Released: 2019
“Kool G” by Westside Gunn featuring Conway the Machine and Benny The Butcher, takes the listener on a raw and gritty journey through the life of hustling, respect, and opulence that often accompanies the rap game. This song revolves around street narratives, heavy emphasis on the culture of drug dealing, power dynamics, and maintaining status through material success. With sharp lyricism and clever wordplay, each artist weaves their own story, tying back to the harsh realities and occasional luxuries of their lifestyle.
The song kicks off with Westside Gunn’s signature sound, using gun sound effects like “Brr, brr, brr” which immediately sets the aggressive and street-centric tone of the track. This opening is followed by a mention of ‘Griselda’, a record label and collective that Gunn co-founded, establishing both a personal brand and an empire in hip-hop circles. It’s almost like a signature that brands the track from the outset.
In the opening verse, Westside Gunn portrays his deep-rooted connection with the street hustle. He states “built this shit brick by brick”—an idiom referring to creating something from the ground up with hard work and resilience. The image he paints of ‘baggin’ up and crackin’ tenements’ signifies the drug trade and the inherent risk of operating within those dangerous confines.
Westside continues to describe a gangster lifestyle with lines like “my shooters itchin'” which suggests eagerness or readiness to commit violence to protect their territory or status. The phrase ‘pistols with extendos’ refers to firearms with extended magazines, implying they’re ready for whatever conflicts may arise in their hustling life. The depiction is gritty and visceral, transporting listeners to those intense and high-stakes moments.
Luxury and violence coexist in Westside Gunn’s world, where he casually mentions riding in foreign cars with Louis Vuitton attire. This illustrates a life where success is displayed through both wealth and notoriety. “Cherry Maybach” references a high-end car, reinforcing his image of success, while ‘sit back’ is not just about comfort but an assertive statement of his calm confidence despite the chaos around.
Next, Benny The Butcher takes the reins with seamless continuation, talking about financial dealings with ease and authority. His mention of “green beam sit on the big MAC” brings an element of warfare and precision, highlighting his calculated approach to his business dealings, similar to how a sniper operates with accuracy and patience. His lyrics also delve into betrayal and reliability among associates, like a mafia don making power plays across territories.
Conway the Machine brings the verse home with an assertive claim on the toughness and dominance of his collective. Lines about being the ‘hardest niggas out’ don’t just echo bravado but affirm a mentality and status built on survival and tactical superiority. His lyrics navigate through tales of imprisonment and the mindset it shapes, making this street knowledge both a personal tale and a universal lesson for listeners.
In the chorus, there’s an unmistakable repetition that highlights impact and reinforcement of their collective’s philosophy. It isn’t just about musical bars; it’s a representation of who they are, embodying a sense of camaraderie and loyalty within their circle. They aren’t just rapping for entertainment; they’re chronicling a legacy that inspires through hardship and achievement.
Historically, the track’s title, “Kool G”, likely pays homage to Kool G Rap, an iconic figure in the world of mafioso rap who set the template for this blend of detailed street stories and lyricism. It’s an acknowledgment of influences and roots, with Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher being some of the prominent torchbearers of this style in modern hip-hop.
The song is as much a gritty memoir as it is a triumphant celebration of surviving and thriving in the game. It’s a potent mix of lyrical prowess and storytelling, reflecting the journey of three artists who have built a musical dynasty, infusing it with street cred, luxury, and real-life struggles, thus offering fans both the allure and the grim realities of their hustle.
