"Mine*" by Westside Gunn: Lyrics Details, Meaning & Impact
Song Credits:
- Featuring Artist(s): MF DOOM
- Producer(s): Daringer
- Writer(s): Westside Gunn & MF DOOM
- Release Date: 2023
- Musical Genre: Jazz Rap, Underground Rap, Boom Bap, Hardcore Rap
- Album: FLYGOD is an Awesome God III
- Track #: N/A (Unreleased track)
- Language(s): English
Exploring the meaning of "Mine*"
The song’s lyrics are dense with references to the drug trade, luxury, and the often hazardous realities that come with the lifestyle that both Westside Gunn and MF DOOM rap about. Opening with a lighthearted intro from Westside Pootie and Gunn himself, the track quickly dives into its central theme: the constant balancing act between affluence and danger. Westside Gunn’s opening verse paints a picture of success achieved through a life of criminal enterprise, highlighted by metaphors like “cooking bricks” and “buying two shoes,” symbols of illicit wealth and a lavish lifestyle. The reference to crashing his yacht while drinking Veuve—a luxury champagne—adds an element of excess, blending with the motif of a fast-paced, unpredictable life. This aligns with the track’s general sentiment of living life on the edge.
MF DOOM enters with a verse that is less about material wealth and more about the gritty nature of the street hustle. Lines such as “Your own workspace cubicle, smirk face crucible” and “Need to re-roll that, he sold stat old hat” suggest a colder, more introspective view of the game. MF DOOM's presence on the track reinforces his ability to turn the banal into something cryptic, crafting deeper layers within the narrative of criminality. His wordplay is enigmatic, as always, speaking of survival through wit and observation rather than mere indulgence.
The chorus reinforces this duality, as both artists chant “It's yours, it's his, mine,” emphasizing the blurred lines between ownership, desire, and the cost of living such a life. It’s a mantra that reverberates throughout the track, reminding the listener that everything in this world, from the luxury to the violence, is ultimately transient and intertwined.
Similar songs with similar messages:
- "Gunz N Butta" by Westside Gunn ft. Conway the Machine: Much like "Mine*," this track embraces the same thematic content of street life, luxury, and a certain nihilism in the pursuit of wealth. Both songs emphasize the contrast between the joy of affluence and the darker side of living by the street code. However, "Gunz N Butta" presents a more aggressive tone with Conway's hard-hitting delivery complementing Gunn's more laid-back yet equally potent presence. The production on both tracks, with its signature Griselda style, binds them together in sound and theme.
- "Accordion" by MF DOOM: A song that shares the introspective, clever wordplay of MF DOOM on "Mine*." While “Accordion” explores more of a personal, self-reflective tone, both songs deal with maintaining control in chaotic environments. DOOM's ability to twist everyday occurrences into something that speaks to his survival instinct aligns with the street narratives told in "Mine*." The contrast between the personal and the public in both tracks forms a thematic connection between them.
- "Coco Chanel" by Jay-Z: This track shares a similar lifestyle narrative with "Mine*," especially in terms of depicting the intersection of wealth and danger. Jay-Z’s penchant for expressing his rise from street hustler to mogul mirrors Westside Gunn's lyrical journey, and both use material imagery to tell stories of overcoming struggles. While Jay-Z focuses more on business acumen, both he and Gunn engage in showcasing the complexity of success in a high-risk environment.
- "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A.: The raw energy and rebellion in this track closely echo the themes of "Mine*," especially with the overt references to crime and the dangers of living in a turbulent environment. Both songs touch on the recklessness of street life, but where N.W.A.'s track offers a brash critique of society, "Mine*" leans more toward indulgence in excess, albeit with a sharp understanding of the inevitable consequences.
- "The Wire" by The Roots: Both "Mine*" and "The Wire" delve into the street life and its duality. While "The Wire" focuses more on the systemic aspects of crime and survival, Westside Gunn's track encapsulates more personal stories of crime and success, often feeling like an unflinching look at the streets. The moody, jazz-influenced production of both tracks highlights their similar atmospheres.
- "The Blacker the Berry" by Kendrick Lamar: Though Kendrick Lamar's track is politically charged and addresses racial tension, "The Blacker the Berry" and "Mine*" both share the idea of navigating through oppressive systems. Kendrick's song is a direct confrontation, while Westside Gunn’s narrative of wealth and street success acts as a reflection of a different kind of resistance, both rooted in personal experiences and survival.
Questions & answers.
- What is the significance of the repetitive chorus "It's yours, it's his, mine"?
- The repetition of this line emphasizes the blurred boundaries between ownership and survival in a dangerous, high-stakes world. It speaks to the uncertainty of possession in a lifestyle where material wealth is fleeting, and lives are at constant risk.
- How does MF DOOM's verse contrast with Westside Gunn's?
- MF DOOM's verse is more cryptic and introspective, focusing on the nuances of survival, while Westside Gunn's verse embraces the wealth and power that come with street success. The contrast highlights their differing approaches to the same world—Gunn is more outwardly extravagant, while DOOM reflects on the inherent risks and philosophical consequences of that lifestyle.
- What role does the production by Daringer play in the song's impact?
- Daringer's production on "Mine*" plays a crucial role in grounding the song in the raw, underground aesthetic that defines Griselda's sound. His use of dark, atmospheric beats and the sampled MF DOOM track “Hydrochloric Acid” ties the entire project together, adding layers of introspection to the otherwise brash and unapologetic lyricism of both artists.
Chart Performance and Awards
As of now, "Mine*" remains an unreleased track, so no official chart performance or major awards have been attributed to it. However, its inclusion in Westside Gunn's upcoming project, *FLYGOD is an Awesome God III*, may bring it more attention, especially given the legacy of both the artist and MF DOOM's influence on underground rap.
Fan and Media Reactions
“Westside Gunn and MF DOOM together again? Fire!” – Twitter user @Gone_wubj_a96a
“The chemistry is unreal. Doom’s verse is *insane*—the way he flips the language is genius.” – User @gone_38b62_8544