Alright, we’re in the final stretch of 2017. We can all agree that it’s been an incredible year for all spectrums of hip-hop. Let’s skip all of the filler sentences and jump straight to it – Griselda Records (WESTSIDEGUNN, Conway and Benny) & company body slammed this year. Of course that’s subjective, but we stand firm behind that. If you’re just getting familiar with them you may have bypassed the underdog Camino, understandably. Outside of spitting a few bars on Shade45 alongside the late Prodigy and GxFR squadron, and a short amount of available records/features, it’s easy to bypass his abilities. But the hyper Griselda Records fans most likely know what’s up, and have certainly been waiting for this release since the original announced release date in late September. I’ve had the pleasure of following both of their recent tours on a few stops and had to give you, the reader, a verbal recap (or flashback) to one of the most special shows I’ve ever attended.

I’m constantly flashing back to June 8th 2017 at the Studio Webster Hall. On that night, if you were not headed to the kick-off of Griselda On Steriods tour, you may have been strolling 3rd ave and on a double take in your head thought…”Did I just see Hitler’s face painted on a shirt?” But if on that night you were seeking out the basement of a late 1800’s tried and true music venue you may have seen that shirt and it would have only heightened your excitement for what would turn out to be a blood-sweat-tears all out passionate night for music. A night that put music back in its’ place.

The stage was manned by many – the list looks like a dream on paper (Raekwon, L.O.X., Prodigy, Roc Marciano, Statik Selektah, Mayhem Lauren, Smoke DZA etc.) but the theme on stage was singular the whole night. RESPECT. Artists that did not have any other reason to be there, were there- solely out of respect. And that feeling on stage spread throughout the venue immediately. The first artist responsible for making this element felt throughout the venue, was Camino. And he embraced that responsibility with a clear and profound stage presence. It’s easy to sum up performances in catch-phrases and physical reactions. But when an artist on the cusp of breaking through into full stride gets on stage – you have to go deeper than dope. Camino took the stage that night like it was grounds for proving himself – and it was. With only a handful of recorded solo tracks he would find himself alongside legends of hip-hop, so… Where did he come from? He answered that question loud and clear with a display of lyricism, and backed it up firmly with a physical gusto in his stage presence making his performance look natural. On topic, he’s one hell of a hype man while the GxFR squad performs.

Truthfully every artist that night had a goal to accomplish on stage, Camino included. The goal was to rep New York music as a collective beyond just the city – to come together as a state. Most of the artists filing out on stage dealt with that goal in a simple manner – basically by showing face and bars. All love. But Camino was one of the newest faces to show, and his bars were not synonomous with the likes of Styles P. But Camino still managed to set the tone with a respectable amount of his bars in the mouths of the audience. That is the work of an artist who can rise to the occasion, and when it comes to artistry in rap this is what we look for. Someone who has the vision to see what obstacles lie ahead on stage, and deliver under circumstances that demand the skills, knowledge, and abilities of an MC.

We could go on for hours about how incredible the debut show of that tour was in the summer. If you were there you know how legendary it was – if not luckily the entire show is available on YouTube. Point being, Camino played a big part that night. Rest in peace Prodigy.

Anyhow, back to the premiere. You can stream it below now and tell your friends and cousins and shit. This is only the start of a long, healthy career in hip-hop for young Camino – mark our word. We had a sturdy conversation with him that you can read below as well. Learn something. As always, peace and love.

The first thing I want to get into is the last two tours you’ve rocked with the team. How important is the art of the live performance to you? And talk to us about the first touring experience as well.

I be all over the place during show time but man, live performance is a huge part of being an entertainer. You gotta think – I’m only 23 so when I’m out there on the stage I’m really competing with your Travis Scott’s your Lil Uzi’s. My music is just different. It’s a whole different vibe, you know? The vibe you’re supposed to get from Buffalo, NY niggas. But yeah I admire them niggas performance wise . They know how to capture the crowd. I think I do a good job too. Once I loose this quick 20 pounds I’ll be able to crowd surf (laughs).

