Meaning of Eastside by Westside Gunn

The Westside Gunn song titled 'Eastside' is a powerful and intense narrative that gives listeners a glimpse into the harsh realities of life on the streets, particularly in the Eastside. The song, featuring Conway and Westside Gunn, paints a vivid picture of the violence, struggle, and desperation that can be found in these neighborhoods. Through their compelling lyrics, the artists tackle themes of survival, loyalty, and the harsh consequences of street life.One standout lyric in the song is when Conway raps, "Little nigga 17, facing 30, little nigga 17 with a thirty, quick to do a nigga dirty." This lyric shines a light on the grim circumstances that many young individuals face in these neighborhoods. It explores the idea of a young person being forced into a life of violence and crime at a tender age, with the potential for severe consequences. This theme highlights the unfortunate reality that for some, the streets offer few alternatives and become a cycle that is hard to escape.Another impactful lyric from Westside Gunn is, "Ayy, yo, your pockets barely breathing, I got fifty and the tiger Swedish, uh. You hit one, we flipped ten of y'all niggas, we even." This lyric delves into the notion of survival and the lengths individuals are willing to go to in order to protect themselves and their communities. It brings up the concept of retaliation and street justice, where the loss of one life can lead to a cascade of violence and revenge. This theme speaks to the harsh reality of living in an environment where survival often hinges on being ruthless and uncompromising.Moving on, the song also touches upon the impact of incarceration on families and communities. Conway's verse mentions a scenario where a young man's brother ends up doing 50 years in jail while the snitch goes free. This lyric sheds light on the devastating ripple effects of the justice system, where families are torn apart and individuals are trapped in a never-ending cycle. It brings up the theme of injustice and the frustration that comes with seeing those who deserve punishment go free, while others suffer disproportionately.Furthermore, Westside Gunn's line, "I'm NASA, TEC tens on Karl Lager', shot the funeral, left the pastor, the deacon got his leg shot off, laying there, gasping," presents a creative interpretation of violence in the song. The lyric juxtaposes the world of fashion with the brutal reality of street life. It suggests that violence can infiltrate even the most sacred spaces, such as funerals and places of worship. This theme highlights the pervasive nature of violence and the inability to escape its reach.Ultimately, the overarching theme of 'Eastside' is the harsh and uncompromising reality of life in the streets. Through the use of vivid and gritty storytelling, the song paints a vivid picture of the desperation, violence, and struggle faced by those living in the Eastside. It explores themes of survival, loyalty, injustice, and the destructive nature of street life. 'Eastside' serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in these communities and the need for understanding, empathy, and change.