"Stairwell Freestyle" by JPEGMAFIA is a confrontational and aggressive track that takes aim at left-wing liberals, hipsters, and cultural appropriation. The song criticizes those who claim to be friends but are actually enemies, using frenemy tactics to gain approval or recognition. JPEGMAFIA expresses his frustration with individuals who try to appropriate black culture, specifically in the music industry. He mentions how some people memorize verses from black artists like Chief Keef but are quick to call the police on black individuals, exposing their hypocrisy. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of rewriting history and stealing credit for black creations. JPEGMAFIA mentions artists like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, illustrating how black artists often lay the foundation for entire genres (rock, blues, techno, soul, jazz, R&B), yet are marginalized or overlooked. The song criticizes hipster culture and their lack of originality. JPEGMAFIA suggests that many hipsters fail at various endeavors and turn to being critics as a backup plan. He mocks their reliance on trust funds and their inability to make a meaningful contribution to rap. Overall, "Stairwell Freestyle" serves as a critique of cultural appropriation, hypocrisy, and the lack of true creativity in certain subcultures. JPEGMAFIA uses aggressive and explicit language to convey his frustration and deliver a confrontational message.
