Central Cee's "Must Be" Lyrics Unpacked: 7 Shocking Truths About Authenticity And Fame On His Debut Album

Central Cee’s 2025 debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness, cemented his status as a global rap phenomenon, but perhaps no track encapsulates his lyrical genius and thematic focus better than the standout single, "Must Be." Released as part of the highly anticipated project on January 24, 2025, this song is far more than just a drill banger; it’s a profound, introspective critique of the modern definition of "realness" and a razor-sharp commentary on the authenticity crisis within the music industry and street culture.

The song immediately grabs the listener with its pivotal, rhetorical question, setting the stage for a compelling debate that runs through the entire track. By using his signature calm delivery and clever wordplay, the West London native, Oakley Caesar-Su, dissects the superficiality he sees around him, challenging both his rivals and his own audience to question their values. This deep dive will unpack the core themes, the genius wordplay, and the cultural context that makes "Must Be" a cornerstone of Cee’s lyrical legacy.

Central Cee (Oakley Caesar-Su) Biography & 'Can't Rush Greatness' Context

Central Cee, born Oakley Caesar-Su, has rapidly ascended from a promising UK Drill artist to a global rap superstar. His journey is marked by a unique blend of drill rhythms, melodic hooks, and deeply introspective, observational lyrics that often avoid the genre’s more overt violence in favor of social commentary and reflections on fame.

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• Full Name: Oakley Caesar-Su
• Date of Birth: June 4, 1998
• Hometown: Shepherd's Bush, West London, England
• Genre: UK Drill, Hip Hop, Trap
• Debut Mixtape: Wild West (2021)
• Second Mixtape: 23 (2022)
• Debut Studio Album: Can’t Rush Greatness
• Album Release Date: January 24, 2025
• Record Label: CC4L, Columbia Records
• Key Collaborations: Lil Baby, D-Block Europe, Dave, The Kid LAROI
• Signature Style: Minimalist production, conversational flow, and sharp, often witty, social observations.

The album Can’t Rush Greatness was a highly anticipated project, marking his official transition from mixtapes to a debut studio album. "Must Be" serves as a thematic anchor for the record, showcasing Cee’s lyrical maturity and his ability to turn a simple concept—authenticity—into a complex narrative. The production on "Must Be" is credited to a team including Harley Arsenault, Synthetic, and Flowrency, who provide the track with a signature atmospheric, yet hard-hitting, soundscape.

The Central Question: "What's Your Definition of 'Real'?"

The entire framework of "Must Be" is built upon the opening lines, delivered almost like a spoken word monologue: "What's your definition of 'real'? / Or what'd you look at as real? / Shootin' people for your friends? / That's 'real' to you?" This is a direct challenge to the often-toxic, hyper-masculine standards of "realness" pervasive in street culture and the Drill scene. Cee forces the listener to confront the difference between genuine loyalty and senseless violence.

His intention is to redefine authenticity. For Cee, "real" is not about committing crimes or maintaining a dangerous facade; instead, his lyrics imply that true realness lies in financial independence, protecting his family, and escaping the cycle of poverty and violence that defines his old environment. This thematic pivot is a hallmark of his artistry, showcasing his growth beyond the typical confines of UK Drill.

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The song suggests that if the established definition of "real" involves self-destruction and incarceration, then he is happy to be seen as an outsider. This self-aware positioning allows him to boast about his success and social mobility without sounding hypocritical, as his success is framed as a direct result of rejecting the "real" lifestyle that others cling to.

Unpacking the Lyrical Wordplay and Metaphors

Central Cee is renowned for his clever, punchline-heavy wordplay, and "Must Be" is a masterclass in this technique, using simple language to convey complex ideas. The most famous example from the track is the instant-classic line that became a talking point across social media and the Drill community:

"And they don't want smoke, so it must be vape (must be)"

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This line is a brilliant double entendre. In UK street slang, "smoke" refers to beef, conflict, or trouble. The lyric means: "They don't want any conflict, so their tough talk must be fake or harmless." By juxtaposing the aggressive term "smoke" with the innocuous "vape," Cee dismisses his rivals as non-threatening and inauthentic. It’s a witty, modern metaphor for cowardice.

Another key element of his wordplay involves his commentary on financial success and the trappings of fame. He often contrasts his current wealth with his past struggles, a theme of social mobility that permeates the entire Can’t Rush Greatness album. Lines detailing his expensive watches, designer clothes, and global travel are not mere boasts; they are presented as proof that his definition of "real"—working hard and escaping the cycle—is the superior path.

• The Authenticity Trap: Cee navigates the tricky space of being an authentic voice from West London while being a global superstar. He uses the "Must Be" hook to shield himself: if his success is seen as "fake" by those still stuck in the street life, then so be it, because their "realness" leads to a dead end.
• LSI Keyword Integration: The song’s structure and lyrical content are perfectly crafted for the digital age, making it highly shareable and generating numerous LSI keywords like central cee wordplay, central cee authenticity, and must be lyrical analysis.

The Enduring Impact on UK Drill and Hip Hop

"Must Be" is more than a successful single; it’s a pivotal moment in Central Cee's career and a significant contribution to the evolution of UK Drill. By placing an existential question about "realness" at the forefront of a drill track, Cee elevates the genre beyond its often-criticized narrow scope.

The song’s success, driven by its catchy flow and deep thematic resonance, demonstrates that audiences are hungry for complexity and introspection within the hard-hitting sound of drill. Cee manages to retain the energy and cultural relevance of the Drill scene while injecting a level of thoughtful commentary previously associated with more traditional Hip Hop artists.

The production, handled by Harley Arsenault, Synthetic, and Flowrency, is a perfect example of a polished, global-sounding UK Drill beat. It maintains the dark, bass-heavy foundation of the genre but with a melodic, almost melancholic, layer that complements Cee's reflective lyrics. This sound, which has been refined across projects like Wild West and 23, is what helped propel Can’t Rush Greatness to global charts.

Ultimately, Central Cee's "Must Be" serves as a challenge and a mission statement. It challenges the listener to define their own path to success and happiness, and it serves as Cee's bold declaration that his authentic self—the global, successful, and reflective Oakley Caesar-Su—is the only "real" he needs.