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{{short description|American rapper from Buffalo, New York (born 1982)}}
{{short description|American rapper (born 1982)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Westside Gunn
| name = Westside Gunn
| image = Westside Gunn.png
| image = Westside Gunn March 2023.png
| caption = Westside Gunn in 2020
| caption = Westside Gunn in March 2023
| birth_name = Alvin Lamar Worthy
| birth_name = Alvin Lamar Worthy
| alias = {{hlist|FLYGOD|Hall|W.S.G.|Goldie|Westie the Bestie|Gunn}}
| alias = {{hlist|Flygod|Super Flygod|Hall|W.S.G.|Gunn}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|7|27}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|7|27}}
| birth_place = [[Buffalo, New York]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Buffalo, New York]], U.S.
| genre = [[East Coast hip hop]]
| genre =
{{hlist|[[East Coast hip hop]]|[[Boom bap]]|[[Drumless hip hop|Drumless]]}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record executive|curator|fashion designer|businessman}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record executive|curator|fashion designer|businessman}}
| years_active = {{hlist|2005|2012–present}}
| years_active = {{hlist|2005|2012–present}}
| label = {{hlist|Daupe!|[[Griselda Records|Griselda]]|[[Roc Nation]]|[[Shady Records|Shady]]}}
| label = {{hlist|Daupe!|[[Griselda Records|Griselda]]|[[Roc Nation]]|[[Shady Records|Shady]]}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[Griselda Records|Griselda]]|[[Mach-Hommy]]|Stove God Cooks|[[Big Ghost]]|[[Mr. Green (record producer)|Mr. Green]]|The Purist|[[Roc Marciano]]|[[Eminem]]}}
}}
}}


'''Alvin Lamar Worthy''' (born July 27, 1982), known professionally as '''Westside Gunn''', is an American [[rapping|rapper]]. He is a co-founder of independent hip-hop label [[Griselda Records]]. He is the parental half-brother of rapper [[Conway the Machine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.passionweiss.com/2016/02/15/i-love-fly-street-shit-an-interview-with-westside-gunn/|title=I Love Fly Street Shit: An Interview With Westside Gunn|date=March 11, 2016|publisher=Passionweiss|access-date=March 11, 2016}}</ref> and cousin of rapper [[Benny the Butcher]], both of whom he frequently collaborates with. Westside Gunn has released five studio albums in addition to an extensive catalog of mixtapes. Gunn was affiliated with [[Shady Records]] from 2017 to 2020, but has since returned to independent status.
'''Alvin Lamar Worthy''' (born July 27, 1982), known professionally as '''Westside Gunn''', is an American [[Rapping|rapper]], [[executive producer]], and fashion designer, best known as the head and co-founder of [[Independent record label|independent hip-hop label]] [[Griselda Records]]. He founded the label with his paternal half-brother rapper [[Conway the Machine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.passionweiss.com/2016/02/15/i-love-fly-street-shit-an-interview-with-westside-gunn/|title=I Love Fly Street Shit: An Interview With Westside Gunn|date=March 11, 2016|publisher=Passionweiss|access-date=March 11, 2016}}</ref> and frequently collaborates with him alongside their cousin and fellow rapper [[Benny the Butcher]]. Gunn is recognized as one of the faces of the [[Underground hip hop|underground]] 2010s grimey [[boom bap]] resurgence, juxtaposing vivid drug-ridden street narratives, high fashion, and luxurious, artistic [[Sampling (music)|sample based]] production.

He has released five studio albums in addition to an extensive catalog of [[Mixtape|mixtapes]] and [[Extended play|EPs]] spanning back to 2005, including his infamous Hitler Wears Hermes series.

Gunn frequently collaborates with other artists, both from the [[Golden age hip hop|golden age of hip hop]] that inspires his music as well as his modern contemporaries. Artists A.A. Rashid, Keisha Plum, Stove God Cooks, [[Armani Caesar]], [[Rome Streetz]], [[Boldy James]], Estee Nack, as well as producers [[Daringer (producer)|Daringer]], [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]], [[Conductor Williams]], [[Beat Butcha]], [[DJ Muggs]], SadhuGold, Camoflauge Monk, and Denny Laflare make up Gunn's go to collaborators although Gunn has also worked with the likes of [[DJ Premier]], [[Pete Rock]], [[Raekwon]], [[Black Star (rap duo)|Black Star]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[Slick Rick]], [[Black Thought]], [[Tyler, the Creator|Tyler The Creator]], [[Joey Badass]], [[Travis Scott]], [[Freddie Gibbs]], [[JID]], [[Denzel Curry]], [[ASAP Rocky]], and [[Rick Ross]] among a host of others.

