Meaning of Fish Freestyle by Westside Gunn

The Westside Gunn song titled "Fish Freestyle" is a gritty and hard-hitting track that takes listeners into the world of street life and the struggles of surviving in a ruthless environment. The overall theme of the song revolves around the pursuit of wealth, the pressures of street life, and the harsh realities that come with it. While the song may initially seem like a straightforward rap about money and drugs, diving deeper into the lyrics reveals several unexpected themes that help develop a nuanced narrative.One standout lyric in the song is "So many chains on, I can barely breathe." While on the surface, this line might simply imply a love for expensive jewelry, it also serves to highlight the suffocating nature of materialism. The desire to accumulate wealth and possessions can often become overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling trapped and consumed by their pursuit of success. The weight of the chains symbolizes the burden one carries in this lifestyle, sacrificing personal freedom for the trappings of success.Another notable lyric is "One brick, two brick, three brick, four, bagging all night till my fingers got sore." This line sheds light on the relentless hustle required in the drug trade. It highlights the physical toll and the grueling nature of the work involved in the illegal activities these individuals engage in. Furthermore, this lyric also speaks to the notion of sacrificing personal comfort and well-being for financial gain, emphasizing the lengths that people are willing to go in pursuit of their ambitions.The line "I'm the God of this shit—Rakim all over" holds an unexpected theme of artistic mastery and influence. While the song is primarily centered around the street life, this line draws a parallel between Westside Gunn and legendary rapper Rakim. The comparison signifies Westside Gunn's confidence in his own abilities and his belief that he holds a significant place in the rap game. This theme adds a layer of self-assuredness and artistic dominance to the narrative, showcasing the ambition and drive of the artist.The lyric "Visions of bakin', ridin' round in new drops" introduces the theme of escapism and the never-ending desire for a better life. In the midst of their struggles, individuals in difficult circumstances often find solace in daydreaming and envisioning a brighter future. This theme humanizes the characters within the song by highlighting their yearning for something beyond their current reality while reminding listeners of the power of hope and imagination.Finally, the line "He singing like Maxwell, Ike in the yard like Buff Bagwell" introduces unexpected themes of betrayal and the consequences of disloyalty within the street culture. This lyric alludes to individuals who cooperate with law enforcement in exchange for leniency. It emphasizes the harsh reality that trust is a rare commodity in this environment, and betrayal can have severe repercussions. The reference to Maxwell and Buff Bagwell adds a layer of pop culture knowledge and creativity to the lyric, showcasing Westside Gunn's adeptness at weaving disparate elements together.In conclusion, "Fish Freestyle" by Westside Gunn is far more than just a typical rap song about money and street life. Through its clever and thought-provoking lyrics, the song explores themes of materialism, sacrifice, artistic ambition, escapism, and betrayal. Each line adds depth to the narrative, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals living in a world dominated by the pursuit of wealth and power. Westside Gunn's lyrical prowess and ability to incorporate unexpected themes elevate "Fish Freestyle" beyond its surface-level subject matter, making it a song that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the complexities of life in the streets.