Westside Connection is a West Coast gangsta rap group consisting of Ice Cub… Read Full Bio ↴Westside Connection is a West Coast gangsta rap group consisting of Ice Cube, WC, and Mack 10. Their first album, Bow Down, reached the #2 position on the Billboard 200 in 1996. The group was formed during the East Coast and West Coast rivarly, coming out with a vengeance after the death of 2pac. Death Row Records was suffering after the loss of 2Pac, poor sales of Snoop Doggy Dogg's Tha Doggfather and Dr. Dre leaving to form his own label Aftermath. Because of this, while Bow Down was enjoying chart success, its corresponding label Priority climbed the gangsta rap hierarchy.

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.

The Pledge
Westside Connection Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I pledge alligance to the rag of the united westside connection,
and to the W for which it stands,
one neighbor hood under God invincible with luxurys and riches for all

Overall Meaning

In Westside Connection's song "The Pledge," the lyrics reflect a sense of unity and loyalty to the Westside, particularly in California. The lyrics of the song speak about the unity and strength of the Westside, and how the people living there are privileged and have riches. This can be interpreted as a comment on the power and prestige that come with living in certain neighborhoods.

The opening line, "I pledge allegiance to the rag of the united Westside Connection," refers to the band's emblem, a red bandana that they wear as a sign of their affiliation with the Westside. The line, "and to the W for which it stands," shows the pride and loyalty that the group has for their community. They speak about being "invincible" which shows their strength as a united community.

Furthermore, using the phrase "one neighborhood under God" references the idea of unification within communities, and putting their trust in a higher power. Lastly, the phrase "luxuries and riches for all" speaks to the idea that the Westside is a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and where everyone can enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Line by Line Meaning

I pledge alligance to the rag of the united westside connection,
I am loyal to the symbol of the united Westside Connection, which could be represented as a piece of cloth.

and to the W for which it stands,
I also pledge allegiance to the letter 'W' which is a symbol of the Westside Connection.

one neighbor hood under God invincible with luxurys and riches for all
We believe in one community under God, which is strong and unbeatable, where everyone can enjoy luxuries and wealth.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, WILLIAM L. CALHOUN, DEDRICK D'MON ROLISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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