Released: 2020
“No Vacancy” by Westside Gunn is a gritty narrative gem soaked in vivid imagery that offers a snapshot of the rapper’s hustling history, underlining the raw reality of street life. The track serves as an aggressive proclamation of wealth, power, and a street-honed edge.
Diving into the first verse, Gunn not only asserts his command over the drug game by depicting his efficiency with both hands, “whipped it with the left, I whipped it with the right,” but also paints a picture of high-end luxury with the mention of “three quarter mink at the Tank fight.” This seamless integration of street hustle and opulence is classic Gunn.
His candid portrayal of the drug trade continues as he rhetorically asks, “You ever made love to the pot? I ain’t think so. You ever threw up from smellin’ too many kilos?”. With these lines, he underscores the grit and grime of his past life, subtly mocking those who claim a similar life but haven’t truly experienced its realities.
“The Margiela peacoat, the Regal. Four story house I got off Ebro, the Vlone” – Here, Gunn highlights his transition from the past life to the present glory, mentioning high-end fashion brand Maison Margiela, a classic Buick Regal, a sprawling four-story house, and the streetwear brand Vlone. These lines signify his rise to wealth and fame while staying true to his roots.
“Rest in peace Vino (Ah), rest in peace Kino, the Spiegel” – This line takes a somber turn as Gunn pays respect to deceased friends, a sobering reminder of the inevitable casualties of street hustle.
When he says, “Bulletproof Bentleys parked outside the Whitney,” it feels like he’s reached the apex of the hustler’s dream – a bulletproof luxury vehicle parked outside a prestigious institution like the Whitney Museum, a symbol of acceptance and recognition in mainstream society that doesn’t often acknowledge street-level kings and queens. Yet, he never forgets his roots, as he still readily avails himself for the street hustle, “You need it, nigga, hit me, vacuum seal it, then you ship it (Ah).”
Overall, “No Vacancy” is a reflection of Westside Gunn’s journey, a testament to his resilience, and a nod to the culture that forged him, all the while asserting his dominance in the game with brashness only he can muster.
