Desiigner’s acapella performance clip of “Timmy Turner” entered the world as a multilayered, multifaceted entity: a retro-futuristic coded hymn, template for endless memes, a mush-mouthed hip-hop spiritual, fodder for countless jokes and punchlines, even more speculative fuel for those who wondered how far Desiigner could ride Future’s sound. When the clip was first dropped by XXL Magazine to commemorate their Freshmen Class of 2016, no one could have predicted that, in terms of pop culture reaction to it, it would in many ways surpass the reach of his massive hit “Panda.” Now, with the official, fully produced (by Mike Dean) track making its way through the world, Desiigner is breaking down what he’s saying and what it means.
“Timmy Turner is me,” he explains. “I was referring to myself when I was saying I ‘was wishin’ for a burner.’ And when I said ‘she fuckin’ for BET,’ I was referring to a girl that, you know, would do anything for the fame.’”
Check it out the full explanation below. And then watch Chloe X Halle, the soulful young sister duo taken under wing by Beyoncé herself, as they take “Timmy” to church with the most soulful harmonies.
