There isn’t a crew of rappers quite as consistent as Griselda — the tight-knit street label started by Buffalo, New York, brothers Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine. With carefully curated features outside of the circle, and religiously dark, street aesthetic, pretty much everything the imprint releases is revered by their core.
The sixth installment of Westside Gunn’s Hitler Wear Hermes series is no different. While it was thought that his album released earlier this year, Supreme Blientele, would be his final collection of music until his inevitable Shady Records debut, the Fly God drops off 13 brand new bangers for his fans to knock around as the temperature drops on the East Coast.
Originally released as a limited physical only release (something he’s known for), a delayed shipping date had fans a little antsy, so he decided to drop the steam early. It
The project’s production is — as with all his projects— a thing of beauty. In-house beat-smith Daringer adds his flair to a few tracks, as does Sadhu, who laces the eerie, drumless “Sly (Slide With It).” Evidence and DJ Muggs also lace some of the album’s more atmospheric cuts.
Some of the shiniest gems include the JR Swiftz-composed “B.I.G Luther Freestyle,” which samples Gary Burton’s “Las Vegas Tango” (notably used for Cypress Hill’s “Illusions”). As well, the Alchemist-produced “Niggas In Puerto Rico” stands tall as one of the must-listen moments on the project. The common denominator of both of those tracks are incredibly well-crafted verses by Benny The Butcher.
Though Westside takes a slightly more reflective tone on the Daringer’s “Amherst Station 2,” the album doesn’t stray from the formula in any way. Also, there is no Conway, which is disappointing, as some of these beats were begging for one of his gruff 16s. However, references to popular Buffalo soul food restaurant GiGi’s burning down this summer, and a reference to the latest Banksy stunt suggest that these songs are sporadic — possibly loosies off of his upcoming Shady LP.
Nonetheless, this album delivers. Westside Gunn is so consistent, that discussing lyrics on his projects feels like a counterintuitive waste of adjectives. Expecting anything different from the Buffalo collective would be like going into Burger King and ordering a Big Mac.
It ain’t broke, and luckily for his rapidly multiplying fans base, he ain’t fixing it.
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Dude is hella consistent. One of those artists I never have to question if it’s gonna be heat. My only gripe is that there was no Conway, but Benny GASSED his guest verses. 4.5/5.
Another banger and best believe when they drop that lp it gonna be alot of conway on it just another banger to add to the list of great hiphop keep them coming til the end of the year that goes out to all the old school and new school making music
Westside Gunn always bringing that fire. this project was excellent from start to finish.
Too predictable. Same formula on every song. Looped up sample with no drums and a slow whiny 98 Ghostface type flow. Sounds no different than all his other stuff
YOU PUSSY. DOOT DOOT DOOT DOOT DOOT
100.
Benny and Conway better than this dude. Still listening to these dudes. But the sound effects piss me off.
Dude is really grimey, and I love it. They got a nice squad, once the fans push drug addict music away, these guys will be ina great position with Em backing them.
Been killing it for a couple years now. Got the physical and the digital copy! I did wish Conway was on the album.
“This shit sound beautiful”
I didn’t quite understood where this review wanted to go with this. I tried to understand what’s new and what’s not, and it seems like this review has been written very quickly or in an indifferent way.
Anyways, I am looking forward to listen to it.