Conway the Machine

Rappers Like Benny The Butcher: Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Pusha T & More

by

The rap scene has been graced with the profound lyricism and raw delivery of Benny The Butcher. A member of the music collective Griselda, Benny’s intense wordplay and gritty depictions of life in Buffalo, New York, have earned him a dedicated fanbase. But what if you’ve exhausted Benny’s discography and sought artists with a similar style? Here are some rappers that might whet your appetite for more.

Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs’s rise in the industry mirrors Benny’s journey. Both started from humble beginnings and have since crafted a niche in hardcore hip hop. Freddie, like Benny, paints vivid pictures of his life and experiences in Gary, Indiana, through his lyrics. His music is a blend of raw emotion, street knowledge, and complex narratives that fans of Benny will undoubtedly appreciate.

Roc Marciano

Roc Marciano’s minimalist production and intricate storytelling echo Benny’s work. A veteran of the New York hip hop scene, Marciano’s music is gritty, grimy, and thoroughly authentic, much like Benny’s. His dense lyricism and use of subtlety to convey profound messages will resonate with fans who appreciate Benny’s lyrical prowess.

Pusha T

When discussing drug-related and street-centric narratives in rap, one cannot overlook Pusha T. As one half of the rap duo Clipse and a solo artist, Pusha T’s lyrical dexterity and vivid storytelling mirror Benny’s gritty tales. Fans of Benny will appreciate Pusha’s intricate rhymes about his experiences and reflections on the drug trade and street life.

Conway The Machine

Sharing the spotlight with Benny in the Griselda collective, Conway The Machine’s music bears striking similarities to Benny’s. His unfiltered lyrics about the harsh realities of street life, combined with his unique flow and delivery, make Conway a must-listen for any Benny fan. The two are long collaborators and can often be heard assisting one another on songs.

Westside Gunn

Another member of the Griselda collective, Westside Gunn’s style and lyrical content align closely with Benny’s. Gunn’s distinctive high-pitched delivery and vivid descriptions of street life offer a captivating experience similar to listening to Benny.

While these artists share similarities with Benny, they each bring a unique flavor to the table. Their music provides a similar sense of gritty realism and hard-hitting lyricism that fans of Benny will undoubtedly enjoy. Furthermore, exploring their discographies opens up a wealth of music that broadens the listener’s understanding of the genre. Much like Benny’s music, these artists’ work reflects their experiences, offering listeners a deep dive into different perspectives of life on the street.

In conclusion, rap is vast and diverse, with many talented artists who echo Benny The Butcher’s style and content. Whether it’s Freddie Gibbs’ raw emotion, Roc Marciano’s subtle storytelling, Pusha T’s vivid narratives, or the unique deliveries of Conway The Machine and Westside Gunn, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. So if you’re a fan of Benny and are looking for more, these artists are sure to quench your thirst for gritty, authentic rap music.

The post Rappers Like Benny The Butcher: Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Pusha T & More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Westside Gunn’s “Supreme Blientele” Turns 5

by

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Westside Gunn’s second studio album, Supreme Blientele. The album was released on June 22, 2018, via Griselda Records and EMPIRE Distribution. Named after Ghostface Killah’s classic Supreme Clientele album, Westside’s album also received vinyl releases under two other titles: Chris Benoit and God is the Greatest. The alternative titles alluded to Westside’s affinity for wrestling and his Muslim faith. 

Supreme Blientele was the official follow-up to Westside Gunn’s groundbreaking debut album, 2016’s Flygod, despite releasing multiple projects since. Flygod has its cult following, gaining Westside and the Griselda Records label a loyal fanbase that propelled the group to the top. They quickly became one of hip hop’s hardest-working collectives. Westside Gunn had continued to build the Griselda brand, teaming up with Eminem’s Shady Records and starting to play major festivals. Supreme Blientele was the culmination of the growing success of Griselda, showcasing the group’s talent and Westside’s knack for curation. It is widely ranked high among the expansive Griselda catalog by diehard fans. We’re looking back at Westside Gunn’s Supreme Blientele for its 5th anniversary.