Gunn was affiliated with [[Shady Records]] from 2017 to 2020, but has since returned to independent status.


==Career==
==Career==
Westside Gunn released his first mixtape in 2005, however his career was derailed by run-ins with the law. Gunn did not release any music from 2006 to 2011.<ref name="Pryor">{{Cite web |last=Pryor |first=Lex |date=2020-10-02 |title=The Flygod Takes Flight |url=https://www.theringer.com/2020/10/2/21496839/westside-gunn-griselda-who-made-the-sunshine-interview |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref>
Westside Gunn released his first mixtape in 2005, however his career was derailed by run-ins with the [[law]]. Gunn did not release any music from 2006 to 2011.<ref name="Pryor">{{Cite web |last=Pryor |first=Lex |date=2020-10-02 |title=The Flygod Takes Flight |url=https://www.theringer.com/2020/10/2/21496839/westside-gunn-griselda-who-made-the-sunshine-interview |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref>


In 2012, Westside Gunn co-founded the [[Griselda Records|Griselda Records label]] with [[Conway the Machine]] and [[Mach-Hommy]].<ref name="Shady-Griselda-deal" /> Gunn was inspired to revitalize his career by the shooting of his brother Conway that same year, which left him with permanent disabilities, as well as by the 2006 murder of his cousin Machine Gun Black. Gunn's first project for [[Griselda Records|Griselda]] was the mixtape ''Hitler Wears Hermes.'' While the name attracted controversy for its reference to [[Adolf Hitler]], Gunn explained that the name is a play on ''[[The Devil Wears Prada (film)|The Devil Wears Prada]]''.<ref name="Pryor"/>
In 2012, Westside Gunn co-founded the Griselda Records label with [[Conway the Machine]] and [[Mach-Hommy]].<ref name="Shady-Griselda-deal" /> Gunn was inspired to revitalize his career by the shooting of his brother Conway that same year, which left him with permanent disabilities, as well as by the 2006 murder of his cousin Machine Gun Black. Gunn's first project for [[Griselda Records|Griselda]] was the mixtape ''Hitler Wears Hermes.'' While the name attracted controversy for its reference to [[Adolf Hitler]], Gunn explained that the name is a play on ''[[The Devil Wears Prada (film)|The Devil Wears Prada]]''.<ref name="Pryor"/>


Over the next few years, Gunn released a steady stream of mixtapes and EPs, including multiple sequels to ''Hitler Wears Hermes,'' on the Griselda label. Gunn's official studio album debut was ''Flygod,'' released on March 11, 2016.
Over the next few years, Gunn released a steady stream of mixtapes and EPs, including multiple sequels to ''Hitler Wears Hermes,'' on the Griselda label. Gunn's official studio album debut was ''Flygod,'' released on March 11, 2016.
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On November 14, 2020, in an interview with [[Joe Budden]], Gunn announced he had fulfilled his contractual obligations to Shady Records and had become an independent artist.<ref>{{cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2020-11-14 |title=Westside Gunn Tells Joe Budden He's Left Eminem's Shady Records |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.59013/title.westside-gunn-tells-joe-budden-hes-left-eminems-shady-records |access-date=2021-08-30 |website=[[HipHopDX]]}}</ref>
On November 14, 2020, in an interview with [[Joe Budden]], Gunn announced he had fulfilled his contractual obligations to Shady Records and had become an independent artist.<ref>{{cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2020-11-14 |title=Westside Gunn Tells Joe Budden He's Left Eminem's Shady Records |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.59013/title.westside-gunn-tells-joe-budden-hes-left-eminems-shady-records |access-date=2021-08-30 |website=[[HipHopDX]]}}</ref>


