indicated by the line "Too black for the white kids, too black for my own." The phrase "Quarter Life Crisis" itself refers to the period in someone's life, usually their mid-20s, where they may experience feelings of doubt, confusion, and a lack of direction. The artist expresses a sense of urgency and desperation, feeling like time is running out, and that their prime years are slipping away. JPEGMAFIA touches upon the pressure to follow a specific path and achieve certain milestones at a young age. They mention not having the same opportunities as others, such as young athletes signing lucrative deals. This creates a sense of wasted potential and a feeling of being left behind. The artist also delves into societal issues, particularly police brutality towards Black individuals. They reflect on the fear and uncertainty that comes with seeing police officers, questioning who would care if something were to happen to them. Towards the end of the song, JPEGMAFIA expresses frustration with younger generations, criticizing their lack of knowledge and appreciation for the roots of certain genres, like rap. They also address the trend of rappers disliking their own genre as if it's a cool stance to take. In the spoken word section of the song, the artist speaks of their impending potential execution and reflects on their past, focusing on the people they care about and the memories they hold. This adds a layer of vulnerability and mortality to the song, emphasizing the urgency and depth of their emotions. Overall, "Quarter Life Crisis" captures the struggles, frustrations, and existential crises that can occur during a pivotal stage in one's life. JPEGMAFIA uses their lyrics to convey a sense of isolation, questioning of identity, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
