5x a Day (feat. Stalley)
Westside Gunn
Faith and Struggle in the Streets: A Deep Dive into '5x a Day'
Westside Gunn's '5x a Day (feat. Stalley)' is a gritty portrayal of life in the streets, juxtaposed with a deep sense of faith and spirituality. The song opens with a series of onomatopoeic sounds, setting a chaotic and intense tone that mirrors the tumultuous life described in the lyrics. Gunn's verses are filled with vivid imagery of violence, drug dealing, and the constant hustle for survival. Lines like 'Pistol whip you like you stole something' and 'Pyrex whippin' got us living' paint a picture of a harsh reality where every day is a battle.
Despite the raw and often brutal content, there's an underlying theme of faith that runs through the song. The repeated line 'He pray five times a day' refers to the Islamic practice of Salah, the five daily prayers. This spiritual element adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that even in the midst of chaos and crime, there's a search for redemption and a connection to a higher power. The contrast between the violent lifestyle and the dedication to prayer highlights the duality of the characters' lives, caught between their actions and their beliefs.
Stalley's verse further emphasizes this duality, blending references to luxury and crime with mentions of religious practices. Lines like 'Just left Jummah, hope the prayers working' and 'Since Allah hope Allah never give up on us' show a reliance on faith as a source of hope and strength. The song's title, '5x a Day,' serves as a reminder of this constant spiritual practice, even as the characters navigate a world filled with danger and temptation. Through its raw lyrics and powerful imagery, '5x a Day' offers a compelling look at the intersection of faith and survival in the streets.