After a seven-year haitus, the group reconstituted itself and released their second album Terrorist Threats in 2003 and sold respectably, fueled by the smash single "Gangsta Nation" with Nate Dogg.
Two albums may prove to be their limit, as members Mack 10 and Ice Cube are currently embroiled in an argument over Ice Cube's reluctance to go on tour, opting instead in favor of his movie career.
Although the rap supergroup came up and diminished relatively quickly, its impact is still felt today. Although it did not pioneer any new styles, it rather showcased the gangsta rap style at its peak with 3 of the best artists from the West. Bow Down is largely considered by fans and critics just short of a "classic" album today. Hip hop fans still speculate as to the amount of potential the group had if they had not disbanded so abruptly.
WC contributed to Ice Cube's seventh solo album, 2006's Laugh Now, Cry Later and his newest album I AM THE WEST.
Bow Down
Westside Connection Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't fuck with my stack the gauge is racked
About to drop the bomb, I'm the motherfuckin' don
Big fish in a small pond
Now the feds tryna throw they book at the crook
But I shook they worm and they hook
Guppies hold they breath, they wanna miss me when I'm tipsy
Running everything west of the Mississippi
We got your woman, pucker up 'fore we fuck her up
Bow down before I make a phone call
Got twenty-five niggas running up on y'all
For the cheese we want them keys
Everybody freeze on your knees
Butt naked please
Before any of you guppies get hard
Nigga, rewind my part, fool and
(Bow down) when I come to your town
(Bow down) when I'm westward bound
(Bow down) 'cause I ain't a hater like you
Bow down to a nigga that's greater than you (ooh)
I take ten steps and I draw (blaow)
Now who's dissin' the mad-ass Inglewood addition
I bust like a pimple, my mind is ill mental
The Westside connects with me and South Central
And a drag from the Zig Zag can't fuck with the Phillies
Holdin' down the wild west like a kid they call Billy
Once again it's MAC 10 the gold crown holda
Strong as a Coca-Cola with a chrome pistola (brr)
Now who wanna fuss so I can buss when I cuss
My look bring you fear with gear from the surplus
Since a teen, I chased the green, the crack-scene king
Lolos, corniches and baguettes on my pieces (ugh)
So recognize these real Gs chase the cheese
The Westside Connec' keep it rolling like gold D's
Three-wheeling and dealing, it's like the California style
But in the meanwhile, in my town, you got to bow
(Bow down) when you come to my town
(Bow down) when I'm westward bound
(Bow down) because I ain't a hater like you
Bow down to a nigga that's greater than you
Well it's that, Chuck-wearing, still sporting the beanie
The shadiest nigga in the clique, who wanna see me?
As I slide my locs on, let my khakis hang
Westside Connec' gang, Connec' gang, bing-bing bang (Westside)
Run away, run away, or get your punk ass slayed
By this H double O to the D to the S-T-A
Fuck hidin' it, I'm gang-related, simple and plain
Which means I can't give a fuck about you niggas in this rap game
Flashy niggas get stuck up, beat the fuck up
When you come around, keep your chain tucked from this
Zero-zero-apostrophe S shit
Fuck a studio lyricist, I'm real with this
Talk the talk, walk the walk
Diss me on wax, I'm tryna saw your whole fucking head off, nigga
I'm platinum bound, so bitch, shut up
And nigga, all y'all could kiss my Converse like Sho Nuff
(Bow down) when I come to your town
(Bow down) when I'm westward bound
(Bow down) 'cause I ain't a hater like you
Bow down to a nigga that's greater than you
(Bow down) when you come to our town
(Bow down) when we westward bound
(Bow down) 'cause we ain't no haters like you
Bow down to some niggas that's greater than you
Yeah
Let me tell you something
Gangsters make the world go 'round
So you ain't got to clown
But if you live on the west side of your town
Make them other fools bow down
Westside Connection
The world belongs to us
Bow down
Bow down
Bow down
(Bow down) when you come to our town
(Bow down) when we westward bound
(Bow down) 'cause we ain't no haters like you
Bow down to some niggas that's greater than you (fool)
The lyrics of Westside Connection's "Bow Down" exude a sense of authority and dominance on a grand scale. Ice Cube, WC, and Mack 10 all take turns boasting about their power and prestige among their peers, as well as igniting fear and intimidation in those who dare to challenge them.
The chorus of "Bow Down" is a direct challenge to anyone who comes across the group's path. They demand respect and submission from their rivals, insisting that they "bow down" to a "n***a that's greater than you." The song's verses are filled with violent imagery and threats, underscoring the trio's willingness to use force to maintain their grip on their territory.
Ice Cube's verse is a particular standout, as he boasts about his ability to manipulate others with ease. He portrays himself as a puppet master, pulling the strings of those around him with his "pinkie ring," while also making sexually violent threats against the women of his enemies.
