Meaning of Outro by Westside Gunn

The Westside Gunn song titled 'Outro' is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that delves into the world of artistry and the current state of the music industry. The overall theme of the song revolves around the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and the criticism and lack of creativity that can be found in the world of music today.One standout lyric in the song is, "No how, leave the fuck outta here with that old cornball bullshit, man. This shit is art, nigga." This lyric emphasizes the artist's frustration with the lack of genuine artistic contributions in the music industry. It suggests that many artists are more concerned with creating superficial and uninspired content, rather than pushing the boundaries of artistry.Another important lyric can be found in the lines, "Everyone's trying to keep it real, and I'm trying to figure out what the fuck is real nowadays." This lyric reflects the artist's contemplation on the concept of authenticity in music. It critiques the trend of artists attempting to appear real or authentic without actually contributing something meaningful or innovative to their craft.The line, "You missed the first three periods of school, nigga, you went right to lunch," highlights the importance of education and skill development in artistic endeavors. It suggests that many artists today lack the necessary foundation of artistic knowledge, skipping crucial steps in their development and consequently producing lackluster work. This theme calls for artists to value education and actively seek to enhance their skills and understanding of their craft.Another intriguing lyric in the song is, "Niggas keepin' it real dirty, niggas in the motherfucking music videos. Step, running 'round, jumping 'round and shit, pointing their hands like they got hammers and shit at the screen and shit, yelling at me and shit." This lyric critiques the excessive and often unauthentic displays of aggression and bravado in music videos. It suggests that these actions are empty gestures that do not contribute to the artistic value of a song or create a genuine connection with the audience.Additionally, the line, "Niggas need to go back to them old budget, when they [?] niggas, five hundred thousand of 'em, a mil, two mil, to make these [?]," reflects the artist's frustration with the focus on materialistic displays and excess in the music industry. It suggests that many artists today prioritize showcasing wealth and material possessions rather than focusing on the artistic and creative aspects of their work.On a deeper level, the song raises questions about the nature of art and the responsibilities artists have to their craft. It challenges artists to explore and showcase their individual perspectives and experiences rather than conforming to generic and uninspiring trends.Overall, 'Outro' serves as a powerful critique of the current state of the music industry, calling for more authentic and creative contributions from artists. It highlights the importance of artistic vision, education, and the willingness to challenge established norms. The song ultimately encourages artists to embrace their artistry fully, pushing boundaries and bringing forth meaningful and innovative work.