Lets talk about your history with WESTSIDEGUNN, Conway and Benny. You’re a bit younger than them. How did you guys all meet initially? 

Well shit, I met WSG through my sister. He ain’t really know me all like that. Bro just a down to earth ass nigga. I wouldn’t have fucked wit me lol, but long story short them niggas found me in the bushes (laughs). I met Conway through WSG naturally. Ever since then them niggas been my brothers. They taught me a lot about life and helped me mature over the years and grow. They kept me out the streets and basically just gave me a platform. Conway and WAG them niggas – my big brothers and mentors. Same wit Benny. I always knew of Benny because, shit, if you’re from Buffalo you know Benny (laughs). I used to always see the nigga at the barber shop and would never speak to him. That’s that Buffalo shit – no matter how many times you see a nigga, if you don’t really know him you ain’t gon speak. But come to find out he was cool as hell too. That’s my big brother. That nigga nasty.

It’s no secret that Griselda gives a lot of praise to the ART. When I say art I’m speaking on everything – lyricism, sound, fashion, painting, drawing, poetry and so on. Why is art important to Camino?

All art plays a huge part in the culture. It all brings us together in a way like say, for instance, fashion. I rap nothing like Lil Uzi, Young Dolph (laughs) but we all rock Gucci! I fuck with Goyard. I fuck with Balenciaga. We all go to the Blue Flame and throw money at the club – they just throw more for personal reasons (laughs). I live in Atlanta too and I don’t rap like 21 Savage but I fuck with 21 Savage’s music. And I was raised in Baton Rouge but I don’t sound like Lil Boosie. I’m all about the art of it if it makes every thing make sense. Art gives the music meaning. The poetry, the drawings, the paintings -it’s all very necessary. I feel like people don’t value art as much as they should! Not just our music but art in general. It’s just like music – another way of expressing yourself.

What are your personal thoughts on all of the new grimey/stripped down hip-hop music that is surfacing since Griselda? I know Wes addressed this recently on his latest record. In a way it’s beautiful, and a homage to you guys and your authenticity.

(laughs) I love it. I hear it. It’s out there, but it ain’t it. Only because they are not us. Nah, I respect it I just need niggas to pay homage because there are bums out there that niggas like WSG fathered but don’t give him credit. Even the fashion influence. I feel like alot of designers bit his styles. For instance the half and half REJECT and FLYGOD hoodies (laughs) – nobody was even thinking bout half and half and then next thing you know Bape is dropping half and half hoodies. And Fabolous was wearing half and half afterwards. I don’t know, mabye I’m just tripping but I see it alot (laughs).

Lets talk about the new record. It’s safe to call this your official debut release. Tell us about the choice of production, the writing process, and why you chose this cover art, etc.

Well my man Boodeini made all the beats. He produces most of my music. He is like my Daringer – my in-house and go to producer of choice. He got some shit with him too! He produced majority of the project. My writing process is pretty simple – I just look for beats that fit the vibe that I want the project to give and I write them all in the studio. I only write at the studio right before I record. Also the cover art is a picture of my house that grew up in. I took that picture a while ago on my phone. This house is in the middle of my blocks – D Block and C Block.

____

Related Articles:

RESPECT. Interview: Westside Gunn Discusses Changing Lives, Art Exhibits & Production

Premiere: Westside Gunn Drops off New ‘THERE’S GOD AND THERE’S FLYGOD, PRAISE BOTH’ EP

Premiere: Conway & Prodigy ‘Hell Still On Earth’ EP (stream) + WESTSIDEGUNN “Peter Luger” (Video)

The post Griselda Records’ Camino Drops Off Debut Release & Talks Touring, Art And Meeting WESTSIDEGUNN appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The larger-the-life emcee is gearing up to release TUNA in the coming months, and before we get a taste, the former battle rapper wants the world to savor joints like the Fifth-produced “Kill You.”And it’s easy to understand why when you hear him drop ridiculous bars like, “Get you dumped on, cheap/ While I get my lunch on/ Cheese and duck confit.”

