The 5 Biggest Secrets Behind The 'Pop A Xan 13 Hours Til I Land' Lyric

The phrase "pop a xan 13 hours til i land" has become one of the most quotable, and often misquoted, lines in modern hip-hop history, instantly recognizable even by those who don't know its source. This single, controversial line encapsulates the high-flying, jet-setting, yet deeply complex and often problematic lifestyle frequently depicted in rap music. As of December 15, 2025, the lyric continues to spark debate, not just for its catchy rhythm but for its casual reference to prescription drug use, specifically Alprazolam (Xanax), to manage the rigors of a global touring schedule and long-haul flights.

The true lyric—"I did half a Xan, 13 hours 'til I land"—is a pivotal moment in the 2018 smash hit "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott, featuring Drake. Far more than just a throwaway bar, this line is a dense cultural artifact, loaded with hidden meanings, personal drama, and a stark commentary on the intersection of celebrity, mental health, and prescription drug culture. Understanding this phrase requires a deep dive into the artist who delivered it and the seismic cultural moment it was born into.

Artist Profile: Aubrey "Drake" Graham

The lyric is delivered by Aubrey Drake Graham, universally known as Drake, one of the most commercially successful and influential artists of the 21st century. His career spans music, acting, and business, making him a cultural titan.

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• Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
• Born: October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur.
• Early Career: Gained initial fame as an actor playing Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2008.
• Musical Debut: Released his debut studio album, Thank Me Later, in 2010.
• Influence: Credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip-hop, blending singing and rapping into a signature style.
• Record Sales: Has sold over 170 million album copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists globally.
• Record Label: Co-founder of the OVO Sound record label.

The Lyric’s True Origin: Decoding "Sicko Mode"

The phrase is a key part of Drake's guest verse on Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode," a track famous for its innovative, three-part beat switches and revolutionary structure.

1. The Exact Lyric and Its Context

The actual line is: "I did half a Xan, 13 hours 'til I land / Had me out like a light, like a light." The context is a long-haul international flight, a common occurrence for a superstar of Drake's caliber. The line suggests using a small dosage of Alprazolam—a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders—to induce sleep and combat jet lag during the extended travel time.

2. The Controversial Normalization of Alprazolam (Xanax)

The lyric is a direct reflection of a trend in 2010s hip-hop culture where prescription drugs, particularly Xanax and Percocet, became frequently mentioned in lyrics, often portrayed as a remedy for stress, anxiety, or simply a part of the party lifestyle. Critics argue that such casual references, especially from influential figures like Drake, contribute to the normalization and glorification of prescription drug misuse among young fans.

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3. A Subtle Diss in a Major Feud

Beyond the drug reference, Drake’s verse on "Sicko Mode" is widely interpreted as containing subtle jabs at his rival, Kanye West. The entire track was released during the height of the Drake–Kanye West feud. Some analyses suggest that the verse's aggressive tone and references were a response to perceived slights from West, turning a guest feature into a battleground for one of hip-hop's biggest rivalries. This layers the lyric with a political dimension, making it about power and beef as much as travel and drugs.

The Enduring Cultural and Topical Impact

Even years after its release, the "Sicko Mode" lyric continues to be a crucial point of discussion, contributing significantly to topical authority surrounding prescription drug use in music and the evolution of the genre.

The 'Xanax Rap' Era and Its Aftermath

The "pop a xan" lyric serves as a high-water mark for the "Xanax Rap" subgenre, which peaked in the mid-to-late 2010s. Artists like Lil Peep and Lil Xan (whose name is derived from the drug) brought the issue to the forefront. However, the culture has begun to shift. Following tragedies and increased awareness of the dangers of benzodiazepine addiction, a noticeable anti-Xanax movement has gained steam within the rap community, with many artists publicly denouncing its use.

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Drake's reference is often seen as a slightly more mature, less explicit glorification compared to others, framing it as a necessity for his elite, stressful lifestyle rather than a party drug. Nevertheless, it keeps the conversation about prescription drug misuse, mental health in celebrity culture, and long-haul flight anxiety in the public eye.

LSI Entities and Topical Keywords

The lyric's enduring relevance is tied to several key entities and themes, providing a rich tapestry for topical authority:

• Pharmacology: Alprazolam, Benzodiazepines, Sedatives, Drug Misuse, Addiction.
• Music & Culture: Sicko Mode, Travis Scott, Astroworld, Hip-Hop Culture, Rap Lyrics, OVO Sound.
• Lifestyle & Travel: Long-Haul Flight, Jet Lag, Flight Anxiety, International Travel, Celebrity Lifestyle.
• Controversy: Drake-Kanye West Feud, Ghostwriting Allegations (Rick Ross alleged someone else wrote the verse), Glorification of Drugs.

In conclusion, the simple phrase "pop a xan 13 hours til i land" is a powerful microcosm of modern celebrity life. It combines the glamour of private jet travel with the underlying reality of using powerful anxiety medication to cope with the demands of fame. It remains a crucial, controversial, and endlessly analyzed line that defines a specific era of hip-hop and continues to fuel discussions about music, mental health, and the responsibilities of cultural icons.