Meaning of Nasty by Westside Gunn

In Westside Gunn's song titled 'Nasty,' the overall theme can be seen as the rapper's assertion of his dominance and superiority over his peers. The lyrics depict a sense of confidence and swagger, with Westside Gunn flexing his lyrical abilities and showcasing his relentless pursuit of success in the rap game. Let's dive into some standout and important lyrics to uncover the unexpected and imaginative themes that they help develop.The song opens with Westside Gunn declaring himself as a legend and the Flygod, setting the tone for his self-assured persona. He emphasizes that he is unmatched in his skills and dismisses anyone who dares to challenge him. This sets up the theme of individuality and self-assurance, suggesting that in order to succeed, one must have a strong belief in their own abilities.In the verse, Westside Gunn references religious symbols like rosaries and Prada hoseries, juxtaposing the sacred and the luxurious. This imagery hints at the idea that he sees himself as both divine and extravagant, elevating his status above others. Additionally, mentioning wiping off fingerprints from a book while in a cell alludes to his criminal past, suggesting a theme of redemption and rising above circumstances.Another important lyric is when Westside Gunn mentions giving his features to his son, symbolizing the passing down of his legacy and talent to the next generation. This theme highlights the importance of family and the continuation of a lineage. It also suggests a sense of responsibility in grooming his son to carry on his success.The reference to '04 on the run and comparing himself to influential rappers like Biggie Smalls, LL Cool J, and Big Pun further solidifies Westside Gunn's claim to greatness. By aligning himself with these iconic figures, he paints himself as a legendary presence in the rap game. This theme conveys the notion of paying homage to the past while forging one's own path to greatness.The hook of the song repeats the phrase "I'm nasty," emphasizing Westside Gunn's confidence in his skills and his ability to outshine his competitors. This represents a theme of self-expression and authenticity, encouraging listeners to embrace their own unique style and talents. It also serves as a reminder to the audience that they should strive for greatness and not settle for mediocrity.In the outro, Westside Gunn incorporates a sample from a wrestling match, emphasizing the theme of dominance and power. The mention of Hollywood Hulk Hogan transitioning from his iconic yellow and red attire to black adds an interesting twist to the song's theme. This transformation may signify a shift towards a darker, more assertive persona, paralleling Westside Gunn's own evolution as an artist.Overall, 'Nasty' by Westside Gunn explores themes of self-assurance, individuality, legacy, homage, and transformation. With his gritty flow and charismatic delivery, he asserts his dominance in the rap game and encourages listeners to embrace their own unique talents. Through unexpected and imaginative imagery, the song captivates and engages the audience while reinforcing the overarching theme of asserting one's greatness in the face of adversity.