Babylon Bis (feat. Stove God Cooks & Keisha Plum)

Westside Gunn's 'Babylon Bis' featuring Stove God Cooks and Keisha Plum is a vivid portrayal of the high-stakes world of hustling, luxury, and self-empowerment. The song opens with Gunn's confident declaration of his superiority, both in terms of his lifestyle and his lyrical prowess. He paints a picture of opulence with references to expensive fashion, high-end art, and penthouse living. The mention of 'Hitler 1' alludes to his earlier work, suggesting a long-standing dominance in the rap game. The imagery of making ravioli on the top floor and a woman with a nosebleed from cocaine use underscores the juxtaposition of luxury and the gritty realities of street life.

Stove God Cooks' verse continues this theme, blending metaphors of drug dealing with high art. His lines about 'water whippin' on my Prince shit' and 'Purple rain turn to coke fog' cleverly mix musical references with the process of cooking crack cocaine. The transformation from a rapper to an 'artpiece' signifies a rise in status and self-worth, while the mention of 'Stove Jesus' and 'sleep in the manger' adds a layer of religious imagery, elevating the hustler's journey to a near-mythical level. The verse is rich with cultural references, from basketball player Damian Lillard to the iconic drug lords Pablo Escobar and Griselda Blanco, further cementing the narrative of power and influence.

Keisha Plum's contribution adds a poetic and almost mystical dimension to the song. Her lines about being a 'goddess in the bed' and 'roses grow between my legs' blend sensuality with a sense of divine power. The recurring theme of being a 'genius' and a 'God' reinforces the idea of self-deification and ultimate control over one's destiny. The closing monologue emphasizes the spiritual and motivational power of music, particularly Westside Gunn's music, as a source of inspiration and empowerment. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of consuming content that uplifts and motivates.