The song 'Dann mit der Pumpgun' by Haftbefehl featuring Manuellsen and Massiv revolves around themes of criminal lifestyle, specifically drug dealing, the pursuit of wealth through illicit means, and the gritty reality of street life. The title itself, translating to 'Then with the Shotgun', suggests a readiness to resort to violence if the music career does not provide the desired financial success. The song portrays a no-holds-barred approach to achieving success and opulence, even if it means indulging in illegal activities.
The emotional journey of 'Dann mit der Pumpgun' is like a rollercoaster ride through the dark underbelly of the streets. We begin with Haftbefehl's stark portrayal of the drug-dealing business. He spits verses about selling substandard drugs to outsiders and hiding cocaine to evade the law, painting a vivid picture of the high-stakes risks involved in the narcotics trade. As listeners, we're dragged into this shadowy world, grasping the raw desperation, the avarice, and the ambition that drive his actions.
Transitioning to Manuellsen's part, the atmosphere thickens with tension. His rhymes liken the rap game to the drug game, conveying a sense of pride and power. He depicts a self-made lifestyle, fueled by street knowledge and the kind of ruthless economics one needs to thrive in the underground. Manuellsen raps with a confidence that's infectious yet laced with danger, and there's an emotional undercurrent of defiance and rebellion against a system that leaves few other avenues to success.
Massiv's verse then steps into the melee, bursting with aggression and dominance. His image as 'Locke, the Boss' is a forceful assertion of control over his domain. His lyrics escalate the song's intensity, delivering a blow-by-blow of gangster bravado and visceral imagery. The emotional journey here teeters between swaggering triumph and the menacing threat of violence that looms large over such an existence.
And throughout the song, the hook resonates like a chilling mantra: if not with rap, then with the shotgun. This repeated line is a stark reminder of the high stakes and stark choices laid out. It encapsulates the emotional core of the song—ambition and the will to attain luxury and status, regardless of the law. It's an ultimatum, a declaration of their relentless pursuit, which has only two outcomes—either they will attain their glittering goals through music, or they will turn to the gun. The song leaves the listener in a tumult of raw emotion, caught between the allure of easy money and the stark reality of its consequences.
"Goethestraße, Louis-Vuitton-Store"
The Goethestraße is a luxury shopping street in Frankfurt, famous for high-end stores like Louis Vuitton. Mentioning it represents the desire for wealth and status.
"Nougg3apreis, asahbi, ich liebe meine Stadt"
'Hasch' is the German word for hashish, a drug made from cannabis. The phrase highlights the artist's relationship with his home city and its criminal aspects.
"Flex, Kristall: Dobro! Koks am Stein"
'Flex' refers to stretched cocaine, whereas 'Koks am Stein' refers to crack cocaine, which are indicators of drug variety and involvement in deeper criminal activities.
"Zahl’ die Kollektion bar, fick’ auf Sponsor"
Paying for a collection in cash and rejecting sponsors symbolizes financial independence and the ability to self-finance through illicit earnings.