His vivid lyrical imagery comes to life through the lens of Otto The Director, who follows Pounds and Conway through contrasting settings filled with abandoned buildings and mouthwatering meals. We also get taken to church thanks to the closing vocals of I. Am. Tru. Starr, whose chilling words are draped over a scene of a snowy graveyard.

Be sure to peep the visual and be sure not to sleep on Heavy Lies The Crown, which can be streamed in its entirety via SoundCloud, and purchased at Bandcamp for just $9.99.

Online
• Website: www.POUNDS448.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/poundslbs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pounds448
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pounds.yff

The post RESPECT. Premiere: Pounds – “Kill You” (Ft. Conway The Machine) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

A creative with tenacious vision echoing Kanye West and Basquiat’s effortless energy, and work ethic, WESTSIDEGUNN is a scholar whose trustworthiness has grown quite a bit this year. We’re all invited to witness his growth publicly on record alongside his tireless Griselda Records army. With production in its entirety by in-house producer Daringer, Hitler Wears Hermes 4 serves as WSG’s fourth installment to the ongoing series. A little over a year ago we heard part three, inviting the late Sean Price on “BLVCK TAR”. He and Griselda often pay homage to the rap giant; one of a laundry list of reasons authentic hip-hop listeners could note continued, solidified trust. When a recently developed artist praises Sean Price and J-Dilla, you listen. Getting familiar with WSG and Griselda early on, these type of things mattered – in a time where it’s almost expected for newer artists to ignore, even disrespect, their timeline’s frontrunners. And ultimately the culture. Now, Halloween day, we’re offered part four.

We had some fun and ran down a list of highlights that we’ve gathered from Hitler Wears Hermes 4. The title lists four reasons that your collection needs this, but there are far more.

Conway’s unrepentant transparency.

It’s common to hear Conway, the blood brother of WSG, compared to Beanie Sigel and Styles P. in 2016. It comes as no surprise. He’s cut from the same cloth, and we wholeheartedly agree that he belongs in the “hardest rapper” ranking at this point. There was a time when Hell Rell was mentioned on the unofficial list, but if anyone replaces him it’s Conway now next to Beans and SP. Perhaps that list is arguable. Isn’t everything?

“The Cow” is a welcomed surprise and the frame work for the 11-track Halloween day release. Conway has always been truthful and convincingly honest about hardships, street tales and hands on experiences. But this opening verse peels another layer of the onion off of the brawny wordsmith who, lets be honest, is one of the coldest personalities on record this year. It’s embraced and ultimately what makes him Conway the Machine. Hints of spirituality when referencing a close friend Machine Gun’s murderer, “..maybe that was a sign, maybe God ain’t want me killin’ them niggas and doin’ time, maybe God wanted me here to kill ’em with the rhyme, maybe that was part of his plan and part of the design. I don’t know, I’m not religious..” followed by a quick dose of gratitude while reliving the tragic shooting where he took a bullet in the head and almost lost his life. He wanted to quit pursuing hip-hop during and after recovery, now having to live with a slightly slurred delivery and a face “twisted up lookin’ ugly as shit.” Needless to say, we are glad he didn’t throw the towel in, as we’re sure hip-hop fans are in addition.

Thankful for his close relationship with WSG and Daringer, working with Kool G Rap, and still being alive to create today, it’s evident that he penned this verse with natural emotion. Grateful tears perhaps were shed. It may be one of the most convincing verses from him all year, and certainly builds even more anticipation for his forthcoming full-length G.O.A.T. (Grimiest Of All Time).

Art. And More Art.

An open invitation to controversy, the title Hitler Wears Hermes is unapologetically blunt. It’s a beautifully confusing and compelling label for a series. The title itself is drawn off of the Devil Wears Prada, but WSG needed something to stamp the newly wrapped package with his own flavor, a few years ago from his docu-series stating, “..some of the grimiest but flyest shit I could come up with. As soon as you hear it you think it’s crazy but fly at the same time,” explaining that’s what defines him – fly, grimy and luxurious. I don’t think an elaborate explanation is necessary for the title, much like most esteemed and admired artwork.

