JACKBOYS & Travis Scott's 'OUT WEST' featuring Young Thug is a celebration of the lavish and hedonistic lifestyle that comes with fame and success, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Young Thug flaunts his sexual escapades and the perks of his stardom, while Travis Scott touches on the themes of loyalty, his rise from humble beginnings, and the recognition of his influence and success. The track combines braggadocious lyrics with a hypnotic beat to evoke the image of the artists as modern-day outlaws of the West.
The song 'OUT WEST' kicks off with an immediate surge of confidence and self-assuredness, set by the braggadocious lyrics of Young Thug. The listener is thrust into a world of luxury and excess, where the artists' current reality starkly contrasts with their past. Lyrics like 'I used to jump off the back of the bus (Yeah), now I jump off of a jet (Yeah)' symbolize not just a step, but a leap from their modest beginnings to the heights of success. The juxtaposition between past and present underscores an emotional journey of triumph, with the artists not just attaining but flaunting their rise to fame.
As the song progresses, Young Thug's verses introduce a more raw, primal energy as he delves into explicit depictions of his sexual encounters. These sections pivot the emotional tone into a territory that is swaggering and irrepressibly bold. The references to sexual dominance and conquest reinforce the theme of control and power that is interwoven throughout the track. However, it is not just control over circumstances, but over people and pleasures, encapsulating an untamed, almost wild emotional narrative.
Travis Scott’s contributions to the track help to bridge the gap between the celebration of pure indulgence and the recognition of the hard-earned nature of their fame. His lyrics touch upon the pain and adversity that he has channeled into his music—'These days, I pour all of my pain out in a cup.' While his words still carry the swagger of a victor, the acknowledgment of struggle grounds his journey, imparting a mixed emotion of nostalgia, introspection, and resolve.
Finally, the track heralds an unabashed embrace of their outlaw status in the modern West—Los Angeles. They are proud of this self-ascribed role and revel in both the freedoms and the hazards it brings. The emotional arc culminates in a sense of unapologetic celebration, a declaration of having arrived and conquered, set to the rhythm of Western legends, albeit with a modern twist. In capturing the ethos of the West, they mirror the archetype of renegades who answer to no one but themselves.
"Gold metallic knife, I can shank ya out west"
In this line, Young Thug uses vivid imagery to portray a sense of danger and assertiveness, adding depth to their outlaw persona.
"I just put a drum on a new Kel-Tec"
Young Thug shows off wealth and readiness for conflict by referencing gun modification, evoking a sense of preparedness and power.
"These days, I balance all the hate out with the love"
Travis Scott acknowledges the duality of fame, where he experiences both negative and positive feedback, reflecting an emotional complexity in the face of success.
"I used to tell the lil' baby, 'This us,' then I got over the shit"
Here, Young Thug signals a transition from attachment to detachment, hinting at personal growth and change in priorities.