Westside Gunn’s influence is undeniable.
Most recent example: Drake not only rapped on a beat by Conductor Williams, he makes it the second extract from his album launched last week. Most rap fans first heard Conductor’s drumming on Pray For Paristhe first of three Westside Gunn offerings in 2020. And Then You Pray For Me is in a way the continuation of this one.
The late Virgil Abloh is once again behind the album’s visuals, while the music still exudes that aura of structured chaos. The collaborations are still numerous and varied, both on the microphone and on the console. Gunn of course called on his brother Conway the Machine and his cousin Benny the Butcher, who have become very respected since their humble beginnings. The three are united on Kostasa trap production by Tay Keith, which demonstrates the versatility of the MC trio.
The other members of the Griselda family are not left out. Boldy James (Jalen Rose) and Rome Streetz (The Revenge of Flips Leg) shine brightly on their respective tracks, while Stove God Cooks steals the show in each of his many appearances, especially on House of GLORYa magnificent composition by RZA.
JID skillfully transposes his flow bouncing on the beat heavy that Beat Butcha concocted for Mama’s PrimeTime. The atmosphere created by Miguel da Plug on Dunn Hill suits Rick Ross perfectly and Gunn enjoys it too. Ultra GriZelda does not have the same charm, despite the enthusiastic contribution of Denzel Curry, while Mr Everythingwith Jeezy, misses the target.
The variety is commendable, but the raw, dark sound that Griselda popularized remains what harmonizes best with its founder’s voice. Suicide in Selfridges (Conductor), Kitchen Lights (DJ Benoit) and Babylon Bis (JR Swiftz and Mario Luciano) prove it.
Westside Gunn is a rapper with limited talent. His words have little scope and the fluidity of his flow gets lost when he moves away from boom bap. His personality and authenticity have allowed him to stand out over the years, but it is his skills as a curator (curator) who elevated his status. His strength lies more in the choices he makes: the structure of the songs, the combination of various artists, and the selection of on-brand and unexpected beats. He knows, because the Buffalo native announced that this is his final studio album. And Then You Pray For Me is a great demonstration of Westside Gunn’s unique abilities, but also his limitations.
Extract of Kitchen Lights
Rap
And Then You Pray For Me
Westside Gunn
Griselda Records