Meaning of Brick After Brick by Westside Gunn

In the gritty world of hip-hop, Westside Gunn stands as a prominent figure, known for his raw and unapologetic lyrics that depict the realities of street life. One such powerful track from his discography is "Brick After Brick." This song encapsulates the hustle and survival mentality that permeates the streets as individuals strive to build their empires, brick by brick.As the song opens, Westside Gunn's captivating delivery immediately grabs your attention. The haunting beat, coupled with his confident bars, sets the tone for the rest of the track. Right from the beginning, we are introduced to the world of drug dealers, masked in designer labels and flashy lifestyles.One standout lyric in the song is, "Triple beam scales look swell, we had eights on him." This line not only emphasizes the drug trade and the meticulous attention to detail needed in measuring out substances, but also touches on the notion of value. In this world, the worth of a product is paramount, and hustlers are constantly striving to increase the value of their merchandise.Moving further into the song, Gunn raps, "Free Sly, they gave my nigga life in the wake up, kiss machine gun in his casket, pray he wake up." This lyric delves into the harsh realities of the street life, where loyalty and brotherhood prevail. It explores the devastating consequences that can arise when individuals are trapped in a cycle of violence and imprisonment. The raw emotions exposed here evoke a sense of empathy and longing for freedom.Another line that stands out is, "Everything designer, [?] body bags." This particular lyric highlights the dangerous lifestyle that drug dealers and criminals often lead, constantly exposed to the threat of violence and death. By juxtaposing luxury and fashion with the morbid idea of body bags, the song crafts a clever theme of the dichotomy between material success and the ultimate price these individuals may pay.The reference to Gianni plates and seven grams on the razor in the lyric, "Gianni plates, seven grams on the razor," carries significant weight. It symbolizes the opulence and wealth amassed by these hustlers, illustrating their position as key players in the drug trade. Additionally, it subtly introduces the notion of self-preservation and the inherent risks involved in this high-stakes game.Shifting perspectives, Fabolous contributes to the song with his verse, adding depth to the overall narrative. His line, "I built this shit brick by brick, lick by lick," encapsulates the overarching theme of the song perfectly. It portrays the dedication, hard work, and determination required to rise from the bottom and achieve success in a world where survival is the name of the game. Fabolous's lyrics highlight the business-savvy mindset that evolves alongside the street grind, emphasizing the importance of strategy and clever decision-making.Furthermore, Fabolous's reference to "watching movies, like my whip's I pick" presents an unexpected twist. It suggests that these individuals not only navigate the treacherous streets but also have the intelligence and foresight necessary to make calculated moves within the music industry. This line delves into the behind-the-scenes nature of the rap game, accentuating the cunning nature of building a solid career and making wise choices, akin to selecting the right movie to watch.In conclusion, "Brick After Brick" delves into the unforgiving world of street life, where success is built upon a foundation of determination, clever decision-making, and an unwavering drive to survive. Westside Gunn's vivid and gritty lyrics, along with Fabolous's insightful contribution, create a narrative that explores various themes, including the value of products, the loyalty and strife within brotherhood, the dangers of a high-stakes lifestyle, and the intelligence needed to thrive in both the street and music industry. Through this song, Gunn and Fabolous paint a multifaceted picture of the streets and the individuals who strive to build their empires, one brick at a time.