Westside Gunn bats a high percentage in “Still Praying.”
STREAM
TOP 5
5. I Know Verdy
Verdy?
Statik Selektah crafted a beat for Westside Gunn that could fit into a scene transition on The Wayans Bros. I love it! While gunshots are the standout sound over the beat, I really enjoyed how Gunn describes his dynamic chains and vividly recounts the wars he’s faced. Random thought: Can you imagine if the Civil War was fought with everyone in Gucci bucket hats?
4. Max Caster
Max Caster (OK, I need to pull up Google)?
My favorite beat on this album is featured in “Max Caster.” It’s so good that Westside Gunn had to restart it a few times. I also enjoy the pocket in his verse where he contrasts having “a brick or a b*tch” for his homies and “a gun or a vest” for himself.
Did Westside Gunn unofficially endorse Kamala Harris in this track?
3. Still Praying (Ft. Stove God Cooks, Benny The Butcher, Boldy James & Conway The Machine)
Have you ever seen three people put up 40 points in a game?
If you have 6:57 to spare, I highly recommend listening to “Still Praying.” Despite its lengthy runtime and somewhat stale beat, the track features outstanding verses from Conway The Machine, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Stove God Cooks, and Boldy James. Conway sets the tone with a punchline-heavy verse, while Westside Gunn brings animated energy. Stove God delivers a rebellious, drug-inspired verse, Boldy presents a laid-back style, and Benny showcases an unorthodox flow that still highlights his bold flair. Overall, this s**t feels like a best-of Griselda track.
2. Underground King (Ft. Rome Streetz & Westside Pootie)
Yo, what the f**k is this Delliah place that rappers keep talking about?
“Underground King” is driven by perhaps the most pleasant beat Westside Gunn has ever rapped over. That s**t eased my heartburn symptoms. Over it, Gunn flows exceptionally well, delivering bars aimed at rattling his opps. As for Rome Streetz, he drops the best verse on the album, showcasing his impressive come-up from drug dealing and sliding over the beat like a guy from ’97 with all the answers to today’s tests. But honestly, the standout element of this track is Westside Pootie’s speech; it made me laugh while also making me reflect on my own miserable life.
1. Free Shots (Ft. Conway The Machine)
I’m weird. I think the beat that powers this track is unbelievable.
I grew up on Good Times, so I have no issues with the whiny slave lady voice in the background of the vintage-sounding beat that powers “Free Shots.” As for Westside Gunn, I think he delivers his best verse on this track. I love how he flows and dismisses his haters while flaunting the lavish things he enjoys. Conway The Machine also stands out, subtly discussing his wealth, the bricks he’s sold, and his indifference toward the “little n***as” who always have something to say about him. Very good collaboration.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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OVERALL RATING
(B-) (80%)
I counted 150 gunshots.
Production: We must start considering Westside Gunn as one of the greatest beat selectors ever. His ability to mix gentle elements with gritty street vibes, jazzy moments, and nostalgic feels is remarkable. That said, this album showcases some of the best beats he has ever offered, with most tracks being enjoyable and perfectly matching his style. Additionally, the reduced experimentation contributes positively to the album’s overall flow.
Guest Appearances: Surprisingly, this album doesn’t have many guest appearances. The first ten songs feature one guest, but Westside Gunn starts stacking features with his usual collaborators, including Conway The Machine, Stove God Cooks, and Rome Streetz as the album progresses. Ultimately, the standout guest feature goes to DJ Drama, whose commentary significantly enhances the album’s street sound. Oh yeah, and Westside Pootie delivered an amazing speech.
The Performances: I was impressed by Westside Gunn’s performances on this album. While he sticks to his gritty sound filled with gunshots and references to designer items, violent conflicts, and wrestling, he seems to flow better and sound less wacky this time around. Surprisingly, I enjoyed this album filled with his verses.
What Would I Change About This Album? I would have liked to see a few more features on the album. While I enjoyed Westside Gunn’s rap verses, I believe he shines brightest when collaborating with other artists, putting them in positions to succeed.
The Biggest Reason You Should Listen To This Album: The album features a seamless flow, outstanding production, and solid verses from Westside Gunn. It’s really art in its highest form.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
