Meaning of If I Ruled The World ’15 by Westside Gunn

In the gritty world of hip-hop, Westside Gunn's song "If I Ruled The World ’15" stands out for its unapologetically raw and intense lyrics. This track, a collaboration with Conway, explores the rapper's fantasies of power and control while delving into themes of violence and street life. While the surface level themes are prevalent, there are also underlying messages that can be extracted from standout lyrics in the song.One notable lyric in the song is when Conway raps, "Iron in the Dsquared leather, fire it at whoever." This lyric speaks to the relentless violence and ruthlessness of the streets. It delves into the idea that power and control can be obtained through fear and intimidation. This theme is further developed through references to guns, such as "swiss cheese 'em and six-feet 'em," creating a vivid image of the violent world these artists portray.Another standout lyric in the song is when Conway mentions, "I'm Prince of Bel-Air fresh, I came up gettin' money on that stair set." This lyric alludes to the duality of their lifestyles, juxtaposing the glamour of the fresh Prince of Bel-Air with the harsh reality of making money in the streets. It suggests that success can be found even in the most challenging environments and that their rise to fame has come from their struggles.Moving on, Conway's lyric, "I'm O-Dog in that liquor store, I'm a menace," introduces the theme of rebellion and criminality. It draws inspiration from the iconic character O-Dog in the movie "Menace II Society," highlighting the rebellious nature of these artists and their refusal to conform to societal norms. This theme ties into the overall idea of taking control and ruling their own world, irrespective of societal expectations.The chorus of the song further emphasizes the themes present in the lyrics. Westside Gunn proclaims, "If I ruled the world, I let the rat niggas rot and let the real niggas free." This line speaks to their desire for justice and anarchy, where those who are deceitful and manipulative are held accountable while the authentic and genuine individuals are set free. It also showcases their belief in a world where realness is valued and celebrated.Overall, "If I Ruled The World ’15" by Westside Gunn and Conway is a song that delves deep into themes of power, control, violence, rebellion, and authenticity. The standout lyrics help further develop these themes by highlighting the gritty realities of street life, the duality of success, the defiance of societal norms, and their desire for justice. Through their music, Westside Gunn and Conway invite listeners into their world - a world where they are the rulers, unapologetically expressing their ambitions, struggles, and aspirations.