Meaning of ​iLL by Westside Gunn

The Westside Gunn song 'iLL' is a hard-hitting track that combines gritty lyricism with an eerie, atmospheric sound. The overall theme of the song revolves around asserting dominance and proving oneself as the illest in the rap game. The artists, Westside Gunn, Royce Da 5'9", and Conway the Machine, deliver powerful verses that showcase their skills and confidence. Through their lyrics, they explore various themes that contribute to the overarching idea of being ill in the rap industry.In the first verse, Royce Da 5'9" sets the tone by proclaiming his superiority. He compares himself to horror movie villain Jason Voorhees, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of success. This lyric helps develop the theme of persistence and determination. Royce implies that even if he falls short initially, he will always rise above and hit new heights. The line "MAC-11 thumpin', chase bitches never dump them" illustrates his unyielding drive, suggesting that he never leaves any loose ends in his pursuit of greatness.Moving forward, Royce takes a bold approach by dissing other rappers. He makes a clever comparison, likening a woman's appearance to Tory Lanez's jump shot. This unexpected connection gives rise to a theme of unconventional beauty and talent. Royce suggests that true allure lies in uniqueness and originality. By turning down advances from a popular figure's wife, he asserts his own desirability while rejecting conventional norms of attraction.Royce's mention of eating sushi off a naked woman's chest adds a twist to the song. Here, the theme of indulgence and temptation emerges. The act of consuming food off a woman's body conveys a sense of decadence and desire. Royce's change from "raw sex" to "faithful" indicates a shift in perspective. It suggests that he has learned the value of commitment, although it's presented in a provocative manner. This theme of temptation becomes intertwined with Royce's rejection of traditional relationships, offering a complex exploration of human desires.Throughout the verse, Royce discusses his interactions with others. He reveals how he dismisses unwanted attention from his mother's advances, further highlighting his self-assured stance. This unique theme of familial dynamics within the context of romantic encounters adds depth to the song's exploration of power dynamics. Royce's refusal to engage with his mother's advances symbolizes his determination to control his own narrative and maintain his dominance.Switching to Conway the Machine's verse, he brings a darker and more aggressive energy to the song. His lyrics emphasize his reputation as a formidable force to be reckoned with. Conway dismisses any opposition, asserting that his enemies are merely rappers and not true gangsters. This idea develops the theme of authenticity and credibility. Conway suggests that many rappers adopt personas and lifestyles that they don't truly embody. His recognition of such pretense elevates his status as an authentic street figure.Conway also touches upon themes of survival and resilience. He shares his past encounters with danger, highlighting how he overcame obstacles and achieved success. His mention of "niggas behind the wall" carrying weapons in prison reveals a culture of violence and the lengths people go to protect themselves. This theme of survival further reinforces the idea that being ill in the rap game requires not only talent but also the ability to navigate dangerous environments.The verse concludes with Conway's description of his rap style and aspirations. He juxtaposes his street persona with his education, referring to himself as a Yale graduate. This unexpected blend of street credibility and intellectual prowess introduces the theme of duality. Conway suggests that one can exist in both worlds, bridging the gap between the streets and academia. This theme challenges stereotypes and showcases the versatility and multifaceted nature of artists.Overall, the song 'iLL' delves into various unexpected themes that contribute to the overarching idea of asserting dominance and proving oneself as the illest in the rap game. From persistence and determination to temptation and resilience, the lyrics explore a range of ideas while maintaining a consistent tone of confidence and self-assurance. Westside Gunn, Royce Da 5'9", and Conway the Machine demonstrate their prowess as artists through their thought-provoking and imaginative lyrics, making 'iLL' a standout track that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.