In 2021, he starred in the film [[Conflicted (2021 film)|''Conflicted'']], which received mixed reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-14 |title=Griselda Records Announces Debut Feature Film 'CONFLICTED' |url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/12/griselda-records-feature-film-soundtrack-conflicted-announcement |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref>
⚫
In 2021, he released two songs titled "TV Boy" and "Julia Lang". The track "Julia Lang" was titled after fashion entrepreneur [[Julia Lang (fashion entrepreneur)|Julia Lang]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jon|title=Westside Gunn Returns With “Julia Lang” And “Tv Boy”|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-03-31/56626/westside-gunn-returns-with-julia-lang-and-tv-boy/?amp|date=31 March 2021|website=[[Revolt (TV network)]]}}</ref>

⚫
Also in 2021, he released two songs titled "TV Boy" and "Julia Lang". The song "Julia Lang" was titled after fashion entrepreneur [[Julia Lang (entrepreneur)|Julia Lang]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jon|title=Westside Gunn Returns With "Julia Lang" And "Tv Boy"|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2021-03-31/56626/westside-gunn-returns-with-julia-lang-and-tv-boy/?amp|date=31 March 2021|website=[[Revolt (TV network)]]}}</ref> Both songs would eventually be included in his mixtape ''Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B'', released later that year. In 2022, Westside Gunn stated on [[Twitter|X]] that he would be retiring from rap music at the end of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diep |first=Eric |title=Westside Gunn Plans to Retire From Rap After 2023: 'I Don't Have Nothing Else to Prove' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-diep/westside-gunn-retire-from-rap-2023 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref>

On October 13, 2023, Westside Gunn released his fifth studio album ''[[And Then You Pray For Me]]'' with features from AA Rashid, [[JID]], Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, Stove God Cooks, [[Rick Ross]], [[Giggs (rapper)|Giggs]], [[Ty Dolla Sign]], Keisha Plum, [[Denzel Curry]], [[Boldy James]], [[EST Gee]], [[Jeezy]], Peezy, [[Rome Streetz]], and [[KayCyy]]. The album is a sequel to ''Pray for Paris'', with both album's covers created by late American fashion designer [[Virgil Abloh]]. Westside Gunn has stated that the album will be his last, though he will continue releasing new music.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gee |first=Andre |date=2023-10-09 |title=Westside Gunn Says This Is His Final Album, But That Doesn't Mean The Music Stops |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/westside-gunn-interview-new-album-1234849364/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Gunn has stated within various interviews that he's a "devout wrestling fan" and often references this within his song lyrics and song titles. He often can be seen in the front-row seats of the audience of [[Impact Wrestling]], [[Major League Wrestling]], [[WWE]] and [[All Elite Wrestling]] events. He maintains friendships with wrestlers [[Parker Boudreaux]], [[Lio Rush]], [[Finn Bálor]], [[Bianca Belair]], [[Montez Ford]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter]], [[Sonjay Dutt]], [[Daniel Garcia (wrestler)|Daniel Garcia]], and [[Myron Reed (wrestler)|Myron Reed]]. When asked who were his top 5 wrestlers on fellow rapper [[Smoke DZA]]'s "Personal Podcast", he stated "It always changes but [[Hulk Hogan]], [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], [[Bret Hart]], [[The Undertaker]] and [[Chris Benoit]]".<ref name= "SMOKE DZA PERSONAL PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH WESTSIDE GUNN">{{citation|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RpHbOvfU-M|title=SMOKE DZA PERSONAL PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH WESTSIDE GUNN|date=Sep 25, 2021|access-date=Sep 25, 2021}}</ref> On the September 7, 2022 edition of ''[[AEW Dynamite]]'', Gunn escorted wrestler, close friend and fellow Buffalo native Daniel Garcia to the ring to face [[Wheeler Yuta]] in an [[ROH Pure Championship]] match, which Garcia won.<ref name="Westside Gunn Performs On AEW Dynamite Wrestling Show">{{citation|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/westside-gunn-performs-on-aew-dynamite-wrestling-show/|title=Westside Gunn Performs On AEW|date=Sep 8, 2022|access-date=Sep 25, 2022}}</ref>
Gunn has stated within various interviews that he's a "devout wrestling fan" and often references this within his song lyrics and song titles. He often can be seen in the front-row seats of the audience of [[Impact Wrestling]], [[Major League Wrestling]], [[WWE]] and [[All Elite Wrestling]] events. He maintains friendships with wrestlers [[Parker Boudreaux]], [[Lio Rush]], [[Finn Bálor]], [[Bianca Belair]], [[Montez Ford]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter]], [[Sonjay Dutt]], [[Daniel Garcia (wrestler)|Daniel Garcia]], and [[Myron Reed (wrestler)|Myron Reed]]. When asked who were his top 5 wrestlers on fellow rapper [[Smoke DZA]]'s "Personal Podcast", he stated "It always changes but [[Hulk Hogan]], [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], [[Bret Hart]], [[The Undertaker]] and [[Chris Benoit]]".<ref name= "SMOKE DZA PERSONAL PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH WESTSIDE GUNN">{{citation|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RpHbOvfU-M|title=SMOKE DZA PERSONAL PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH WESTSIDE GUNN|date=Sep 25, 2021|access-date=Sep 25, 2021}}</ref> On the September 7, 2022 edition of ''[[AEW Dynamite]]'', Gunn escorted wrestler, close friend and fellow Buffalo native Daniel Garcia to the ring to face [[Wheeler Yuta]] in an [[ROH Pure Championship]] match, which Garcia won.<ref name="Westside Gunn Performs On AEW Dynamite Wrestling Show">{{citation|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/westside-gunn-performs-on-aew-dynamite-wrestling-show/|title=Westside Gunn Performs On AEW|date=Sep 8, 2022|access-date=Sep 25, 2022}}</ref> He later accompanied [[Swerve Strickland]] during his [[AEW World Championship]] defense at ''[[All In (2024)|AEW All In 2024]]'', alongside [[Bun B]], [[DJ Whoo Kid]] and Flash Garments, where Strickland lost to [[Bryan Danielson]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/cant-knock-the-hustle-aew-all-in-2024-review-all-innit/ | title=Can't Knock the Hustle: AEW All in 2024 Review - All In(nit) }}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
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|81
|81
|95
|95
|-
|}
|}


