Lyrics of 055 — Westside Gunn

"055" by Westside Gunn: Lyrics Details, Meaning & Impact

Song Credits:

• Featuring Artist(s): Stove God Cooks
• Producer(s): Crucial The Guillotine
• Writer(s): Westside Gunn, Stove God Cooks, Crucial The Guillotine & AA Rashid
• Release Date: February 14, 2025
• Musical Genre: Hardcore Rap, Jazz Rap, East Coast Rap
• Album: 12
• Label: Griselda
• Mastering Engineer: Statik Selektah

Exploring the meaning of "055"

"055" is a hymn of self-glorification, struggle, and triumph, wrapped in the signature opulence and grit that defines Westside Gunn's sound. The track, featuring Stove God Cooks, intertwines religious imagery, street success, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, a testament to the unwavering confidence both artists exude.

The chorus, delivered by Stove God Cooks, repeats the phrase "Praise Fly, praise Stove, praise both," merging religious reverence with self-idolization. "Fly" references Westside Gunn's alter ego, Flygod, while "Stove" nods to Stove God Cooks' name, an allusion to his past in the drug trade. By equating their success to something worthy of worship, they frame their achievements as both divine and aspirational.

Stove God Cooks' verse reminisces on past struggles and triumphs, contrasting the desperation of his earlier years with his current wealth. Lines like "My eyes closed, I can still smell crack smoke" recall the harrowing environment he emerged from, while "Last-minute flights to places you will never see" flexes the luxury his hard-fought victories have afforded him.

Westside Gunn’s verse is more violent and extravagant. He blends imagery of mafia-style executions ("Hit him close up, made his body slump") with high-end fashion ("Balenciaga Oakleys on the Gotti run"). The line "Bracelet so big, I wish I had another arm" epitomizes his excess, while "The square was three ounces short, now his son dead" serves as a grim reminder of the unforgiving nature of the drug world.

Finally, AA Rashid’s outro ties the track together with a philosophical reflection: "You don’t have to die in order for you to hear what heaven sounds like." It reinforces the idea that their success, their music, is a form of salvation—both for themselves and for those who admire their rise.

Similar songs with themes of success and survival:

1. "Brick By Brick" by Stove God Cooks: This song shares the same themes of street hustling, wealth accumulation, and self-made success. Both tracks contain vivid depictions of past struggles, religious imagery, and a boastful celebration of material gains.
2. "George Bondo" by Westside Gunn ft. Benny the Butcher & Conway the Machine: Another Griselda classic, "George Bondo" boasts luxurious imagery while keeping its feet firmly planted in street realism. Like "055," it balances poetic violence with high-end fashion references.
3. "10 Bricks" by Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killah & Cappadonna: The Wu-Tang influence is heavy in Westside Gunn’s style, and this track from *Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II* parallels "055" in its mafia-style storytelling, gritty production, and cocaine-laced lyricism.
4. "Luxury Rap" by Roc Marciano: Roc Marciano’s brand of rap—detailing drug deals over minimalistic production—resonates with "055." Both songs emphasize wealth, survival, and the artistry of the hustle.
5. "The Book of Soul" by Ab-Soul: While differing in delivery, this track shares "055's" introspective elements. Ab-Soul reflects on personal loss and survival, much like Westside Gunn and Stove God Cooks’ reflections on their past struggles.
6. "Keep It Thoro" by Prodigy: A street anthem packed with bravado, "Keep It Thoro" echoes "055" in its aggressive delivery, mafia undertones, and relentless self-confidence.

Questions & answers.

What does "Praise Fly, praise Stove, praise both" mean?

The phrase equates Westside Gunn (Flygod) and Stove God Cooks to divine figures. It emphasizes their success and influence in the rap game and the streets, presenting their journeys as something to be revered.

How does Westside Gunn use luxury imagery in "055"?

Westside Gunn blends descriptions of high fashion, expensive jewelry, and exotic cars with the grim realities of his past. This contrast showcases both the rewards of his hustle and the violence that often accompanies it.

What role does AA Rashid's outro play in the song?

AA Rashid provides a philosophical conclusion, reinforcing the idea that music and success can be a form of salvation. He implies that the wealth and status Gunn and Stove God have achieved allow them to experience a version of "heaven" on Earth.

Chart Performance and Awards

As a fresh release from *12*, "055" has yet to make a significant impact on the charts. However, given the strong reception of Westside Gunn's previous work, it's expected to gain traction, particularly within underground and hardcore rap circles.

Fan and Media Reactions

"Stove God and Gunn really out here making religion out of street success. Unreal chemistry!"

"AA Rashid’s outro hit different. This is real wisdom wrapped in street poetry."

"The way Gunn paints pictures with his words is crazy. I feel like I just watched a mafia movie."

"Every bar is luxury and violence. This is the Griselda sound at its peak."

"That beat, those ad-libs, the storytelling—pure cinematic rap!"