Meaning and Lyrics of Did It First (with Central Cee) by Ice Spice

“Did It First” by Ice Spice featuring Central Cee offers a striking dive into the turbulent waters of modern relationships, framed by an unflinching lens of mutual infidelity and retaliation. This track, though anchored in the world of mainstream hip-hop, carries an undeniably edgy, almost subversive, tone, ushering its listeners into a space where emotional turmoil is both weaponized and worn as armor.

Chorus: Ice Spice

“If he cheatin’, I’m doin’ him worse (Like)…”

From the get-go, Ice Spice establishes a tit-for-tat dynamic, encapsulated in her straightforward declaration of revenge. The chorus hits hard with its repetition of the notion that turnabout is not just fair play—it’s essential. The line “No Uno, I hit the reverse” brilliantly uses a pop culture reference to the card game Uno, signifying that she’s subverting the rules of engagement, taking control, and flipping the script.

“I ain’t trippin’, the grip in my purse (Grrah)… I don’t care, ‘cause he did it first…”

Here, Ice Spice reinvents the popular “ride-or-die” trope. The “grip in my purse” conveys not just physical empowerment but also a readiness to defend her autonomy. She’s prepared for both literal and metaphorical battles, underlining a theme of resilience in the face of betrayal.

Verse 1: Ice Spice

“He beg me to stay, but I’m dippin’…”

The raw honesty in Ice Spice’s delivery is both refreshing and jarring. While her partner begs for reconciliation, she is resolutely nonchalant, her decision underscored by lines like “I don’t even drink, but I’m sippin’.” This juxtaposition highlights her attempts to numb the emotional sting, but also suggests a willingness to step outside her norms to cope with heartbreak.

“We not f****n’, but he put the tip in (Grrah)… He get on my nerves, but I’m with it (Grrah)…”

Ice Spice sketches a portrait of a complicated and confusing intimacy—physically close yet emotionally distant. Her repeated use of the intensely guttural “Grrah” injects a visceral energy into her words, turning common experiences into powerful declarations. The push-pull dynamic resonates with anyone who’s ever tangled with love and lust.

“Oh, you cheatin’? Then I’m cheatin’ back…”

This verse is the thesis statement of Ice Spice’s narrative: reciprocal betrayal. It’s a power move, a reassertion of her agency in a situation where she might otherwise feel powerless.

Verse 2: Central Cee

“I’m selective with who I get with… Gyal on my phone tryna see who I slept with…”

Central Cee navigates a different side of infidelity—the compulsions and pressures that drive it. His verse reads like a confessional, a candid but almost flippant admission of his flawed nature. The alliteration in “selective with who I get with” emphasizes his pickiness, which paradoxically coexists with reckless behavior.

“I keep comin’ with stupid excuses… Like, ‘I was juiced and tripped and fell in’…”

Central Cee’s self-awareness is striking. He’s acutely aware of the ridiculousness of his justifications, yet he continues down this path, revealing a cycle of self-destructive behavior. His tone carries a mix of bravado and sheepish guilt, reflecting a nuanced understanding of his transgressions.

Cultural and Artistic Commentary

“Did It First” channels the chaotic energy of a post-modern love affair, steeped in irony and self-reference. The dual perspectives offered by Ice Spice and Central Cee create a narrative richness, exposing the raw underbelly of relationships in the digital age—an era where infidelity can be as public as it is private.

Musically, the track’s heavy, driving beats underscore the relentlessness of the emotions it explores. The minimalist production keeps the focus squarely on the narrative, allowing the lyrical content to shine through with brutal clarity.

Lyrically, the song is a masterclass in economy and impact. Each line is crafted for maximum effect, distilling complex emotional responses into pithy, quotable phrases. There’s a rhythmic cadence that mirrors the ebb and flow of real-life confrontation and reconciliation.

Conclusion

“Did It First” isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at the lengths people will go to protect their hearts, even if it means engaging in the very behavior they detest. It’s a sonic diary entry, drenched in the ethos of 21st-century resilience and retaliation, embodying the zeitgeist of a generation that refuses to remain passive in the face of personal betrayal.