Westside Gunn: From Buffalo Streets to High Art

Westside Gunn, once a niche underground rapper from Buffalo, is now experiencing an unlikely rise to hip-hop stardom. His latest album, "Pray for Paris," represents a deliberate attempt to shed the Griselda crew's past underground status and enter the realm of high art. This artistic shift is evident in collaborations and sampling choices.

The album features cover art designed by the late Virgil Abloh and an intro sampling the record-breaking sale of Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi." Westside Gunn embraces an artist persona, aligning with a broader movement that has seen Griselda gain favor with music legends like Eminem, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.

Despite the overblown persona, "Pray for Paris" delivers some of Westside Gunn's best lyrical performances. He blends street narratives with opulent lifestyle descriptions, set against sophisticated beats. The album also highlights the Griselda crew's undeniable chemistry, particularly on tracks like "Allah Sent Me" and "George Bondo."

While Westside Gunn sometimes gets outshined by his guests, his determination has propelled Griselda from the underground to a unique cultural ecosystem. The album solidifies their status, demonstrating a vision that, while potentially deranged, has undeniably succeeded in elevating their artistic profile.