An All-Star Tracklist

Since the release of Flygod, Westside Gunn did not hold back from releasing music and merch to help build the Griselda brand and fanbase. He released a compilation mixtape, an EP, and multiple installments of his Hitler Wears Hermes series. All of his releases helped build a name for Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher, who had only just become a part of the label not long before Supreme Blientele. Before mixtapes had become almost obsolete, there was a clear difference between Westside Gunn’s mixtapes and his albums. The mixtapes were often mastered in a lo-fi quality, consisting of dusty Daringer loops, songs without hooks, and features from the Griselda inner circle. Flygod on the other hand, had a central theme, included a variety of producers, and features from Griselda members and well-known artists alike.

Supreme Blientele followed the standard set by Flygod, featuring an all-star tracklist of talented artists and producers. Daringer, Pete Rock, The Alchemist, Sadhu Gold, Harry Fraud, and 9th Wonder contributed beats to the album. Supreme Blientele contained features from Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Crimeapple, Elzhi, and Roc Marciano. Anderson .Paak’s feature on “Wrestlemania 20” was a one-of-a-kind moment for Griselda, making for a show-stopping soulful rap closer. It is not a Westside Gunn album without a killer verse from Conway The Machine or a poem from Keisha Plum. Benny The Butcher’s three guest features built him an even greater buzz than his “Shower Shoe Lords” verse did two years prior. Supreme Blientele is also a quintessentially Westside Gunn album, as it puts his passion for wrestling on full display.

A Rap & Wrestling Fan’s Dream Album

Westside Gunn was not the first rapper to embrace wrestling, but he made it a part of his brand. Supreme Blientele was also not the first time Westside incorporated wrestling into his music, naming many of his biggest songs after wrestlers. Previously, he had made wrestling-inspired songs such as “Dudley Boyz,” “Bob Backlund,” “Summerslam ‘88,” and “RIP Bobby.” Additionally, his duo name with Conway is Hall & Nash, named after the wrestlers Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. 

Out of all of Westside Gunn’s albums, Supreme Blientele is the one most closely associated with wrestling, including many of the songs named after wrestlers, skits from wrestling matches, and the album’s Chris Benoit alternative title. Supreme Blientele makes multiple references to wrestling, with tracks like “Elizabeth,” “Mean Gene,” “Sabu,” “Ric Martel,” and “Brossface Brippler.” There is also an album highlight “The Steiners,” which sees Elzhi and Westside Gunn spitting over a Pete Rock beat. With many quality songs and collaborations that allude to wrestling, the album was made for rap and wrestling fans alike.

The Album That Launched Griselda Into Mainstream Success

By 2018, Griselda had already built a cult following and put Buffalo on the map. They had collaborated with notable names, played sold-out shows, and signed a major label contract with Shady Records. Supreme Blientele was released independently, but the album still gave Westside Gunn and Griselda mainstream recognition. The album’s features and the group’s cosigns helped immensely. The guest verses from Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher also created avenues for their solo careers, especially the latter, who would drop his debut album, Tana Talk 3, later that year. 

Because of Supreme Blientele, 2018 was one of Griselda’s most prolific years and led to their takeovers of 2019 and 2020, where each member released multiple critically acclaimed projects. Supreme Blientele was the ultimate album for Griselda’s core fanbase, meeting the standards set by Flygod. It combined all of the unique elements of Westside Gunn’s style for a worthy follow-up and highlighted what made him unique, setting him and Griselda Records apart from the rest.

[via]

The post Westside Gunn’s “Supreme Blientele” Turns 5 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Conway The Machine Cleared Up His Prior Comments About His Griselda Contract: ‘Nobody Owes Me A Penny’

by
conway the machine
Getty Image

Buffalo rapper Conway The Machine is making an effort to clean up a narrative he accidentally started last year when he said he wanted a “redo” on signing his contract with his brother Westside Gunn’s record label, Griselda. He credited his change of heart to not reading his contract initially, claiming that it was unfairly weighted toward Griselda; the comments capped a near-year-long stretch of rumors and speculation by fans that he was discontent and leaving the label.

