E-40：Meaning of Lifestyles Songmeaning

"Lifestyles" by E-40 is a rap song that portrays the lifestyle and experiences of the artist and the people in his community. The song primarily focuses on the street life, gang culture, drug use, and the challenges faced by individuals living in impoverished neighborhoods. In the first verse, E-40 describes himself as a "desperado," constantly drinking and carrying a gun. He refers to himself as a "young hyena" with a fierce reputation on the streets. He represents his neighborhood and team as tough individuals with illegal means of making money, indicated by the triple beam (a scale used for weighing drugs) and tossing candy to drug addicts. The chorus emphasizes E-40's chosen lifestyle, which includes smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, and not conforming to societal norms. He boasts about rap stars who engage in vulgar behavior but still make money, while he protects himself from negative people. In the second verse, E-40 expresses his daily routine involving smoking weed and taking bubble baths, while always carrying a gun for protection. He highlights his street credibility and speaks in ebonics and broken English, portraying his identity as an intelligent hoodlum. The third verse discusses the artist's dual identity. E-40 acknowledges that his appearance may seem ordinary, but he is actually involved in illegal activities to make money. He advises others to be cautious and not trust blindly, as his community is filled with corruption, betrayal, and poverty. E-40 mentions people they have lost or who are incarcerated, emphasizing the hardships and challenges faced by his peers. Overall, "Lifestyles" paints a picture of a gritty, street-centric lifestyle and the struggles faced by individuals immersed in such an environment. It reflects the realities of living in a community with limited opportunities and the choices people make to survive.