Meaning of Big Basha’s by Westside Gunn

In the gritty world of hip-hop, Westside Gunn is known for his unique perspective and vivid storytelling. His song 'Big Basha’s' is no exception, as it explores themes of violence, wealth, and self-reflection. Through a series of standout lyrics, Gunn weaves a narrative that delves into unexpected and imaginative themes, all while staying true to the overarching theme of the song.One of the first standout lyrics in the song is "Ayo, brains everywhere, this shit was polarized. Glock next to my nuts, Balenciagas oversized." These seemingly unrelated images actually speak to the themes of power and dominance. The references to brains everywhere and a polarized world highlight the destructive nature of violence and its far-reaching consequences. The juxtaposition of a Glock next to his nuts and oversized Balenciagas suggests that power and material possessions can superficially mask the darkness within.Moving on, Gunn raps, "Keep your cell clean, remain focused. You can walk the ten down before you know it. Told my lil' nigga, 'You love the block now, but you'll outgrow it'." Here, he touches on the themes of growth and self-awareness. The advice to keep one's cell clean and remain focused reflects the importance of maintaining clarity and perspective in a chaotic environment. The line about outgrowing the block speaks to the notion of personal development and the desire to move beyond one's current circumstances.Next, Gunn delivers the line, "Cook ten bricks a day, my wrist motion. Hands smellin' like work right now, I gotta soak 'em. Walls smellin' like bleach. Blood was everywhere, we was scrubbin' all week." Here, the themes of ambition and sacrifice come to the forefront. The relentless work ethic implied by cooking ten bricks a day and the aroma of hard labor linger on Gunn's hands, showcasing the dedication required to succeed. The juxtaposition of walls smelling like bleach and the mention of scrubbing all week symbolize the need to erase any traces of mistakes or missteps in order to maintain a clean image.As the song progresses, Gunn brings spirituality into the mix with the lyrics, "Sippin' Ace bottles, watchin' Farrakhan speak. Then it hit me, Allah forgive me." These lines introduce themes of redemption and seeking forgiveness. The reference to sipping Ace bottles implies indulgence and excess, while watching Farrakhan speak suggests the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual guidance. Gunn's plea to Allah for forgiveness demonstrates his awareness of the consequences of his actions and his desire to find solace and redemption.Towards the end of the song, Gunn exclaims, "My plain jane cost more than your bust down. Elephant drum, hittin' everything, shells spun 'round. Supreme Universal Truth Allah, Truth Allah was the attribute. TEC just jammed, I bet the MAC'll do." These lyrics delve into themes of wealth, power, and religion. The mention of a plain Jane costing more than a bust down highlights the value of simplicity and authenticity over showy material possessions. The reference to an elephant drum and shells spun 'round signifies the destructive force that accompanies power. Gunn's mention of Supreme Universal Truth Allah emphasizes the spiritual grounding of his beliefs and his recognition of a higher power. The reference to a jammed TEC and the reliance on a MAC allude to the inherent risks and unpredictability of the world Gunn navigates.In conclusion, Westside Gunn's 'Big Basha’s' is a multifaceted song that explores themes of violence, wealth, self-reflection, growth, spirituality, and power. Through his clever and imaginative lyrics, Gunn paints a vivid picture of a complex world where individuals must reconcile their actions with their desire for redemption. It is an introspective journey through the realities of life in the fast lane, reminding us that beneath the glamorous facade lies a constant battle for self-discovery and personal growth.