Westside Gunn is back with his first new project of 2022. The Griselda ring leader blessed listeners with his latest 10-track album Peace “Fly” God featuring from Estee Nack, Stove God Cooks, and Bro A.A. Rashid.
The album was recorded in just 48 hours after Gunn returned from Fashion Week in Paris. The Buffalo rapper was honed in during the recording sessions, stating how he didn’t care about how the mix and master process afterward. “I wanna keep that s**t grimey af” he posted in a caption on IG just days before the album’s release.
The sample-less tape clocks in at 34 minutes with Madlib, Don Carrera, Conductor Williams, and Daringer all working behind the boards to help achieve Gunn’s vision. Each producer sets the tone for Gunn and his guests with their dusty production pattern and looping beats. Referring to his new work as “an art piece,” the album features Gunn at the top of his game — rapping about the lavish lifestyle he has obtained amid all the adversity he’s experienced.
It opens with a intro by Bro A.A Rashid where he praises Gunn and compares his skills on the mic to “some hip-hop wizardry.” As Gunn floats and glides through the rest of the nine tracks, it’s apparent that this type of priase is completely warranted.
Rashid’s introduction leads into the staggering 8 minute posse track “Jesus Crack” with Estee Nack and the impeccable Stove God Cooks. Nack kicks things off on the first on the initial two verses, referencing Cyndi Lauper‘s classic “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” before tossing it off to Gunn and Cooks for the back half. It’s a stellar showcase by all three veterans and each verse justifies the extended run time. From there, the album never lets up and Gunn layers his intricate bars over these stunning, head-nodding beats to perfection. Songs like “Ritz Barlton,” “Danhausen” and “Horses on Sunset” continue to display why Westside is one of the best of his era — and how he has yet to slow down after all these years.
Peace “Fly” God is not the only album Gunn has planned for the year. This latest LP is expected to hold fans over until he drops the highly-anticipated Michelle Records sometime later this year. If this new record is just a taste of what’s to come, Westside Gunn will just keep getting more “fly.”
Listen to ‘Peace “Fly” God’ by Westside Gunn below!
Westside Gunn announces new album ‘Peace Fly God’ dropping Friday
Westside Gunn’s relentless work ethic sees him ready to drop yet again.
With his first project of 2022 on the way, the Griselda head honcho announced his upcoming LP Peace Fly God in a video he posted to Instagram on Monday (June 27). In the video announcement, Gunn shared the album’s eccentric graffiti cover art and revealed how the album is “completed,” waiting to return back to the States to finish the album.
Now, PFG is slated for release this Friday (July 8), as Gunn’s latest curation taps Griselda mainstays in Conductor Williams, Daringer, Stove God Cooks as well as Madlib, Don Carrera and Estee Nack.
The Hitler Wears Hermes 8 rapper was previously in Paris with his son celebrating Paris Fashion Week. While overseas, Gunn shared a touching video of a fan interaction he had at his hotel. In the clip, a server recognizes Gunn and explains to him how he is one of his idols and favorite artists. He then goes on to detail some of his favorite songs and lines by him before meeting Gunn’s son and the rest of his crew. Gunn goes on to praise the server’s graffiti art as he pours them champagne.
The short moment ends with him saying how meeting Gunn and receiving his signature not only made his day, but his entire year. It’s a heartfelt moment between an artist and his fans, showing just how powerful music can be in bringing people from all walks of life together — and how Gunn is one of the most influential curators in hip-hop history.
Stemming from a stellar run with his double-sided album HWH8 and appearance on Kanye West’s Donda, Griselda’s 2021 success ultimately bled into 2022. On top of finishing their “Claire’s Back Tour” last month — and following albums from both Benny The Butcher and Conway The Machine — Gunn is the last of the Griselda pack to wow with a new album.
With Peace Fly God days away from release, Gunn seems to be gunning for new heights with his upcoming record.
Check out more Westside Gunn below!
