$500 Ounces (feat. Freddie Gibbs & Roc Marciano)

Westside Gunn's '$500 Ounces,' featuring Freddie Gibbs and Roc Marciano, is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of street life, blending gritty realism with moments of opulence. The song opens with a series of mic checks, setting the stage for a narrative that oscillates between the harsh realities of the streets and the luxurious lifestyle that success in the drug trade can bring. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, painting a picture of a life where danger and decadence coexist.

The first verse by Westside Gunn delves into the struggles and contradictions of his past. He reminisces about cooking drugs in a friend's basement and the chaos that ensues when a Lamborghini knocks cocaine off a table. This verse also touches on personal relationships, with Gunn questioning why his baby mama stirs up trouble on social media. The mention of Kobe Bryant's death adds a layer of vulnerability, showing that even those who seem invincible are not immune to life's tragedies. The verse ends with a juxtaposition of skeletons in the closet and high-end fashion, symbolizing the duality of his existence.

Freddie Gibbs' verse continues the theme of street life but with a more aggressive tone. He describes the violence and danger inherent in his world, using graphic metaphors to illustrate the consequences of crossing him. The verse is filled with references to luxury items, from Lenny Kravitz skin seats in a Benz to a yellow Bugatti, highlighting the rewards of his risky lifestyle. Gibbs also touches on the idea of living comfortably off gut instinct, suggesting that his success is a result of both intelligence and intuition.

Roc Marciano's verse ties the song together by reflecting on the past and the present. He talks about the camaraderie and shared struggles of his early days, where friends would chip in to buy drugs and take shifts to avoid detection by the feds. The verse also emphasizes the importance of family and the desire to see his kids grow up, contrasting with the violent imagery of his younger days. The mention of God and high-end fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana adds a spiritual and material dimension to his narrative, encapsulating the complex nature of his life.

The song '$500 Ounces' is a compelling exploration of the highs and lows of street life, blending gritty realism with moments of luxury and introspection. It captures the essence of a world where danger and decadence are two sides of the same coin, offering a nuanced portrayal of the lives of those who navigate this treacherous terrain.