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* ''WestSide Doom'' <small>(with [[MF Doom]])</small> (2017)
* ''WestSide Doom'' <small>(with [[MF Doom]])</small> (2017)
* ''Flygod Is Good... All the Time'' <small>(with [[Mr. Green (record producer)|Mr. Green]])</small> (2018)<ref name="allmusic3"/>
* ''Flygod Is Good... All the Time'' <small>(with [[Mr. Green (record producer)|Mr. Green]])</small> (2018)<ref name="allmusic3"/>
* ''11'' (2024)


===Mixtapes===
===Mixtapes===
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|-
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard 200|US]]<br /><ref name=":0" />
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard 200|US]]<br /><ref name=":0" />
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Independent Albums|US<br />Ind.]]<br /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Westside Gunn Chart History: Independent Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/westside-gunn/chart-history/tlp/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Independent Albums|US<br />Ind.]]<br /><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Westside Gunn Chart History: Independent Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/westside-gunn/chart-history/tlp/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''Hitler Wears Hermes''
! scope="row" | ''Hitler Wears Hermes''
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! scope="row" | ''Flyest Nig@@ in Charge, Vol. 1''
! scope="row" | ''Flyest Nig@@ in Charge, Vol. 1''
|
|
* Released: January 2, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westside Gunn Drops Flyest Nig@@ In Charge Vol. 1 Mixtape – Today in Hip-Hop |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/westside-gunn-flyest-nigga-in-charge-vol-1-today-in-hip-hop/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=XXL}}</ref> (recorded in 2005)
* Released: January 2, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Westside Gunn Drops Flyest Nig@@ In Charge Vol. 1 Mixtape – Today in Hip-Hop |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/westside-gunn-flyest-nigga-in-charge-vol-1-today-in-hip-hop/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=XXL|date=2 January 2023 }}</ref> (recorded in 2005)
* Label: Griselda
* Label: Griselda
* Format: Digital download, streaming
* Format: Digital download, streaming
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|183
|183
|29
|29
|-
! scope="row" | ''Still Praying''
|
* Released: November 1, 2024
* Label: Griselda
* Format: Digital download, streaming
|
|
|}
|}


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* ''Hitler on Steroids'' (with [[DJ Green Lantern]]) (2017)
* ''Hitler on Steroids'' (with [[DJ Green Lantern]]) (2017)
* ''Hall & Nash 2: The Original Version'' (with Conway the Machine & [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]) (2023)
* ''Hall & Nash 2: The Original Version'' (with Conway the Machine & [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]) (2023)
* ''Still Praying'' (with [[DJ Drama]]) (2024)