We’re here on the fourth installment. The cover art could be the most visually experimental piece we’ve seen from Griselda Records – an unbalanced, disproportioned digital collage of Hitler, well, wearing static Hermes attire. And a transparent mid-section (we think we see a spine there), which adds to the satisfying distortion. They’re quickly becoming known for their conceptual approaches on the visual art spectrum, adding another layer to the army’s flair. WSG is not shy about admitting his love for art, whether it be painting, drawing, fashion, emceeing or poetry. FLYGOD, his newly released debut record, exhibits a young stylized WSG wearing a careless, sincere smile and three gold chains. With his head wrapped in a tight crown of thorns and blood dripping from both his forehead and eyeballs, it raises questions. Art imitates art. Life imitates art. The questionability, the doubt, the curiosity and measurable conclusions.

Daringer’s canvas.

There’s a moment when listening to this piece where four songs, back to back, are built primarily off of gorgeous looped guitar riffs – “Aunt Rosie’s”, “Mr. Fuji”, “Ringside Rocking Furs” and “Nitro” to be exact. It’s not the first time we’re hearing Griselda’s in-house producer Daringer get loose and ornamental with guitar strings, but it’s the first time we’re hearing over fifteen minutes of display where guitar is the focal point. It’s uniformed. “Ringside Rocking Furs” is the lightest of the four, the guitar playing more of a backdrop as a result of the heavier drums – seeing fit considering its invitation to a new Keisha Plum spoken word piece and an introduction by singer Tiona D.

Daringer’s most enticing qualities lies is in his vocal samples. It may take a listener 10 minutes into any Griselda Records piece that he’s worked on to notice the highlighted skill set, though HWH4 finds only two songs where a looped vocal sample is the centerpiece – “The Almighty” and “Walked on Water Interlude”. A lot of their best work together is rather minimal. That’s chemistry in its purest, natural form. When it’s meant to be, you hear it. Again, sometimes art is like that. You can’t exactly put your finger on it. It’s a feeling. An indescribable one, bearing resemblant chemistry of Madlib and MF DOOM or Black Moon and Da Beatminerz. Daringer has even been called a young Alchemist, respectively.

All of his soundscapes leave us instantly in need of more. It’s not soul music, but it feeds the soul. There’s soul in the process and there’s undeniable passion. Real do indeed recognize real, and at the end of the day upstart producers should take note of the Buffalo, New York native’s work ethic. We like to think there’s folders of unreleased production that could, like WSG has been doing with rare, collectable vinyl records and clothing, be sold at a high number on the internet. HWH4 is another sure sign that Daringer is one of the most distinctive beatsmiths in hip-hop music right now.

Bringing out one of Stalley’s best guest verses in a while.

Griselda Records have yet to overwhelm a body of work with overbearing features. They generally keep the guest appearances within an arm’s reach – a healthy amount that seems to be the ideal recipe for an unabridged, contemporary hip-hop record. We’ve yet to think there were too many invited artists across their discography. HWH4 holds the door open for Conway, Tiona D, Benny, Smoke DZA and most notably Stalley, Maybach Music Group’s promising and often overlooked wordsmith. As for authentic Ohio representatives, it’s safe to put him up there with the Hi-Teks, the J. Rawls and the Kid Cudis. His latest (2014) full-length Ohio welcomed listeners globally into his classic apple red Chevy Impala with the boomin’ system. A wide, homely body of work that acquired additional trust for true-school rap fans.