In a more recent interview with My Expert Opinion podcast host Math Hoffa, he refuted those rumors and took accountability for his remarks. “It wasn’t nothing there, it just looked like it on the surface,” he said. “I think fans just ran with certain dickhead shit I done said and did in interviews. Certain fan theories that just led to the assumption that them boys is fighting and at odds… Honestly, I operated out of my feelings.”

He also asserted that his dealings with both Griselda and Shady Records were entirely “on the up-and-up.” “I want to just be very clear: nobody owes me a penny, nobody stole nothing from me,” he elaborated. “West and them, Shady Records, nobody, all my business was on the up and up. When I was saying in The Breakfast Club interview, how I didn’t read the contract and all that sh*t, it wasn’t coming from a place of idiocy. It was out of [loyalty] that I didn’t read that sh*t. That’s my brother. I ain’t gotta read nothin.’ I know we good. That’s what that was.”

During that prior interview, Conway said, “I didn’t even read that contract, bro. I didn’t read that shi*t. I just signed that sh*t and moved on. Unfortunately, the contract wasn’t in my favor. So now, going forward, it’s time to redo all that. I gotta make sure it’s in my favor now.” To that end, he’s since returned to releasing music independently under his Drumwork Music Group banner, including God Don’t Make Mistakes, La Maquina, and From King To A God, as well as supporting artists such as Action Bronson, 7xvthegenius, and Jae Skeese.

You can watch the full interview below.

Conway the Machine Postpones Tour After Fracturing His Tibia

by
Conway The Machine on Freddie Gibbs vs Benny The Butcher Beef I Love Benny and I Fw Freddie Gibbs 1 49 screenshot

Conway the Machine finds himself on the shelf after a leg injury. On Instagram, Conway revealed that he would have to postpone his tour after fracturing his tibia and dislocating his knee cap.

“I have a Fractured right tibia, dislocated kneecap, ANNNNND the album of the year tho!” Conway wrote on IG.

“In all seriousness tho, anyone that knows me knows there’s nothing I love to do more than bein up on that stage! I can’t lie I’m super disappointed that I have to postpone the WHDi tour for a little bit, because I was really looking forward to goin on those stages and rocking this WHDI shit for y’all live. However I am in good spirits and I’m only looking at it as just a minor lil setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK! No stress!!”

– Conway

Conway highlighted that tickets already purchased will be honored at another date.

Conway the Machine is back, capitalizing off the major label debut God Don’t Make Mistakes with a new drop, Won’t He Do It.

Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Fabolous, Juicy J, Dave East, Ransom, Sauce Walka, and Conway’s Drumwork Music Group signees Jae SKeese and 7xvethegenius make appearances on “Won’t He Do It,” which also features production by Daringer, Justice League, Khrysis, and Juicy J.

Along with Sauce Walka and Jae Skeese, Conway will travel on the Won’t He Do It Spring Tour, which starts in Chicago on May 26 and stops in 18 locations.

You can dive into the new album below.

The post Conway the Machine Postpones Tour After Fracturing His Tibia appeared first on The Source.

Why Griselda Is One Of Hip Hop’s Hardest-Working Collectives

by

It seems like every era is Griselda’s season. Almost every quarter of the year, we get at least one release from a Griselda artist. The group comprises Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Benny The Butcher. Mach-Hommy, who recently reconciled with Westside Gunn, was involved with Griselda early on. The Griselda Records label also consists of skilled rappers, including Armani Caesar, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, Stove God Cooks, and Estee Nack.

Not even midway through the year, Conway The Machine has released his latest album, Won’t He Do It. Westside Gunn also recently announced that he would be executive producing Estee Nack’s latest album, which is out next Friday. Albums from the Griselda roster have also been teased for 2023, including the highly-anticipated second album from Stove God Cooks and sequels to Hall & Nash and WWCD. On top of that, Westside Gunn’s & Then U Pray For Me is slated for a June 23 release, and Benny The Butcher’s next collaboration with Hit-Boy is out in August. With their stacked roster and constant music output, Griselda is one of hip hop’s hardest-working collectives. 