=== Charted songs ===
=== Charted songs ===
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! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Hot 100:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Hot 100:


* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite web |title=Kanye West Chart History: Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Billboard}}
* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite magazine |title=Kanye West Chart History: Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite web |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite magazine |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/hsi/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US<br />R&B/HH]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US<br />R&B/HH]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:


* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite web |title=Kanye West Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/bsi/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Billboard}}
* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite magazine |title=Kanye West Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/bsi/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite web |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/bsi/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite magazine |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/bsi/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot Rap Songs|US<br />Rap]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Hot Rap Songs chart:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Hot Rap Songs|US<br />Rap]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Hot Rap Songs chart:


* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite web |title=Kanye West Chart History: Hot Rap Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/rap/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Billboard}}
* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite magazine |title=Kanye West Chart History: Hot Rap Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/rap/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite web |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot Rap Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/rap/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite magazine |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Hot Rap Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/rap/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref>Peaks in Australia:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref>Peaks in Australia:


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! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Canadian Hot 100|CAN]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Canadian Hot 100|CAN]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100:


* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite web |title=Kanye West Chart History: Canadian Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/can/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Billboard}}
* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite magazine |title=Kanye West Chart History: Canadian Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/can/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite web |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Canadian Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/can/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite magazine |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Canadian Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/can/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard Global 200|WW]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Global 200:
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" | [[Billboard Global 200|WW]]<br /><ref>Peaks on the Global 200:


* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite web |title=Kanye West Chart History: Global 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/glo/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Billboard}}
* "Keep My Spirit Alive": {{Cite magazine |title=Kanye West Chart History: Global 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/glo/ |access-date=May 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite web |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Global 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/glo/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
* "Lost Forever": {{Cite magazine |title=Travis Scott Chart History: Global 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/travis-scott/chart-history/glo/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | "[[Keep My Spirit Alive]]"<br />{{Small|([[Kanye West]] featuring [[Conway the Machine]] and Westside Gunn)}}
! scope="row" | "[[Keep My Spirit Alive]]"<br />{{Small|([[Kanye West]] featuring [[Conway the Machine]] and Westside Gunn)}}
Line 334: Line 355:
|Liz Loves Luger
|Liz Loves Luger
|Chariot Pictures
|Chariot Pictures
|Armani Caesar
|[[Armani Caesar]]
|-
|-
|''Hitler Wears Hermes 8''
|''Hitler Wears Hermes 8''

Latest revision as of 17:55, 6 November 2024

Westside Gunn
Westside Gunn in March 2023
Westside Gunn in March 2023
Background information
Birth nameAlvin Lamar Worthy
Also known as
  • Flygod
  • Super Flygod
  • Hall
  • W.S.G.
  • Gunn
Born (1982-07-27) July 27, 1982 (age 42)
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record executive
  • curator
  • fashion designer
  • businessman
Years active
  • 2005
  • 2012–present
Labels

Alvin Lamar Worthy (born July 27, 1982), known professionally as Westside Gunn, is an American rapper, executive producer, and fashion designer, best known as the head and co-founder of independent hip-hop label Griselda Records. He founded the label with his paternal half-brother rapper Conway the Machine[1] and frequently collaborates with him alongside their cousin and fellow rapper Benny the Butcher. Gunn is recognized as one of the faces of the underground 2010s grimey boom bap resurgence, juxtaposing vivid drug-ridden street narratives, high fashion, and luxurious, artistic sample based production.

He has released five studio albums in addition to an extensive catalog of mixtapes and EPs spanning back to 2005, including his infamous Hitler Wears Hermes series.

Gunn frequently collaborates with other artists, both from the golden age of hip hop that inspires his music as well as his modern contemporaries. Artists A.A. Rashid, Keisha Plum, Stove God Cooks, Armani Caesar, Rome Streetz, Boldy James, Estee Nack, as well as producers Daringer, The Alchemist, Conductor Williams, Beat Butcha, DJ Muggs, SadhuGold, Camoflauge Monk, and Denny Laflare make up Gunn's go to collaborators although Gunn has also worked with the likes of DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Raekwon, Black Star, Busta Rhymes, Slick Rick, Black Thought, Tyler The Creator, Joey Badass, Travis Scott, Freddie Gibbs, JID, Denzel Curry, ASAP Rocky, and Rick Ross among a host of others.