Stalley’s Ohio, The Laughing Introvert and Saving Yusef releases all have their acclaimed highlights, whether it be debut sales, ideational subject matter or pure emceeing. As far as guest verses “5x a Day” may have brought one of the best moments out of him. We recently heard him on Skyzoo and Apollo Brown’s latest The Easy Truth. “Payout” is too an incredible contributing verse, but WSG and Daringer brought an edge out of him that we haven’t heard in a while. Maybe it’s the nature of the song’s reality, the nature of knowing when you’re invited into Griselda’s territory you let the pitbulls out. And the nature of a barbaric, reflective Daringer soundscape. Though notably topical, it’s more so a feeling you get that we’re referencing here.

iTunes | Spotify | AudioMack | XXL Magazine Feature

WESTSIDEGUNN: Twitter | Instagram | AudioMack | iTunes

Conway: Twitter | Instagram

Daringer: Twitter | Instagram

Griselda Records: Official Site | Instagram | YouTube | SoundCloud

The post 4 Reasons You Need ‘Hitler Wears Hermes 4’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Is this not the flyest double-premiere you’ve opened in a while? Come on. I suppose a formal introduction isn’t necessary, but perhaps you’re just discovering Conway and WESTSIDEGUNN. Responsible for breathing a new, refreshing cloud of appreciation back into east coast hip-hop, the two blood brothers have been on one hell of a musical tangent – alongside in-house producer Daringer and Griselda Records. Your grandmother may not like it, your white picket fence, suburban mother may not like it, but we can assure that hip-hop heads in and out of the streets love it. It’s a special sound that hasn’t been explored to this degree. Daringer’s careful loops, often drumless. Conway’s unapologetic grime and addicting slur. WESTSIDEGUNN’s piercing solidity. It’s a feeling we’ve been missing since, say, the Styles P. mixtape days. It’s here now, in 2016, and appears to be staying for a while as long as they’re on record.

Let’s get into Conway and Prodigy‘s new Hell Still On Earth EP. The release is just under ten minutes, a severely potent ten minutes at that. The world heard a collaborative effort from the two a few months back on the GxFR Don’t Get Scared Now EP, certainly leaving those who’ve heard it wanting more. Well, it landed safely. This isn’t a review, we’re just delivering it to you properly. You can stream and review it yourself below. We also had the pleasure of asking Conway a few questions that we think you’ll enjoy.

https://soundcloud.com/user-5212897/sets/conway-x-prodigy-hell-still-on/s-zkLAu

Onto the new video. “Peter Luger” is a stand-out off of WESTSIDEGUNN’s latest ‘There’s God and There’s FLYGOD, Praise Both‘ release. We’re stoked to now have a video for it. It’s a simple visual demonstration – the FLYGOD pulls up in the latest 2017 Benz Coupe on what seems to be a frequented corner in Buffalo, New York. Of course he’s dipped in his own latest fashion, one piece being his brother’s stylized face pressed over the black, limited edition hoodie (see Instagram for clothing updates). A simple corner store run for two blunts. Why is this special? Well, first it’s filmed incredibly sharp. A minimalistic approach is working beautifully here. It’s reminiscent of Kanye West’s current Life of Pablo tour in a sense, not directly of course. Maybe subconsciously – they’re all geniuses. After all it’s no secret that WSG is a big fan of Ye’s vision and artistic drive. And lastly, it’s relatable – simple as that. Enough yap out of us, enjoy the first look at “Peter Luger” and tell your friends, they’ll probably like it too:

a quick conversation with Conway:

The new EP is here. This might be the grimiest 10 minutes we’ve heard in a while. How did the project come about? 

After we did “Benz Window”, me and P thought we needed to keep cookin’ up more shit. The streets need that so here it is. We got more together on the way too.

Yeah, the collaboration just makes sense. Is this a teaser at what’s to come with ‘G.O.A.T.’? I know a lot of people are excited for that as well. 

Exactly. Gotta get people ready for what’s about to happen. It’s spooky right now for these rap niggas.

You’re arguably one of the hardest emcees in hip-hop right now. I get the same feeling with you and WSG that I did with LOX and Beanie Sigel type of material. 

We’re just doin’ our job. We understand we have an opportunity to do something special for hip-hop. We just stay humble and stay consistent with hard beats and hard lyrics. The rest will pan itself out.

If you could work with one artist dead or alive who would it be?

This may surprise you but it’s Kanye West. I think he’s a creative genius and I’m always inspired by him.

