Fetty Wap, the American rapper known for hits like “Trap Queen” and “679,” frequently references the numbers “1738” in his songs. This has become one of his signature adlibs and many fans are curious about the meaning behind it.
The Origins of 1738
According to Fetty Wap himself, 1738 initially started as a shoutout to a group of his close friends. He has said in multiple interviews that 1738 refers to a group of about 30 people he grew up with in Paterson, New Jersey.
“That’s my hood,” Fetty explained in a 2015 interview. “We all used to chill on Remsen Ave. between 17th and 18th streets. So 1738 started as a crew of friends, and it eventually spread and became my overall brand.”
Before becoming a famous rapper, Fetty was just another local kid hanging out with his friends on those neighborhood streets. The numbers 17 and 38 represented their old stomping grounds, so shouting them out was a way to remember where he came from.
1738 as an Ode to His Hometown
As Fetty’s career took off, 1738 took on an additional meaning beyond just his core friend group. It became a tribute to his hometown of Paterson as a whole.
Paterson is located in north New Jersey, just outside of New York City. It developed in the late 1700s as an industrial hub, with a major river running through it that allowed for the generation of mechanical power. This river was critical to the establishment of Paterson.
So the numbers 17 and 38 reference the city’s origins in the late 1700s, as well as the longitude and latitude coordinates of Paterson (40.9167° N, 74.1738° W). By shouting out 1738, Fetty is repping his hometown and showing appreciation for where he’s from.
1738 as a Reminder to Stay Humble
As much as 1738 represents Paterson, it also keeps Fetty grounded and reminds him of his core day-one friends. Fame, wealth, and success haven’t gotten to Fetty’s head – he still keeps his longtime friends and hometown roots close.
In a Genius Verified video breaking down his hit “679,” Fetty explained:
“I always say 1738 in all my songs. That’s to let the hood know I’m still here, you know what I’m sayin’? I’m still here with y’all. I haven’t changed.”
No matter how big a celebrity Fetty becomes, he’ll never forget where he’s from and the people who were with him from the start. The 1738 in his songs is a message to his realest friends that he remains loyal and authentic.
1738 as a Brand
Fetty has also expanded 1738 into an apparel and accessories line. He frequently sports 1738 caps, shirts, hoodies, and jewelry. The brand reflects his journey from anonymous teenager to famous rapper.
“We started this when I was younger,” Fetty told VladTV. “It was just something we did to stay fly, stay fresh.”
Now fans can rep 1738 as Fetty’s clothing brand grows. It’s a part of his image and something he can share with supporters worldwide.
The Significance of 1738 in Fetty Wap’s Music
While 1738 originated as a personal reference, it has taken on deeper meaning as Fetty’s fame has skyrocketed. Here is a breakdown of some key ways 1738 matters in his music:
A Signature Adlib
Like many rappers, Fetty uses certain phrases as adlibs – short repeated lines that get sprinkled throughout his lyrics. 1738 serves as one of his signature adlibs, often coming at the end of verses or choruses for emphasis.
Evidence of Authenticity
By consistently including 1738, Fetty communicates to listeners that he’s authentic. It reminds fans of his hometown origins and close-knit friend group.
Building His Brand
1738 is part of Fetty’s brand identity. Fans instantly recognize the numbers and associate them with him. He’s created a brand around 1738 with his apparel line.
Connecting with Day One Fans
Longtime supporters who have listened to Fetty since the beginning understand the significance of 1738. It makes them feel connected to his rise to stardom.
A Sense of Home and Loyalty
Most importantly, 1738 exudes notions of home and loyalty. Every time he says it, he’s remembering where he came from and the people who matter most.
Visualizing How Often Fetty Says 1738
To demonstrate just how frequently the numbers appear in Fetty’s music, here is a table looking at some of his most popular songs and how many times he says 1738 in each:
| Song | Number of Times “1738” is Said |
|---|---|
| Trap Queen | 8 |
| 679 | 10 |
| My Way | 6 |
| Jimmy Choo | 11 |
| Wake Up | 4 |
| RGF Island | 16 |
As you can see, he mentions it repeatedly throughout his discography. It often appears 4+ times even within a 3-4 minute song!
Conclusion
In summary, 1738 holds deep meaning for Fetty Wap and his career. On the surface, it looks like just a random set of numbers. But in reality, it represents his origins, demonstrates his authenticity, connects him to day one fans, and reminds him to stay humble.
The next time you hear Fetty sing, rap, or shout “1738,” remember that he’s tapping into something much bigger – a sense of home, loyalty to his friends, and pride in where he came from. For him, 1738 is more than just numbers: it’s a mindset and way of life.