A disagreement (and fierce loyalty to Tha God Fahim) caused a rift between much-lauded MC Mach-Hommy and Griselda mastermind Westside Gunn, which seemed irreparable to caring fans.
However, time, success and perspective have a funny way of changing one’s outlook. After first showing off their reconciliation on Christmas Day 2020 and later cementing their reunion on “EasterGunnDay 4,” the purposely illusive Haitian rhymer returns to full form with one of his most accessible projects to date, Pray For Haiti — curated by Gunn himself.
What makes this particular body of work so alluring, especially if you’re a long-time fan, is its consistency.
Drake Plugs Mach-Hommy's New Griselda Album 'Pray For Haiti'
Mach-Hommy exists as an underground legend that you either appreciate or don’t (with only a little bit of a grey area). But even fence-sitters can find something to love here. His multi-lingual flows are backed by a stellar line-up of producers, like Camoflauge Monk, Sadhugold, Conductor Williams, and even mixtape legend DJ Green Lantern (amongst others) throughout the project. The decidedly Griselda vibe envelops his razor-sharp pen.
At the same time, his uncanny ability to frame hard-as-nails themes with calmly delivered, tastefully complex wordplay brings a different kind of aura to the outfit’s recent timeline—and he wastes no time making the grandeur of this project apparent.
The Denny Laflare-produced “The 26th Letter” drops a healthy dose of self-aware “Mach phonics,” making particular note that his aim (at Gunn’s behest) is to rearrange Top 5 rapper lists across the board.
Guests are kept to a minimum, with Gunn being the most significant contributor. The two exude chemistry over Conductor Williams’s warped sample on “Folie Á Deux” (with Keisha Plum). Then there is the undeniable vibe of the Camo Monk-produced “Murder Czn,” with Mach-Hommy embodying a young Mos Def on the chorus. He does this a few times, actually — like during the intro of “The Stellar Ray Theory.”
Veteran rap fans will also note a bit of bar-borrowing from his homie JAY-Z’s infamous Nas diss, “Takeover” within the cusp of the track.
And of course, a project like this wouldn’t be right without a 16-bar blitz from Tha God Fahim, who bodies his airtime on the Messiah Muzik produced “Magnum Band.”
Despite being his most consistent body of work to date, low-energy moments weigh down the project’s overall potential. Mach-Hommy’s calm delivery and the stripped-back production result in low-energy moments that feel like drafts of something more fleshed out. Mid-album track “Kriminel” with its long verses that travel nowhere is one such example. It’s not a criticism that anyone aware of the New Jersey-bred MC hasn’t heard before, though.
Yet, as a counterbalance, there is a constraint on lyrical and technical oddity, which makes the Dump Gawd more approachable than ever.
What this album lacks in high energy is offset by sequencing and commitment to the vision, though. Griselda is at a fever pitch, and while Mach-Hommy has a dedicated fanbase, his discography’s full scope remains something that requires effort and searching (outside what’s on streaming) to digest. We finally get to see what he’s able to do on the now fully realized platform.
The Mysterious Mach-Hommy Links With Westside Gunn & Keisha Plum For ‘Folie Á Deux’ Video
It’s not necessarily a new perspective from any of the contributors involved, but Pray For Haiti is an easy starting point for new Griselda fans looking to find out what the Mach-Hommy hype is all about.
Repeat Me:
Fan Feedback:
Easy call
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Overrated
Underrated by you. There’s no doubt This is a quality album, if u know or like rap.
Hardbody
This deserves higher. AOTY
Disappointed. Not living up to the underground hype. WSG appearance drops my rating automatically.
I love how he says „au revoir”. The production on this album is flawless. Conductor Williams! I do not really care about rapping, it is ok. WSG king. Brrr.
?????
3.5-4/5
I was expecting a little more seeing how this was touted as a masterpiece & his best work…the album is solid…dope production & Mach sounds sharp on the mic (and on beat), but it doesn’t have mich replay value for me…HBO is still his best album, but this one deserves some recognition..
Definitely the best album i’ve heard all this year.
Masterpiece. So far, album of the year.
Pray for Mach-Hommy.
This is awful there should be no denying it. It is like someone trying to play a broken guitar in tune. The sounds are unarranged and distorted through most of this album so are horrible to listen to. How this album got such high ratings I don’t know. Mach-Hommy is on Jay-Z’s label Roc-a-fella records so the embarrassment rubs off on to him. I will be looking out for more music from Mach-Hommy however but give this album a miss. Treat yourself to a coke and some hot chips instead with your money.
Pray for Mach-Hommy. This is awful there should be no denying it. It is like someone trying to play a broken guitar in tune. The sounds are unarranged and distorted through most of this album so are horrible to listen to. How this album got such high ratings I don’t know. Mach-Hommy is on Jay-Z’s label Roc-a-fella records so the embarrassment rubs off on to him. I will be looking out for more music from Mach-Hommy however but give this album a miss. Treat yourself to a coke and some hot chips instead with your money. Still an effort though so 2/5.
Pretty sure Dump Gawd is Fahim, not Mach
Easily album of the summer!!!