Released: 2013 • Features: MGMT
In “Call from the Bank,” Nipsey Hussle pairs with MGMT to lay down a track that’s brimming with the husky assurance only true hustlers know. At its core, this song is an anthem to success, resilience, and maintaining pace in the rat-race of life, particularly within the cutthroat terrains of the music and street hustling scenes. Nipsey flexes on his financial achievements and remains unbothered by the hate, embracing it as a side-effect of his success.
The opening verse has Nipsey relishing in the fruits of his labor, boasting about calls from the bank affirming his financial successes. He’s not just talking about literal wealth but also a metaphorical richness born from hard work and consistency in his craft. When he mentions being “the hottest in LA” and having support from various regions, it’s a nod to his widespread impact and recognition. “Marathon life it’s all about the pace” exemplifies Nipsey’s philosophy: success is a marathon, not a sprint. This line emphasizes the importance of endurance over short bursts of effort, a principle that Nipsey lived by.
In the latter part of the song, Nipsey touches on the theme of authenticity versus imitation. Shading other rappers who adopt a ‘gangbang identity’ without living the life, he sees their mimicry as flattery but remains unphased. His phone call with “Killa B,” a woman who matches his hustle, shows Nipsey’s respect for realness and mutual ambition in relationships, not just superficial connections. This segment elevates the conversation from individual success to building genuine connections with likeminded people.
Nipsey’s life philosophy unravels further as he describes the luxury and freedom his hustle affords him, from “fly first class” travels to driving fancy cars (like “sweet cady drop top mercedes”) and smoking “that Obama.” He celebrates his accomplishments and the lifestyle they bring, while also acknowledging the support of his crew, promising to share his success (“Love my niggas, so break I’m gon’ break it”). The repetition of financial triumphs and the call to run it back illustrates a cycle of earning and reinvesting in his community and ventures, highlighting the sustainable aspect of his hustle.
Throughout “Call from the Bank,” Nipsey Hussle, with the ambient tunes of MGMT backing him, crafts a narrative that’s more than just about wealth. It’s about setting a pace for life, staying true to oneself, and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals despite the noise around. Each verse and hook weaves together a tale of success, resilience, and the importance of authenticity – themes that resonate well beyond the confines of hip hop and into the ethos of life itself.