Gunn was affiliated with Shady Records from 2017 to 2020, but has since returned to independent status.

Career

[edit]

Westside Gunn released his first mixtape in 2005, however his career was derailed by run-ins with the law. Gunn did not release any music from 2006 to 2011.[2]

In 2012, Westside Gunn co-founded the Griselda Records label with Conway the Machine and Mach-Hommy.[3] Gunn was inspired to revitalize his career by the shooting of his brother Conway that same year, which left him with permanent disabilities, as well as by the 2006 murder of his cousin Machine Gun Black. Gunn's first project for Griselda was the mixtape Hitler Wears Hermes. While the name attracted controversy for its reference to Adolf Hitler, Gunn explained that the name is a play on The Devil Wears Prada.[2]

Over the next few years, Gunn released a steady stream of mixtapes and EPs, including multiple sequels to Hitler Wears Hermes, on the Griselda label. Gunn's official studio album debut was Flygod, released on March 11, 2016.

On March 3, 2017, Griselda Records signed a deal with Eminem's Shady Records, making Westside Gunn and Conway the first rappers from Buffalo to sign with a major label.[3] After signing with Shady, Gunn played at Coachella, Firefly and Governors Ball.[4] On October 2, 2020, Westside Gunn released his Shady Records debut, Who Made the Sunshine, his only solo project with Shady Records.

Shortly after signing with Shady Records, Westside released Flygod Is Good... All the Time, as a collaborative EP with producer Mr. Green.[5] Ambrosia For Heads named 2018's Supreme Blientele one of the best albums of 2018.[6] He also signed with Roc Nation alongside label mate Benny the Butcher on August 6, 2019, under a management deal.[7]

On April 17, 2020, he released his third studio album, Pray for Paris. The album has features from artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Wale, Joey Badass and Freddie Gibbs.[8] On July 3, 2020, Westside Gunn released his tenth mixtape Flygod Is an Awesome God II, the sequel to his July 2019 mixtape Flygod Is an Awesome God. The album features guest appearances by frequent collaborators Benny The Butcher, Keisha Plum, Boldy James, and Daringer.[9]

On November 14, 2020, in an interview with Joe Budden, Gunn announced he had fulfilled his contractual obligations to Shady Records and had become an independent artist.[10]

In 2021, he starred in the film Conflicted, which received mixed reviews.[11]

Also in 2021, he released two songs titled "TV Boy" and "Julia Lang". The song "Julia Lang" was titled after fashion entrepreneur Julia Lang.[12] Both songs would eventually be included in his mixtape Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B, released later that year. In 2022, Westside Gunn stated on X that he would be retiring from rap music at the end of 2023.[13]

On October 13, 2023, Westside Gunn released his fifth studio album And Then You Pray For Me with features from AA Rashid, JID, Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, Stove God Cooks, Rick Ross, Giggs, Ty Dolla Sign, Keisha Plum, Denzel Curry, Boldy James, EST Gee, Jeezy, Peezy, Rome Streetz, and KayCyy. The album is a sequel to Pray for Paris, with both album's covers created by late American fashion designer Virgil Abloh. Westside Gunn has stated that the album will be his last, though he will continue releasing new music.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Gunn has stated within various interviews that he's a "devout wrestling fan" and often references this within his song lyrics and song titles. He often can be seen in the front-row seats of the audience of Impact Wrestling, Major League Wrestling, WWE and All Elite Wrestling events. He maintains friendships with wrestlers Parker Boudreaux, Lio Rush, Finn Bálor, Bianca Belair, Montez Ford, Montel Vontavious Porter, Sonjay Dutt, Daniel Garcia, and Myron Reed. When asked who were his top 5 wrestlers on fellow rapper Smoke DZA's "Personal Podcast", he stated "It always changes but Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Bret Hart, The Undertaker and Chris Benoit".[15] On the September 7, 2022 edition of AEW Dynamite, Gunn escorted wrestler, close friend and fellow Buffalo native Daniel Garcia to the ring to face Wheeler Yuta in an ROH Pure Championship match, which Garcia won.[16] He later accompanied Swerve Strickland during his AEW World Championship defense at AEW All In 2024, alongside Bun B, DJ Whoo Kid and Flash Garments, where Strickland lost to Bryan Danielson.[17]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected details and peak chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[18] 		US
R&B/HH
[19] 		US
Ind.
[20] 		AUS
[21] 		CAN
[22]
Flygod — — — — —
Supreme Blientele
  • Released: June 22, 2018[23]
  • Label: Griselda, Empire
  • Format: LP, digital download, streaming
 — — 26 — —
Pray for Paris
  • Released: April 17, 2020[23]
  • Label: Griselda, Empire
  • Format: LP, digital download, streaming
 67 39 8 — —
Who Made the Sunshine
  • Released: October 2, 2020[23]
  • Label: Griselda, Shady, Interscope
  • Format: digital download, streaming
 — — — — —
And Then You Pray for Me
  • Released: October 13, 2023
  • Label: Griselda, Empire
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 29 8 6 81 95

