The Meaning Behind The Song: 400 Million Plus Tax by Westside Gunn

As a Filmmaker, I am constantly looking for inspiration in different forms of art and music. One day, while browsing through a friend’s music collection, I stumbled upon a song that immediately captivated me. That song was “400 Million Plus Tax” by Westside Gunn. It was a unique blend of rap, spoken word, and skit, which intrigued me to dive deeper into its meaning and storytelling.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

The song starts with a skit that samples a recording from the auction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi.” The painting was sold for a staggering $450.3 million at Christie’s, making it the most expensive painting ever sold in an auction. This skit sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it revolves around the theme of wealth and luxury.

Throughout the song, Westside Gunn uses his signature gritty style of rap to paint a vivid picture of a lavish lifestyle, filled with extravagant purchases and a disregard for financial consequences. The lyrics depict the allure and power of money, as well as the desire to attain the highest level of material wealth.

From lines like “Four hundred million is the bid” to “For the Salvator Mundi at four hundred million” and “At four hundred million Leonardo, Salvator Mundi,” Westside Gunn emphasizes the immense value placed on material possessions, specifically art in this case.

The Significance

While the song may seem like a celebration of opulence at first glance, there is a deeper underlying commentary on society’s obsession with wealth and the exploitation of art for profit. Westside Gunn juxtaposes the exorbitant price of the painting with the realities faced by many people in society who struggle to make ends meet.

By showcasing the absurdity of a painting selling for such an astronomical price, Westside Gunn challenges the notion of value and questions the priorities of the elite. The song serves as a critique of a system that prioritizes luxury over social welfare, raising questions about income inequality and the distribution of wealth.

Inspiration and Reflection

Listening to “400 Million Plus Tax” sparked a range of emotions within me. It made me reflect on the delicate balance between artistic expression and financial gain. As a Filmmaker, I often grapple with the question of how art can be appreciated and valued while still maintaining its integrity. This song reminded me of the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and resisting the pressures of commercial success.

Moreover, it served as a reminder to remain conscious of the world around us and the social issues we face. Beyond the catchy beats and clever wordplay, music has the power to uplift and inspire change. Westside Gunn’s “400 Million Plus Tax” does just that, prompting us to question society’s values and engage in conversations about wealth, income disparity, and the ethics of the art market.

In conclusion, “400 Million Plus Tax” by Westside Gunn is not just another rap song about money and luxury. It is a thought-provoking critique on the obsession with wealth and the exploitation of art for profit. It challenges us to reflect on our own values and consider the impact of our actions on society as a whole. So the next time you listen to this song, take a moment to appreciate its deeper meaning and let it inspire you to make a positive change in the world.