Westside Gunn, the Buffalo-bred rapper, has announced a follow-up to his hit 2020 album, “Pray for Paris.” The new album is called “& Then U Pray For Me” and is set to be released on June 23 this year. The album will feature some epic tracks that fans have been waiting for this last couple of years. The Griselda chief took to Twitter to make the announcement and to commemorate the anniversary of his Pray for Paris album.
The Rise of Griselda
Westside Gunn, born Alvin Lamar Worthy, is a member of the Griselda Records collective, which consists of himself, his brother Conway The Machine, and Mach-Hommy. They’re also joined by Benny The Butcher and in-house producer Daringer as their flagship artists. These artists have been making waves in the underground rap scene for quite some time with their gritty, street-inspired lyrics and signature raw sound that harkens back to the golden age of hip-hop. The group’s sound is heavily influenced by the New York City rap scene, with a particular emphasis on the 90s era of the genre.
Griselda Records was founded in 2012 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the independent rap scene. The label’s early releases were met with critical acclaim, with many praising the group’s uncompromising approach to hip-hop. Westside Gunn’s own debut album, “Flygod,” was released in 2016 and was met with similar praise, firmly establishing him as a rapper to watch.
Breaking into the Mainstream
Despite their success in the underground rap scene, Griselda Records remained relatively unknown to the mainstream audience for some time. However, that all changed in 2017 when the group signed a deal with Eminem’s Shady Records. The deal not only gave Griselda Records access to a wider audience but also signaled their arrival as a major player in the rap industry. This also made Conway and Westside Gunn the first Buffalo-born rappers to sign with a major label.
Since signing with Shady Records, Westside Gunn has been on a tear, releasing a string of successful projects that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. His 2018 album, “Supreme Blientele,” was met with widespread praise, with many praising the rapper’s unique flow and storytelling ability.
Pray for Paris
Westside Gunn’s latest album, Pray for Paris, is perhaps his most ambitious project to date. The album features a wide range of collaborators, each bringing their own unique style and energy to the project. The album’s production is handled by some of the most talented producers in the game, including DJ Premier, Alchemist, and Tyler, The Creator, among others.
What sets Pray for Paris apart from Westside Gunn’s previous work is its sense of grandeur. The album feels like a major event, with each track building upon the last to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The album’s themes of luxury, excess, and opulence are a departure from the group’s usual focus on street life, but they work well in the context of the project.
Final Thoughts
Westside Gunn’s journey from Griselda to Global is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and dedication to his craft. His unique style and approach to hip-hop have made him stand out in a crowded field, and his latest album, Pray for Paris, is further proof that he is one of the most exciting artists in the game right now. As the rap industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Westside Gunn will continue to be a major player in the game. His ability to blend old-school rap sensibilities with a modern flair is a rare talent and one that is sure to keep him relevant for years to come.
Stay tuned for what’s next from this rising star as he continues to push the boundaries of what hip-hop can be. Voyage New York is here to provide the latest in fashion, food, lifestyle, and trending entertainment news for all those who want to stay up-to-date on the latest in the world of culture.