With Griselda

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
  • There's God and There's Flygod, Praise Both (2016)[24]
  • Riots on Fashion Avenue (with Mil Beats) (2017)[25]
  • WestSide Doom (with MF Doom) (2017)
  • Flygod Is Good... All the Time (with Mr. Green) (2018)[25]
  • 11 (2024)

Mixtapes

[edit]
Title Mixtape details Peak chart positions
US
[18] 		US
Ind.
[26]
Hitler Wears Hermes
  • Released: October 23, 2012[25]
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Hitler Wears Hermes 2
  • Released: September 22, 2014
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Hitler Wears Hermes 3
  • Released: September 16, 2015
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Hitler Wears Hermes 4
  • Released: October 31, 2016[27]
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Hitler Wears Hermes 5
  • Released: October 31, 2017
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Hitler Wears Hermes 6
  • Released: October 31, 2018
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Flygod is an Awesome God
  • Released: July 5, 2019[25]
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — 17
Hitler Wears Hermes 7
  • Released: November 1, 2019[28]
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — 47
Flyest Nig@@ in Charge, Vol. 1
  • Released: January 2, 2020[29] (recorded in 2005)
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Flygod is an Awesome God 2
  • Released: July 3, 2020[30]
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf
  • Released: August 27, 2021[25]
  • Label: Griselda, Empire
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — 34
Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B
  • Released: September 24, 2021[25]
  • Label: Griselda, Empire
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 196 34
Peace "Fly" God
  • Released: July 8, 2022[31]
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — —
10
  • Released: October 28, 2022[32]
  • Label: Griselda, Empire
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 183 29
Still Praying
  • Released: November 1, 2024
  • Label: Griselda
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Collaborative mixtapes

[edit]

Charted songs

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[33] 		US
R&B/HH
[34] 		US
Rap
[35] 		AUS
[36] 		CAN
[37] 		WW
[38]
"Keep My Spirit Alive"
(Kanye West featuring Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn) 		2021 59 28 23 41 51 51 Donda
"Lost Forever"
(Travis Scott featuring Westside Gunn) 		2023 46 22 20 71 39 47 Utopia

Music videos

[edit]
As lead artist
Year Album Title Director Featured artist
2015 Flygod Mr. T One Dream Films
2016 There's God and There's Flygod, Praise Both Peter Luger
Hitler Wears Hermes 4 Summerslam 88 n/c
Flygod Over Gold One Dream Films Meyhem Lauren
2020 Pray For Paris Euro Step The Wizard
Allah Sent Me Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine
2021 WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE Liz Loves Luger Chariot Pictures Armani Caesar
Hitler Wears Hermes 8 Julia Lang Revenxnt
2022 10 FlyGod Jr The Daily Gems Doe Boy, DJ Drama
Mac Don't Stop & Nigo Louis n/c
Peppas The Daily Gems Black Star
2023 Super Kick Party
BDP Rome Streetz, Stove God Cooks
As featured artist
Year Artist Title Director Other featured artists
2016 Conway the Machine Rex Ryan Mobile Kitchen Sound Roc Marciano
2019 DJ Premier Headlines Jason Goldwatch Conway The Machine, Benny the Butcher
2020 RMR Welfare Cameron Dean
2021 Mach-Hommy Folie à Deux The Daily Gems Keisha Plum
Brady Watt The Narcissist Jim Warren & Alexandra Derderian DJ Premier
2022 Conway The Machine John Woo Flick Langston Sessoms Benny the Butcher
Meyhem Lauren Trigger Point Therapy n/c
2023 Talib Kweli & Madlib Richies Part Two Unjust Roc Marciano
DJ Premier Runway DJ Premier Rome Streetz

