Released: 2024
“W Hotel” by Pressa, featuring Toosii, dives deep into the lavish and often tumultuous lifestyle that comes with success in the music industry. The track sees both artists reflecting on the change of pace from humble beginnings to high-rolling life, all the while dealing with personal relationships and internal conflicts.
The hook establishes a nostalgic tone, where Pressa reflects on past habits, like mixing Hennessy with Red Bull, symbolizing youthful rebellion and risk-taking. This mix is not just a literal cocktail but represents the unpredictable nature of his earlier days, emphasizing that he’s moved past certain life stages. The use of “tempo” in ‘ain’t no way no bitch gon’ run my head like tempo’ suggests he won’t let anyone control his mind or rhythm, implying autonomy and self-assuredness in the present.
Pressa further elaborates in the verses about writing music in the comfort of the “W Hotel” instead of the “bando,” a slang term for an abandoned house used for illegal activities. This juxtaposition highlights his transition from gritty environments to luxury, though he expresses a conflicted sentiment—missing the simplicity or thrill of his past.
When Pressa mentions missing the “bando” but not a particular person, it indicates an attachment to past struggles over superficial relationships. His love for his “pistol” underscores a hardened demeanor shaped by survival and self-defense in precarious circumstances, a recurring theme in hip-hop.
In a rather somber note, Pressa voices fatigue from meaningless interactions, remarking on the ease with which relationships form, but lamenting the lack of genuine excitement. This notion of transactional and temporary connections is familiar territory for artists in the limelight, portraying a sense of desensitization towards intimacy.
Pressa continues with themes of artistic commitment and the shifting dynamics of personal relationships. He asserts his dedication to music (‘put more time in my artistry’) and claims empowerment (‘now that’s the boss in me’), distancing himself from toxic influences and asserting his personal growth.
Toosii’s entry reinforces Pressa’s reflections with a complementary narrative. When Toosii mentions keeping a ’30,’ a slang term for a 30-round gun magazine, it hints at a persistent need for protection, even amidst success. The “Glock” symbolizes both a literal and metaphorical safeguard against adversities.
Toosii’s verses continue with an assertion of his position at the ‘top,’ reveling in the elite company at the W Hotel while nonchalantly brushing off potential entanglements with women. The metaphor of ‘geeks in the lab like Dexter’ ties into a portrayal of strategic masterminding in their music careers.
Toosii juxtaposes a high-class lifestyle (‘New Rolls-Royce, it’s electric Spectre’) with emotional detachment (‘won’t text her’), emphasizing the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while indulging in luxury. His refusal to ‘save a ho’ aligns with the narrative of self-preservation and emotional aloofness.
Overall, “W Hotel” captures a common theme in hip-hop where artists grapple with newfound success and the hollowness it can bring. It explores the idea that despite achieving material wealth, genuine connection and peace of mind often remain elusive. Both Pressa and Toosii use their lyrics to showcase personal evolution and the paradoxes of fame.