The Family Connection

The core of Griselda’s foundation is that it stems from family. Westside Gunn and Conway are brothers, and Benny The Butcher is their cousin. Though they are now established in their own solo lanes, they continue moving as a group and family. They have a plethora of songs together, including “Brutus,” “George Bondo,” and “The Butcher and the Blade.” As Griselda, they released their group album, 2019’s WWCD on Shady Records. The album’s title stands for What Would Chine Gun Do?, in reference to Benny’s brother and the cousin of Westside and Conway, who went by “Machine Gun Black.” Conway famously rapped about his passing on “The Cow,” widely regarded as his best verse. Griselda’s family connection has led to their impressive chemistry on a track and unity as a group.

Griselda Put Buffalo On The Map

The story of Griselda, coming up in Buffalo is quite remarkable. From Westside and Benny’s time in prison to Conway’s near-death experience that left him with Bell’s Palsy, they put their city on the map. Their success story is well-documented and can be seen in their Buffalo Soldiers documentary with Revolt. Mixtapes like Westside Gunn’s Hitler Wears Hermes 2 and Conway’s Reject 2 helped establish Griselda’s grimy and tough sound.

Daringer’s production was integral to creating the Griselda sound, producing most of their classic songs like “Rex Ryan” and “Eric B.” His production is minimal, with slowed jazz and rock samples over knocking drum breaks. DJ Shay was also important for their rise and was a mentor for Benny The Butcher and Armani Caesar early in their rap careers. Thanks to Griselda, Buffalo now has its signature sound and is seen as a city of talent.

Quality & Consistent Output From Griselda Artists

One of the main reasons Griselda is one of the hardest-working collectives in hip hop is their constant output of quality music. It is rare for a Griselda artist not to release at least every year. Each member even tends to release multiple albums a year. Westside Gunn has a historic run with his studio albums like Flygod and Supreme Blientele. He also has ten installments of his Hitler Wears Hermes series. Won’t He Do It is only Conway’s third official album, but he has several mixtapes and collaborations, including his Everybody Is F.O.O.D. mixtape series. Benny’s catalog consists of four installments of his Tana Talk series and multiple EPs and collaborations. The other Griselda artists on the label are building their discographies. Boldy James and Rome Streetz have extensive catalogs but have only recently started releasing music under Griselda.

Griselda never lacks when it comes to releasing music. What distinguishes them from other artists that release music at such high volumes is that there is rarely any filler. With an absurd amount of quality music arriving consistently, Griselda is easily among the hardest-working collectives.

In addition to music, Griselda built their empire with their merchandise. They released limited quantities of hoodies and t-shirts with unique designs. The high demand for their merchandise also translated to an even higher demand for CDs and vinyl. Early on, Griselda teamed up with Daupe Media to release limited exclusive vinyl, selling out in minutes, never to be repressed again. Griselda built their brand around their unique approach to releasing music and merchandise.

Solo & Group Success

In a Wu-Tang fashion, the artists have dispersed throughout the music industry. Their dominance in the underground hip hop scene permeated into mainstream audiences, signing with major labels and playing large festivals. Gunn, Conway, and Benny were recognized by hip hop legends early on in their careers, passing the torch for them to wave the flag for street rap. In 2017, the group signed with Eminem’s Shady Records and teamed up with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation for management in 2019. Benny The Butcher also signed with Def Jam last year. He earned Griselda Records its first plaque when “Johnny P’s Caddy” achieved gold status. 

Though not every foundational member is still on the label, Griselda still moves as a unit. Westside Gunn and Conway teamed up on Conway’s latest album for “Brucifix.” One of the hardest working collectives, Griselda is still strong as a group and as a label, signing established artists and putting on new talent.

