Released: 2018
Now peep this, “Grinding All My Life” by Nipsey Hussle is a straight-up banger, with our man Nipsey hittin’ pen and pad to spit about his lifelong grind, the hustle and sacrifices he’s made to earn his stripes in the game. It’s a solid testament to his resilience and commitment to his craft, dropping jewels about his journey from the streets of the Westside to being a big player in the rap game.
Throughout the hook, Nipsey alludes to his relentless hustle, his willingness to “roll the dice” for a slice of success – that’s straight-up gambling imagery for risk-taking, y’know? The idea of grinding all his life, refers to his constant work ethic and determination to make it on top, no pauses, no halts, straight hustle.
When he says “I’m married to this game, that’s who I made my wife”, it’s a metaphor symbolizing his dedication to the hustle, to the music, like a marital vow. He talks about being self-made, it’s about his personal growth and transformation from a life of crime to a successful artist. Getting a “shoulder full of stripes” signifies earning respect, kind of like military imagery there, for his struggle and determination.
Nipsey goes on to declare, he’s “from West Side, 60”, reppin’ his hood, his beginnings, implying that he might’ve been killed due to the gang violence prevalent there. Yet, he stands tall, metaphorically and literally (referring to the line about stilts), being a legend like basketball icons Mike (Jordan) and Wilt (Chamberlain). The ’96 Impala – that’s a classic whip popular in the West Coast culture and “thug, life on wheels” could be a shoutout to Tupac and his group Thug Life.
He expresses pride in the life he’s built, depicting himself as a “successful street nigga touchin’ his first mil”. When he says, “squabble at Fox Hills”, he’s talking about fighting against the odds, maybe a reference to the Fox Hills Mall, a popular shopping spot in the Westside.
Nipsey then elaborates on his achievements stating, “I got everythin’ I said I was gon’ get on my kid”, meaning he’s fulfilled the promises he made as a young father. He talks about becoming legit, leaving the street life, and earning respect in the industry.
Terms like “Westside RSC’s” refers to the Rollin’ 60’s Crips, the gang from his neighborhood, showing allegiance. When Nipsey states, “LAPD on my dick, I’ma squeeze and bust,” it’s a defiance against police harassment that he and his crew face. The “Swiss cheese his bus” is a threat to any rival rapper who disses him, implying gunfire. And “50 Cent and Mayweather fleed the scene with us” is likely a nod to the times he partied with these celebrities.
Overall, “Grinding All My Life” is a testament to Nipsey’s undying commitment to his hustler’s spirit, his representin’ his hood, flaunting his victories while acknowledging his rough beginnings. It’s a masterclass in self-made success, narrating Nipsey’s ascension from the streets to star status, and how he ain’t ever stopped grinding. Respect.
