Here we have the 8th studio LP from Buffalo, New York emcee, songwriter, entrepreneur and curator Westside Gunn. Proving his status as a legend and that he'll be a force to be reckoned with in nearly a decade, whether it's running one of the hottest hip-hop labels in recent memory on his first 2 full-lengths FLYGOD & Supreme Blientele. He just released the 11th installment of his popular Halloween mixtape series Hitler wears Mercury yesterday & now watching And then you pray for me with I'm still praying.
After the introduction of “Waly Fay” and the “Justin Roberts” skit, the first song “Beef Bar” produced by Denny LaFlare & Statik Selektah is a lush boom bam opener that welcomes everyone to the lifestyle of the rich and famous while “Max Caster” named after the former AEW World Tag Team Champion & AEW World Trios Champion is dusty worried about the mighty dollar. “Dr. Britt Baker” featuring brother Tom Sos named after the former AEW Women’s World Champion keeps it underground thanks to DJ Muggs introducing you to the dentist who gave them multi-million dollar smiles and “I Know Verdy” keeps the advantage. refusing to show mercy.
“Speedy 40” jumped over this slow, sick instrumental from longtime Griselda producer Daringer, who talked about being too greedy, while the spontaneous “Duran Duran” dropped by JR Swiftz explaining that living with aunty it's all part of the plan. “Runway Pieces at the Last Supper” works on a soft backdrop mixed with kicks and snares that reflected the war, but after the “Bike Air” break, Hall 'N Nash's “Free Shots” pays tribute to the imprisoned Drumwork O Music Group artist shoots over the beat of conductor Williams.
The title track featuring Benny the Butcher, Boldy James, Conway the Machine & Stove God Cook$ pushes into its final moments I'm still praying with this crazy 7 minute Griselda posse cut, while the song “Underground King” with Rome Streetz goes back to boom bap talking about how they both are the best of all shit. “LeSalle Station” properly wraps up the album by reflecting on all the people he's lost back to back.
Coming off the most personal project West has ever done Hitler wears Mercury XI Just 24 hours ago, he continues the hot streak with a sequel And then you pray for me I think people will like it much more than the predecessor. The production is rooted in the traditional boom bam sound that Griselda is known for as opposed to the heavy trap influences of last time and the guests all keep it level on the mic.
Rating: 8/10
