Meaning of Medusa Plate by Westside Gunn

In the realm of contemporary hip-hop, lyrics serve as powerful vehicles for storytelling. They convey the artist's thoughts, experiences, and emotions, while adding depth and complexity to their music. Westside Gunn's track "Medusa Plate" is no exception. With its raw and vivid portrayal of the artist's life, this song explores themes of opulence, transformation, and personal growth.The first standout lyric that catches the listener's attention is "Four-door Lambos back-to-back." This line paints a picture of extravagance and luxury, showcasing the wealth and success that Westside Gunn has attained. It highlights the theme of opulence, representing the rewards that can come from hard work and determination. By juxtaposing this extravagant image with the street references of selling kilos, the lyric also explores the transformation and evolution from a life of crime to one of affluence.Moving on, the lyric "Used to trade Michael Jordan Upper Decks, Now I'm wavin' TECs out the Lex'" delves into the concept of reinvention and personal growth. It tells a story of leaving behind a hobby or pastime associated with a more innocent time, as exemplified by trading basketball cards, and embracing a harsher reality where weapons have become a part of daily life. This reflection on change and transformation is an underlying theme in "Medusa Plate."The line "Jewelry on me like the Rakim days, Clap your work like Eric B" taps into the power of nostalgia and the influence of iconic figures in hip-hop history. By referencing the Rakim days, Westside Gunn evokes a sense of reverence for the past and the influence it has on his present success. The lyric also ties into the themes of ambition and drive, as he seeks to surpass the achievements of his predecessors. Furthermore, the mention of "clapping work" alludes to both the work ethic required in the drug trade and the resilience necessary to succeed in any field.In "Medusa Plate," the line "I make my own plate, gave shit to my loyals, It wasn't fish, it was oil" encapsulates the theme of empowerment and self-reliance. Westside Gunn declares his ability to create opportunities for himself and those loyal to him, emphasizing his independence and control over his own destiny. The metaphor of fish versus oil implies that his contributions are not insignificant but rather the lifeblood that drives his inner circle forward. This line speaks to the transformative power of taking control of one's circumstances and the importance of mutual support and loyalty.Lastly, the lyric "Let me count a half a mil, Spend it on a watch, Watch and see the great, Put a hole in your fuckin' face" brings together different themes in "Medusa Plate." Firstly, the focus on wealth and material possessions reflects the theme of opulence discussed earlier. It represents the artist's accomplishments and affirms his status in the rap industry. The mention of watching a watch alludes to the artist's keen awareness of time passing and the urgency to make every second count. Additionally, the violence implied in "Put a hole in your fuckin' face" serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with success and a testament to the artist's ability to navigate and survive.In summary, Westside Gunn's "Medusa Plate" explores themes of opulence, transformation, and personal growth. Through vivid and thought-provoking lyrics, the song reveals the artist's journey from the streets to success while touching on the power of nostalgia, ambition, and self-reliance. Each standout lyric contributes to developing these themes, ultimately painting a picture of a man who has overcome adversity and thrived in the face of challenges.