In 2016, he released his first commercial album, Flygod. On March 3, 2017, Griselda Records signed a deal with Eminem's Shady Records, a subsidiary of Interscope, making Westside Gunn and Conway the first rappers from Buffalo to sign with a major label.
Shortly after signing with Shady Records, Westside released Flygod Is Good... All the Time, as a collaborative EP with producer Mr. Green. Since signing with Eminem, Westside Gunn has collaborated with Busta Rhymes, Anderson .Paak, Jadakiss, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, The Alchemist, and MF Doom and has played at Coachella, Firefly and Governors Ball. Ambrosia For Heads named 2018's Supreme Blientele one of the best albums of 2018. He also signed with Roc Nation alongside label mate Benny the Butcher on August 6, 2019, under a management deal.
On April 17, 2020, he released his third studio album, Pray for Paris. The album has features from artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Joey Bada$$ and Freddie Gibbs. The album was well received by critics, with Pitchfork giving it an 8 out of 10. On July 3, 2020, Westside Gunn released his tenth mixtape Flygod Is an Awesome God 2, the sequel to his July 2019 mixtape Flygod Is an Awesome God. The album features guest appearances by Benny the Butcher, as well as frequent collaborators like Keisha Plum, Boldy James, and Daringer. On October 2, 2020, Westside released his Shady Records debut, Who Made the Sunshine. The album was originally scheduled for release on August 28, the second annual Westside Gunn Day β a day in Buffalo commemorated by the mayor in recognition of Gunn's efforts in his hometown. However, it was delayed, out of respect for the death of DJ Shay. The album includes the entire Griselda Records roster and was accompanied with a short documentary following Westside's life before being sent to prison.
Claiborne Kick
Westside Gunn Lyrics
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Ayo
Ayo, Patek wrist, took the cracks out the pots, geometrics (ah)
Bag the extras, lookin' like the richest ever in the pickup Tesla (skrt)
Hundred shots to whoever (brr), we want wars with the best (brr)
Elephant drum stuck to less (ah), four hundred thousand on the neck
Knock off your head, fuck a vest (boom, boom, boom, boom, boom), you ever seen brains scattered? (ah)
(Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom)
Started gettin' better work, then the money came faster (ah)
Had to sit down a bit, came home, back at it
Same fork was faithful, we catch a body, let the Ace pour (brr, brr, brr)
Hit the brick with a Claiborne kick, rock a Liz Claiborne, it ain't safe for 'em (ah)
Mafia, what else?
227s
Block work
Stood tall on that murder rock, the realest on the compound
Twenty-man tanks here, twenty four hour lockdown
Was wanted on the net by the detects, number one suspected
Callin' home collect, Auntie Nette the only one acceptin'
One count felony firearm, two counts of drug possession
Three counts of felonious assault without a murder weapon
On the west side with 'bout thirty blicks, got the most gun collection
Plus a whole array of .30 clips, with a whole drum selection
Young and restless, all my youngins scandalous, don't need none protection
Undercovers pressin', wanna know what's me and Gunn connection
Know the feds watchin', tryna catch us touchin' tons of metric
Whole camp solid, snatch us up, you won't get one confession
Hustlin' medication, takin' medicine for depression
Under investigation, never been the one to question
Plug on my level, seen the talent from the first impression
Russian cut my bezel, Caesar salad with the Russian dressin' (where we at?)
Ayo, Patek wrist, took the cracks out the pots, geometrics (ah)
Bag the extras, lookin' like the richest ever in the pickup Tesla (skrt)
Hundred shots to whoever (brr), we want wars with the best (brr)
Elephant drum stuck to less (ah), four hundred thousand on the neck
Knock off your head, fuck a vest (boom, boom, boom, boom, boom), you ever seen brains scattered? (ah)
Right in front of mama love, that type of shit don't matter
(Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom)
Started gettin' better work, then the money came faster (ah)
Had to sit down a bit, came home, back at it
Same fork was faithful, we catch a body, let the Ace pour (brr, brr, brr)
Hit the brick with a Claiborne kick, rock a Liz Claiborne, it ain't safe for 'em (ah)
The song "Claiborne Kick" by Westside Gunn is a reflection on the rapper's life and experiences. The opening lyrics talk about how he has gotten rich from selling drugs, and he no longer has to cook them himself as he has people for that. He raps about his expensive Patek wristwatch and his pickup truck, which he uses for drive-by shootings, as he and his crew are at war with other drug dealers. The lyrics also talk about the violence that he has witnessed, with graphic descriptions of heads being knocked off and brains being scattered, and how it doesn't matter who is present when these incidents happen.
The second verse talks about his time in prison and the charges against him for firearms, drug possession, and assault. He mentions his gun collection, which includes .30 clips and drums, and the undercover agents who are trying to catch him in the act. However, he maintains that even under investigation, he has never been one to question his actions. He ends the verse by talking about the loyalty of his team and the respect he garners for being good at what he does. The song closes with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the dangers of the streets and the need to be careful at all times.
Overall, "Claiborne Kick" is a gritty ode to street life, where violence, drug dealing, and survival go hand in hand.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo, Patek wrist, took the cracks out the pots, geometrics (ah)
Westside Gunn boasts about his expensive Patek wristwatch and how he's perfected his cooking skills, removing all traces of impurities while maintaining special, precise measurements
Bag the extras, lookin' like the richest ever in the pickup Tesla (skrt)
After acquiring extra wealth, Westside Gunn cruises in his Tesla pickup, appearing like the wealthiest person ever
Hundred shots to whoever (brr), we want wars with the best (brr)
Westside Gunn's crew is ready for war, fully armed with 100 rounds to take on the best in the competition
Elephant drum stuck to less (ah), four hundred thousand on the neck
Westside Gunn has a huge weapon with a large ammunition capacity, but his necklace worths even more at $400,000
Knock off your head, fuck a vest (boom, boom, boom, boom, boom), you ever seen brains scattered? (ah)
Westside Gunn issues a warning, stating that even bullet-proof vests are useless against his powerful gunshots, and boasts about his ability to scatter brains with his firearms
Right in front of mama love, that type of shit don't matter
Despite executing violent acts in front of loved ones, Westside Gunn and his crew have no remorse or care for the lives affected
Started gettin' better work, then the money came faster (ah)
Westside Gunn improved the quality of his products and services, resulting in quicker streams of income
Had to sit down a bit, came home, back at it
Westside Gunn had to take a temporary break, but returned promptly to continue grinding
Same fork was faithful, we catch a body, let the Ace pour (brr, brr, brr)
Westside Gunn shows loyalty to his old utensils and will celebrate his victim with expensive champagne
Hit the brick with a Claiborne kick, rock a Liz Claiborne, it ain't safe for 'em (ah)
Westside Gunn uses his signature 'Claiborne kick' to break down brick barriers and wears a Liz Claiborne outfit, warning his enemies that they're in danger
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Alvin Lamar Worthy, James Clay Jones III
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind