LE Djoliba (feat. Cartier William)
Westside Gunn
Luxury and Hustle: The Duality in Westside Gunn's 'LE Djoliba'
Westside Gunn's 'LE Djoliba (feat. Cartier William)' is a vivid portrayal of the duality between luxury and the gritty realities of street life. The song opens with a series of ad-libs and gunshot sounds, setting a raw and intense tone. Gunn's lyrics paint a picture of opulence juxtaposed with the harshness of his past. The mention of being on the cover of Vogue with his stove symbolizes his rise from cooking drugs to achieving high fashion status, a stark contrast that highlights his journey from the streets to the elite circles of society.
The line 'Same nigga in the pic, arm restin' on Hov' suggests a sense of pride and accomplishment, as he aligns himself with Jay-Z, a symbol of success in the rap industry. Gunn's conversation about 'Os' (ounces of drugs) rather than rap further emphasizes his roots in the drug trade. The reference to George Condo, a renowned artist, and the ability to 'get 'em whole' signifies his access to high art and luxury, a testament to his financial success and cultural capital.
The song also touches on themes of loyalty and the consequences of stepping out of line, with Gunn ready to 'up this pole' (pull out a gun) if necessary. His purchase of a 2020 Rolls-Royce, which he hasn't even driven, underscores his wealth and the lengths he goes to maintain his lifestyle. The mention of Virgil Abloh, a fashion icon, and the phrase 'Griselda by Fashion Rebels' ties his street credibility to the world of high fashion, blending the two worlds seamlessly. The imagery of 'tap dancin' on the blow' (cocaine) with Cartier William, a tap dancer, adds a unique artistic layer to the narrative, merging art with the harsh realities of drug dealing.