Why I do em Like That (feat. Billie Essco & Keisha Plum)

Westside Gunn's "Why I do em Like That" featuring Billie Essco and Keisha Plum is a raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, inner turmoil, and the consequences of a life steeped in crime. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where violence, luxury, and existential questioning coexist in a chaotic dance.

The opening lines set the tone with references to drug dealing and the harsh realities of the streets. Westside Gunn's lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, such as "sniffin' coke off of mirrors" and "Benz and stacks," which highlight the opulence and danger that come with his lifestyle. The repeated question, "Lord, why I do 'em like that?" suggests a deep internal conflict and a search for redemption or understanding amidst the violence and chaos.

Billie Essco's verse continues this narrative, blending moments of luxury with the harshness of street life. Lines like "walkin' 'round the house, dirty Glock with some clean ricks" juxtapose the mundane with the dangerous, emphasizing the constant presence of violence. The verse also touches on themes of ambition and success, with references to wealth and status, but always with an underlying sense of unease and moral ambiguity.

Keisha Plum's closing lines add a chilling layer to the song, with graphic descriptions of violence and revenge. Her poetry-like delivery and the dark imagery of mutilation and retribution underscore the brutal reality of the world the song inhabits. This final verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of a life driven by vengeance and violence, leaving the listener with a sense of unease and reflection on the cost of such a lifestyle.