The Shocking Truth Behind NLE Choppa's "I Love Pills And Percocets" Lyric In 'Or What'
The line "I love pills and Percocets" has become one of the most talked-about and controversial rap lyrics in late 2024, instantly grabbing attention and sparking a heated debate across social media and the music industry. The phrase is the central, memorable hook from the track "Or What," a high-energy collaboration between Memphis rapper NLE Choppa and the Brooklyn drill collective 41.
Released on September 5, 2024, the song marks a significant stylistic shift for NLE Choppa, whose recent public persona has often centered on promoting natural health, sobriety, and spiritual wellness. This stark lyrical contradiction—a brazen celebration of prescription drug use—is the core reason for the song's virality and the subsequent backlash, forcing fans and critics to question the rapper's authenticity and the message he's sending.
Artist Profiles: NLE Choppa and The 41 Collective (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, TaTa)
To understand the full context of the "I love pills and Percocets" controversy, it is essential to know the background of the artists involved, particularly the contrasting public images of NLE Choppa and the raw, street-focused style of 41.
- NLE Choppa (Bryson LaShun Potts)
- Real Name: Bryson LaShun Potts
- Born: November 1, 2002 (Age 23 as of late 2025)
- Origin: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
- Genre: Trap, Hip Hop, Drill
- Career Highlights: Rose to fame with the 2019 hit "Shotta Flow." Named to the 2020 XXL Freshman Class. Known for his aggressive early style and later pivot to a holistic, anti-drug, and pro-health lifestyle, which makes the "Or What" lyric particularly shocking.
- Discography: Studio albums include Top Shotta (2020) and Cottonwood 2 (2023).
- 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, TaTa)
- Origin: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Formation: 2022
- Genre: Bronx Drill, Hip Hop
- Members:
- Kyle Richh: A prominent voice in the New York drill scene, known for his energetic delivery and street narratives.
- Jenn Carter: One of the few female voices to break through in the male-dominated drill genre, recognized for her sharp flow.
- TaTa: A key member of the collective, contributing to the group's raw and unfiltered sound.
- Style: The group is a leading force in the Bronx Drill movement, characterized by aggressive beats, dark melodies, and explicit, often controversial, lyrics reflecting street life.
The Blatant Contradiction: Why "I Love Pills and Percocets" Caused a Firestorm
The controversy surrounding the lyric is not simply about the glorification of drugs, which is a common theme in hip-hop. Instead, the intense fan reaction stems from the direct conflict between the lyric and NLE Choppa’s established, highly publicized personal brand.
For years leading up to the release of "Or What," NLE Choppa had transformed his public image from a typical trap artist into a self-proclaimed wellness guru. He regularly spoke out against drug use, promoted herbal remedies, and even launched his own line of natural products. He often emphasized sobriety and a clean lifestyle, making him a role model for many young fans seeking a healthier path.
The line, delivered with conviction, "I love pills and Percocets, yes, yes (Let's go)," instantly shattered this carefully crafted persona. Critics and fans alike flooded social media, accusing the rapper of hypocrisy, selling out, or reverting to old habits for commercial gain.
- The Hypocrisy Debate: Many fans felt betrayed, arguing that the lyric undermined his anti-drug messages and negated his advocacy for mental and physical health.
- The Commercial Angle: Others suggested the line was a calculated move to create shock value and generate viral success, especially given the song’s collaboration with the unapologetically explicit 41 collective, whose style leans heavily into raw street themes.
- The Drill Context: For 41, this kind of explicit lyricism is standard for the Bronx Drill subgenre, which prioritizes authenticity and shock. However, NLE Choppa's involvement elevated the lyric's profile and the ensuing debate.
The intense discussion perfectly demonstrates the power of a single, provocative lyric to dominate the cultural conversation, especially when it comes from an artist with a known moral stance against the subject matter.
Deconstructing 'Or What': The Musicality and Lyrical Entities
Beyond the controversial line, "Or What" is a masterclass in modern drill fusion, blending NLE Choppa's energetic trap background with the distinct sound of New York's drill scene. The production, handled by Emrld, Synthetic, and Sharkboy, features the dark, sliding bass and aggressive percussion typical of the genre.
The song is a complex piece of musical marketing, rich with topical entities that drive its appeal and controversy:
- The "Orchestra Mix": In a bizarre yet brilliant move to extend the song's virality, the artists released an "Orchestra Mix" music video. This version swaps the heavy trap beat for a chamber orchestra, with the rappers delivering their explicit, hard-hitting verses—including the "pills and Percocets" line—over violins and cellos. This juxtaposition of high-culture music with street-level lyrics only amplified the song’s media buzz and solidified its status as a cultural moment in 2024.
- Percocets and Opioid Crisis: The specific mention of Percocets (a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen) is a sensitive topical entity. The opioid crisis remains a major public health issue in the United States, and the casual, celebratory reference to the drug in a mainstream song ignites necessary discussions about the glamorization of addiction in music.
- LSI Keywords and Topical Authority: The song’s success is tied to several key entities in modern hip-hop culture:
- Bronx Drill: The subgenre that 41 is a cornerstone of, known for its raw, unfiltered energy.
- Kyle Richh: The most recognizable voice from the 41 collective.
- Jenn Carter: The female representation in the group, adding a unique dynamic.
- NLE Choppa Entertainment Inc. / Warner Records: The labels behind the release, highlighting the commercial backing of the controversial track.
The Impact and Legacy of a Single Viral Line
The "I love pills and Percocets" lyric in "Or What" serves as a powerful case study in modern music marketing and the complex relationship between artistic expression and public responsibility. For NLE Choppa, it represents a temporary, yet highly lucrative, deviation from his wellness brand, proving that controversy still sells. For 41, it’s a high-profile co-sign that cements their position at the forefront of the New York drill scene.
Ultimately, the song is a reflection of the genre's current landscape: a place where stark contradictions, viral moments, and the explicit discussion of street life—including drug use—can coexist with mainstream success. As of late 2025, "Or What" remains a highly streamed track, demonstrating that the curiosity and outrage generated by a single line were more than enough to propel it to the top of the charts.
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