WESTSIDEGUNN

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

Conway

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

Daringer

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

Griselda Records

Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

The post Premiere: Conway & Prodigy ‘Hell Still On Earth’ EP (stream) + WESTSIDEGUNN “Peter Luger” (Video) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Artwork: Moab

Don’t try to run, really. It’s a mistake. And if you do decide to jet, Westside Gunn and the entire Griselda Records will get you. Their music will catch you – anyone with even a slight ear to contemporary hip-hop will also agree that these cats seem to find their way to your headphones and car speakers. As mentioned in a recent publishing with Westside Gunn, the work ethic is top shelf. It doesn’t take a college professor to notice that consistency is key in this game, or at least one major key.

The Buffalo, New York emcee makes this craft seem effortless. After just a few years of consistently brutalizing the studio, it’s no secret that he has picked up a generous amount of fans worldwide. The pressure is nothing to him. There actually is no pressure he says. You get what you get with WSG and Griselda Records; jump on board and enjoy or keep it moving.

We are stoked to introduce the new ‘THERE’S GOD AND THERE’S FLYGOD, PRAISE BOTH‘ EP with Daringer; as we’ve kept a close eye on their careers over time. Okay, so this is when the story gets interesting. The EP was recorded in one day! Though rather short in length, the quality is enough to run laps around a few cats’ full length studio albums. It’s a handful of polaroids, a quick “day in the life” of WSG and Daringer so to speak. A short, sonic voyage lending a glimpse through expensive sunglasses at what they can do on sight – on the spot, all craft on the table. How many artists can do that? Well probably a lot, but will it be good music? We caught up with WSG and asked him about the project. He simply mentions,

It’s a piece of art that I wanted to paint. Every song was a different stroke – no thought into it at all. Daringer played a beat and I just spit.

To avoid exhausting you with another elastic, typical review, you can listen to the new EP yourself and gather your own thoughts. Daringer never upsets, does he? We could take hours to talk about his production. This project is a quick look into an extended expectation from Daringer – continued grit and pristine sampling. As mentioned before, and everywhere else, their chemistry continues to amaze fans. It may be getting stronger as they continue to work. Guest artists include frequent flyers Conway, Benny and Nes. At this point a Westside Gunn release wouldn’t even feel right without them on the record.

Enjoy the stream. If you like it be sure to grab your digital copy on iTunes (link below). Thank you, peace and love:

https://soundcloud.com/user-5212897/sets/theres-god-then-theres-flygod-praise-both

Westside Gunn – Twitter | Instagram

Daringer – Twitter | Instagram

iTunes

Suggested Articles:

RESPECT. Interview: Westside Gunn Discusses Changing Lives, Art Exhibits & Productions

RESPECT. the Collab: Bozack Morris x Conway & Westside Gunn – “Never Change”

The post Premiere: Westside Gunn Drops off New ‘THERE’S GOD AND THERE’S FLYGOD, PRAISE BOTH’ EP appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Artwork: Dread Solo

Is it the voice? The piercing “ayo” introducing the record? The staple “doopdoopdoop” gun shot sound effects complementing the appropriate rhyme? The likely-drumless choice of production? Perhaps all of it, and some. Allow us to introduce Buffalo, New York’s Westside Gunn – if you haven’t met already.

Comparing Westside Gunn to another emcee is trivial, but take a moment to reflect on first hearing, say, Styles P. and Beanie Sigel. Okay, now try to recall that feeling. If you had any knowledge of inner city wiring, or street life, you will probably agree that Styles and Beans embody the street’s spirit and damn near record songs from the concrete. They are shatter proof, authentic emcees that’re brutally honest and evidently lived everything they’ve put on record. It’s almost undeniable, right? They have the gift of being able to speak to the average street cat very closely. Some do, some don’t – that’s where Westside Gunn comes in.

