Meaning of MEAN Gene by Westside Gunn

In Westside Gunn's song "MEAN Gene," he takes listeners on a unique and captivating journey through vivid lyrics and clever wordplay. The overall theme of the song seems to be centered around luxury, success, and the unconventional lifestyle of a hip-hop artist. Through various standout lyrics, Westside Gunn explores themes of opulence, individuality, power dynamics, and the pursuit of greatness.One standout lyric that contributes to the theme of opulence is when Westside Gunn raps, "Ayo, how you gon' walk with all that jewelry on, lord. Christian ceilings, Fear of God floors." Here, Gunn highlights his extravagant taste in fashion and his ability to not only own but also rock high-end designer brands. This lyric speaks to the theme of opulence, showcasing Gunn's luxurious lifestyle and his desire to stand out from the crowd.Another noteworthy line that adds to the overarching theme is, "High top Dons with the straps. Motto's thousand percent, Uzi or the MAC." This lyric touches on the theme of individuality and power dynamics within the hip-hop industry. Gunn emphasizes his unique style by pairing high-top Dons sneakers with a reference to weapons, displaying his edginess and fierce persona. The mention of an Uzi or a MAC further reinforces Gunn's authority and dominance in the hip-hop game.The line, "Black Powerphases, gracious. From midnight, sold a half a brick by the day shift," contributes to the theme of the pursuit of greatness through unconventional means. Gunn implies that he is involved in illegal activities, yet he finds a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in his hustling endeavors. This lyric explores the idea of success outside of traditional avenues and highlights Gunn's resourcefulness and determination to succeed.An intriguing aspect of "MEAN Gene" is the usage of wrestling references throughout the song, particularly in the song's intro. While at first glance, these references may seem unrelated to the overall theme, they actually contribute to the larger narrative of the song. Wrestling is often associated with grandeur, drama, and larger-than-life characters, much like the world of hip-hop. By incorporating these wrestling references, Westside Gunn adds an extra layer of extravagance and intensity to the song, further enhancing the theme of opulence and larger-than-life personas.Overall, Westside Gunn's "MEAN Gene" delves into the theme of luxury, individuality, power dynamics, and the pursuit of greatness. Each standout lyric helps develop these themes by showcasing Gunn's opulent lifestyle, his unique style and authority in the hip-hop industry, his unconventional path to success, and the parallels between wrestling and the larger-than-life personas in the music world. Through his vivid storytelling and clever wordplay, Westside Gunn immerses listeners in a captivating and imaginative journey through his musical landscape.