Westside Gunn hits us with an appetizer before the entré.
Lately, hip-hop fans are being fed as if they are at a Chinese Buffet. Tyler, The Creator started things off with his album CHROMAKOPIA, while Freddie Gibbs is set to release a new album tonight. Upcoming days promise albums from Lil Uzi Vert, Kanye West, and Westside Gunn, who just dropped a teaser with his five-track EP 11. RGM may have to check to see if their servers are up to date.
The first track on the album is “STONE,” which features a skit involving the late DJ Kay Slay and a jail call from someone who resembles Shyne’s voice (I guess everyone sounds like Shyne when they are calling from jail). This mysterious person praises Westside Gunn in this call, essentially calling him the best thing since sliced bread.
Following “STONE,” we have “BIG DUMP BALLAD.” The track features a soulful backdrop that remains subdued throughout, allowing Westside Gunn to deliver bars about his journey from street connoisseur to donning the luxurious attire of French billionaires. This raw track showcases unfiltered rap vocals, a soulful sample, multiple gunshot adlibs, and a lengthy poem from Keisha Plum.
Next up on 11 are “UNKLE HOWDY” and “CAIN TEJADA.” In “UNKLE HOWDY,” Westside Gunn mixes gunshot sound effects with verses about his philosophies, constant federal scrutiny, and luxury style—all set against a speakeasy-style, jazz-influenced beat. “CAIN TEJADA” opens with Gunn declaring, “You can be anything in the world but me,” leading into hard-hitting, stylish bars that capture his larger-than-life persona and flair for the dramatic. Both tracks showcase Gunn’s unique blend of grit and sophistication.
“PAULIN PAULIN PAULIN” wraps up 11 with finesse. The track is built on a soft, knock-free instrumental, giving it a restrained yet stylish feel. Over this, Westside Gunn brings his signature energy, spitting vivid lines like someone making a statement in the middle of a high-end store on Rodeo Drive. The combination of delicate production with raw, gritty bars makes for a memorable closing track.
I just listened to an entire project of only Westside Gunn. I deserve some loyalty points for this.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