Buffalo, New York is no walk in the park. Unfortunately we all know what comes as a byproduct from an impoverished, drug ridden city. Westside Gunn has an innate, rather blunt way of rapping about it. Him and his brother Conway have survived every dark crevice of Buffalo and made it out alive, quite literally. As we hip-hop heads get older and grow up with the music, it gets easier to sift through the gimmicks and lies on record. Like Styles P. and Beans, Westside Gunn and all the whole GxFR squadron are the real deal.

How about being compared to a modern day Ghostface Killah & Raekwon? We could talk about how polished Westside Gunn and Conway‘s back-to-back flow is for hours.

It’s crucial to note Westside Gunn’s attitude and respect towards art as a whole, which below you will read a bit more about in our interview. Paying homage to all forms of art is necessarily notable, but let’s pull hip-hop from the deck for a second. Is it important to you, as a fan, that they understand and appreciate the culture? That they understand the importance of who came before them? That they’re actual fans of the music themselves? If your answer is no, close this page. One specific refrence from Westside Gunn that had us sold was his praise to J Dilla. This speaks miles and says a lot without saying a lot. There are way too many new jacks that ignore hip-hop’s timeline.

Having released multiple quality projects in the past couple of years, Westside Gunn’s work ethic and consistency is one to learn from. Do these cats ever stop? Will they? We hope not. The scattered loosies via SoundCloud (with very little warning), the full projects, and the features are reassuring. This is quality, gritty, fly, luxurious street rap that the east coast sound has been starving for.

We hope you enjoy the interview below – peace and love:

Artwork: @cepenwhy

RESPECT.: It’s no secret that you’re climbing the charts and gaining a lot of traction these past couple of years. Is it getting more challenging for you to focus? Or does Westside Gunn feel even sharper with a rapidly growing audience?

I never, ever felt challenged. Actually the reason I drop so much material is because I get bored easily. I want the people to witness greatness – a new LEGEND. So, I just drop shit to keep reminding people it’s not a game this shit is legendary, haha.

RESPECT.: Do you mind speaking on your choice of production? (On that note, you and Daringer have undeniable chemistry.)

Yea I mean I’ve reached out to all my favs – Preemo, Alchemist, PeteRock, 9th Wonder, etc. and we’re all about to start cooking. However, nobody will ever get me like Daringer. That’s my producer since day one. When you hear him that’s the Griselda sound. The RAW shit you know? I’m where I am today because of what Daringer brought to the table.

RESPECT.: Visual art and fashion are praised often in your music. It’s refreshing to say the least. If you don’t mind naming a few, who are your favorite painters, visual artists and/or fashion designers?

To be honest I love all art. I like going to art exhibits and peeping raw talent. You can learn a lot and develop a different outlook on life by looking at an artists view. Some designers I mess with are Raf, Virgil, Don (Just Don), and Neil Barrett. Also, I love what Kanye is doing. I feel I’m a grimier Kanye.

RESPECT.: You, Conway and the rest of the crew have quite literally been through it all. With that being said, you guys could be inspiring a lot of young bucks and I’m sure are already. Is this important to you?

That means everything. We’re hood dudes and have been thru it all – I mean all. From prisons, murders, drug sales, and almost losing life. I mean, Conway got shot in the damn head. But yeah, we’ve come a long way and I hope what we’re doing can show the people from the same walks of life that if you grind hard and stay focused anything is possible. Changing lifes is more important to me than music. I’m just glad when I make music I’m able to do both.

RESPECT.: What should the world be expecting from Westside Gunn/GxFR for the rest of 2016?

Nothing but WORK! The best work on the block to be exact. We got Conway’s debut album ‘GOAT (Grimiest of ALL Time)’ coming. I’m going to drop again too, just dont know when. And a whole lot of instant drops, like the “SUMMERSLAM 88” I just dropped today with my daughter. Love is love, thank you.

https://soundcloud.com/user-5212897/summerslam-88-prod-by-your-old-droog

Westside Gunn: Twitter | Instagram | AudioMack | iTunes

Conway: Twitter | Instagram

Daringer: Twitter | Instagram

Griselda Records: Official Site | Instagram | YouTube | SoundCloud

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