[via][via][via]

Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher & Fabolous Open A “Brooklyn Chop House”

by

If you’re looking for some of the best hip-hop of the year, odds are you’ve probably already listened to Conway The Machine’s latest album, WON’T HE DO IT. If you haven’t, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do with this lyrically skilled and instrumentally luxurious project. While the album has plenty of highlights, including the Westside Gunn-assisted “Brucifix,” its most immediately ear-grabbing moments are reflections of Griselda’s history. Featured guest Benny The Butcher shines on “Brooklyn Chop House,” proving that though both artists are on their own separate paths, the Griselda family is forever. In addition, Brooklyn legend Fabolous comes through with a great verse of his own.

Of course, the lyrical matter here is quite similar to the rest of Conway’s excellent catalog. There are material flexes, drug deal terminology, detailed narratives, proven proclamations of greatness in the game, and reflections on their struggles. Each verse comes through with an emphatic and measured flow that weaves their bars together with ease. Instrumentally, a hopeful and wistful string section loop overtakes a simple boom-bap beat. Even though there’s just a kick and a snare audibly present in the mix, the sample keeps the rhythm up nicely. For longtime fans of the Griselda sound, it’s more of the same quality; for newcomers, any track could make for a great introduction.

Conway The Machine Hosts Some Friends At The “Brooklyn Chop House”

Furthermore, Conway The Machine has a lot of greatness on the way through his solo work and his Drumwork Music Group. With a fresh pool of raw talent on his roster, the Buffalo native is developing himself as much as a curator as he is a lyricist with every release. With that in mind, find WON’T HE DO IT on your preferred streaming service and check out standout bars from “Brooklyn Chop House” down below. Also, check back in with HNHH for the latest on Fabolous, Benny The Butcher, and Conway The Machine.

Quotable Lyrics
Damn, what is you sayin’? I was outside, hustlin’ grams
I looked my man right in his eyes and I said “Bro, what is your plan?”
Run up your bands, this where I stand, I bought some diamonds for both of my hands
If I’m in a jam, I’m uppin’ the can’, you try to run down, won’t let you advance (Brr)

Conway The Machine & Westside Gunn Reconnect For “Brucifix” From “WON’T HE DO IT” Album

by

The first New Music Friday of May has brought with it several noteworthy singles, including the return of Brent Faiyaz on “Fell In Love” alongside Marshmello and Desiigner’s exploration of his mental health on “Timmy Turner 2.” Aside from that, a handful of new albums and EPs arrived on DSPs too, such as DaBaby’s Call Da Fireman, and Conway the Machine’s WON’T HE DO IT. The latter was preceded by singles such as “Quarters,” “Super Bowl” featuring Juicy J and Sauce Walka, and finally, “The Chosen” with Jae Skeese.

Another title from the 14-song tracklist that got an early debut is “Brucifix.” The three-minute and 10-second long effort includes an appearance from Conway’s frequent collaborator, Westside Gunn. Though it was on DSPs prior to his album’s arrival, it did appear in a visual for “Quarters,” which the Buffalo-born wordsmith shared on YouTube just last month. The minimal beat was produced by Daringer, and it certainly doesn’t distract from either artist’s bold bars.

Conway The Machine and Westside Gunn Show Off Their Lyrical Talents on “Brucifix”

“Cocaine, caviar, and grouper fishes / You see a bunch of rappers, I see a group of bitches,” Conway sets the scene as his verse begins. “No broke n*ggas around me / That shit might rub off, I’m superstitious.” For his part, Westside name-dropped plenty of fashion brands, in his usual style. “Bottega green satchels / Bet I’ll be at you, Tom Ford tracksuit,” the east coast icon rhymes. “Prince Markie D on the stove, wearin’ raccoons / You just got it, I wore this shit Fashion Week last June (Ah).”

Other friends who appear on CTM’s latest effort include Fabolous, Ransom, and Jozzy. Stream Westside Gunn’s latest work with Conway the Machine on YouTube above, or add “Brucifix” to your playlist on Spotify/Apple Music. If you haven’t already, tap into the full WON’T HE DO IT album here. For more HNHH release recommendations, check in later today for our weekly Fire Emoji round-up.

Quotable Lyrics:

Cocaine, caviar, and grouper fishes
You see a bunch of rappers, I see a group of bitches
No broke n*ggas around me
That shit might rub off, I’m superstitious