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "I Love Fly Street Shit: An Interview With Westside Gunn". Passionweiss. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Pryor, Lex (2020-10-02). "The Flygod Takes Flight". The Ringer. Retrieved 2022-04-27.
  3. ^ a b "Shady X Griselda Ink Deal for WestsideGunn and Conway". Shady Records. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  4. ^ Suarez, Gary. "At The Nexus Of Rap And Wrestling, Westside Gunn Reigns Supreme". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  5. ^ "Westside Gunn & Mr. Green Unite for 'FLYGOD Is Good... All The Time' EP". Hypebeast. 23 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 3): Pusha-T vs. Westside Gunn". Ambrosia For Heads. 2018-12-07. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  7. ^ Ortiz, Edwin (2019-08-06). "Benny the Butcher and Westside Gunn Sign Roc Nation Management Deal". Complex. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
  8. ^ "Westside Gunn Expands His Rap Dynasty With 'Pray for Paris'". HYPEBEAST. 17 April 2020. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
  9. ^ Strauss, Matthew (July 1, 2020). "Westside Gunn Details New Album Flygod Is an Awesome God II". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  10. ^ Eustice, Kyle (2020-11-14). "Westside Gunn Tells Joe Budden He's Left Eminem's Shady Records". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
  11. ^ "Griselda Records Announces Debut Feature Film 'CONFLICTED'". Hypebeast. 2020-12-14. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
  12. ^ Powell, Jon (31 March 2021). "Westside Gunn Returns With "Julia Lang" And "Tv Boy"". Revolt (TV network).
  13. ^ Diep, Eric. "Westside Gunn Plans to Retire From Rap After 2023: 'I Don't Have Nothing Else to Prove'". Complex. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  14. ^ Gee, Andre (2023-10-09). "Westside Gunn Says This Is His Final Album, But That Doesn't Mean The Music Stops". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  15. ^ SMOKE DZA PERSONAL PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH WESTSIDE GUNN, Sep 25, 2021, retrieved Sep 25, 2021
  16. ^ Westside Gunn Performs On AEW, Sep 8, 2022, retrieved Sep 25, 2022
  17. ^ "Can't Knock the Hustle: AEW All in 2024 Review - All In(nit)".
  18. ^ a b "Westside Gunn Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  19. ^ "Westside Gunn Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  20. ^ "Westside Gunn Chart History: Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  21. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 23 October 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1755. Australian Recording Industry Association. October 23, 2023. p. 6.
  22. ^ "Westside Gunn Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c d "Westside Gunn Albums and Discography". AllMusic.
  24. ^ "There's God And There's Flygod, Praise Both, by Westside Gunn". Daupe. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
  25. ^ a b c d e f Westside Gunn discography at AllMusic
  26. ^ "Westside Gunn Chart History: Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  27. ^ "Hitler Wears Hermes 4 by Westside Gunn on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  28. ^ "Hitler Wears Hermes 7 by Westside Gunn on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  29. ^ "Westside Gunn Drops Flyest Nig@@ In Charge Vol. 1 Mixtape – Today in Hip-Hop". XXL. 2 January 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  30. ^ "Flygod Is an Awesome God 2 by Westside Gunn on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  31. ^ "Peace "Fly" God by Westside Gunn on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  32. ^ Helfand, Raphael (October 28, 2022). "Westside Gunn drops surprise album Ten". The Fader. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  33. ^ Peaks on the Hot 100:
  34. ^ Peaks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:
  35. ^ Peaks on the Hot Rap Songs chart:
  36. ^ Peaks in Australia:
    • "Keep My Spirit Alive": "Kanye West - Keep My Spirit Alive". australian-charts.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
    • "Lost Forever": "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 7 August 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1744. Australian Recording Industry Association. August 7, 2023. p. 3–4.
  37. ^ Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100:
  38. ^ Peaks on the Global 200:
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