Overall, "Bow Down" is a potent expression of Westside Connection's power and influence, and a warning to those who would dare cross them. It is a testament to the group's status as West Coast rap legends, and one of the most iconic songs of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is mine, nigga, get back
I am in control of everything, don't challenge me
Don't fuck with my stack the gauge is racked
Don't touch my money or there will be consequences
About to drop the bomb, I'm the motherfuckin' don
I'm about to make a big move, and I'm the one in charge
Big fish in a small pond
I'm a powerful figure in a limited area
Now the feds tryna throw they book at the crook
The government is trying to prosecute me
But I shook they worm and they hook
I avoided their attempts to catch me
Guppies hold they breath, they wanna miss me when I'm tipsy
My enemies are afraid of me even when I'm not at my best
Running everything west of the Mississippi
I have control over everything in the Western United States
Its the unseen, pulling strings with my pinky ring
I control everything from behind the scenes
We got your woman, pucker up 'fore we fuck her up
We have your loved ones under our control, beware
Bow down before I make a phone call
Show respect to me or there will be negative consequences
Got twenty-five niggas running up on y'all
I have a group of powerful men who will aid me if needed
For the cheese we want them keys
We want money and power over others
Everybody freeze on your knees
Everyone must acknowledge my authority
Butt naked please
Strip down and make yourself vulnerable
Before any of you guppies get hard
Before any of you try to challenge me or my group
Nigga, rewind my part, fool and
Listen closely to my words and understand my message
(Bow down) when I come to your town
Show respect and submission when I visit
(Bow down) when I'm westward bound
Submit to me when I am in control in the West
(Bow down) 'cause I ain't a hater like you
I am superior to you and you should show respect
Bow down to a nigga that's greater than you (ooh)
I am above you and you should acknowledge that
I take ten steps and I draw (blaow)
I am quick to defend myself and take action
Now who's dissin' the mad-ass Inglewood addition
Whoever is disrespecting me will face consequences
I bust like a pimple, my mind is ill mental
I am explosive and violent, and my mind is troubled
The Westside connects with me and South Central
I am connected to powerful people in the West and South
And a drag from the Zig Zag can't fuck with the Phillies
Even a weaker opponent cannot defeat me
Holdin' down the wild west like a kid they call Billy
I am the one in charge, and I am powerful
Once again it's MAC 10 the gold crown holda
I am holding power and am in control
Strong as a Coca-Cola with a chrome pistola (brr)
I am powerful and deadly with my gun
Now who wanna fuss so I can buss when I cuss
Whoever tries to challenge me will face consequences
My look bring you fear with gear from the surplus
My appearance and equipment scare and intimidate others
Since a teen, I chased the green, the crack-scene king
Since I was young, I pursued money and power through drugs
Lolos, corniches and baguettes on my pieces (ugh)
I have expensive and flashy jewelry
So recognize these real Gs chase the cheese
Acknowledge that real gangsters seek power and money
The Westside Connec' keep it rolling like gold D's
The Westside Connection continues to hold power
Three-wheeling and dealing, it's like the California style
I am living a flashy and powerful lifestyle
But in the meanwhile, in my town, you got to bow
In my area of control, submission is necessary
Well it's that, Chuck-wearing, still sporting the beanie
I am still powerful and in control despite my clothing
The shadiest nigga in the clique, who wanna see me?
I am the most dangerous and powerful person in my group
As I slide my locs on, let my khakis hang
As I prepare for my next move, I show off my clothing
Westside Connec' gang, Connec' gang, bing-bing bang (Westside)
I am part of the Westside Connection, and we are powerful
Run away, run away, or get your punk ass slayed
Flee or face serious consequences
By this H double O to the D to the S-T-A
Referring to one of his nicknames, which means he is powerful and in control
Fuck hidin' it, I'm gang-related, simple and plain
I make no secret of my gang affiliations and power
Which means I can't give a fuck about you niggas in this rap game
I am not concerned with other rappers or their opinions
Flashy niggas get stuck up, beat the fuck up
Showy and flashy people will face consequences
When you come around, keep your chain tucked from this
Be careful around me and my group, or you will lose your valuables
Zero-zero-apostrophe S shit
Referring to his nickname and indicating his power
Fuck a studio lyricist, I'm real with this
I am truly powerful and dangerous, unlike other rappers
Talk the talk, walk the walk
Back up your words with action
Diss me on wax, I'm tryna saw your whole fucking head off, nigga
If you disrespect me in your music, you will face serious consequences
I'm platinum bound, so bitch, shut up
I am successful and powerful, so others should respect me
And nigga, all y'all could kiss my Converse like Sho Nuff
You should all show respect and submit to me like my powerful nickname Sho Nuff
(Bow down) when you come to my town
Submit and respect me when you are in my area of control
(Bow down) when I'm westward bound
Submit and respect me when I am in control in the West
(Bow down) because I ain't a hater like you
I am superior and deserving of respect
Bow down to a nigga that's greater than you
Submit and respect my power
Let me tell you something
Listen to me
Gangsters make the world go 'round
Powerful people like me are in control
So you ain't got to clown
You don't need to act out or disrespect me
But if you live on the west side of your town
If you are in the West, you should show respect and submit to me
Make them other fools bow down
Make others submit to me and my power
Westside Connection
Referring to the group and their power
The world belongs to us
I am powerful and dominant in the world
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: O'Shea Jackson, Stephen William Anderson, William L. Calhoun, Dedrick D'Mon Rolison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind