by Tim Buck (@aidmoozic)
The enigmatic rapper from Buffalo, New York makes a triumphant return with a new LP, bringing his acclaimed “Praying” trilogy to a powerful conclusion. This journey began with Pray For Paris, an album that not only set a high standard in hip-hop but also revealed a more sophisticated, fashion-forward dimension of Westside Gunn’s artistry. As soon as that album established him as a dynamic force in the genre, the follow-up, And Then You Pray for Me, took things in a different direction. It caught some fans off guard and left others wondering if Gunn would manage to regain his momentum. Fortunately, Still Praying serves as the return to form we've been waiting for; Gunn is at his most confident and artistically assured yet. This time around, the album emphasizes less of his usual swagger and brings more authentic depth.
On the album's first full track, "Beef Bar," Gunn’s signature braggadocio is at full throttle. It’s the classic boom bap sound that we love, with Gunn delivering each line as if he’s got a personal score to settle. The Griselda crew are here to crank up the mischief, adding a layer of chemistry to the track. Meanwhile, the standout beat on the album appears on "Max Caster"—a track so electrifying that Westside Gunn felt compelled to restart it multiple times. Fans will especially appreciate the intricate cadence in his verse, where he contrasts “a brick or a bitch” for his homies and “a gun or a vest” for himself.
Then there’s "Dr. Britt Baker," a haunting joint featuring fellow Buffalo native Brother Tom Sos, who brings his own raw energy into the mix. The track is steeped in menace, with DJ Muggs throwing together a dark, basement-level beat that amplifies its grit. Right after, "I Know Verdy" charges in like a boom bap brawler, delivering a beat that keeps up the album's restless momentum. "Underground King" introduces one of the most laid-back beats Westside Gunn has ever tackled—a track so smooth it feels almost like musical antacid. Rome Streetz swoops in with a standout feature that complements Gunn’s performance, striking a balance that highlights both artists without either overshadowing the other.
Still Praying feels like a homage to Westside Gunn’s origins and his artistic evolution—which is exactly what fans have been hoping to see from him. It retains the raw energy that has defined his sound from the very start while continuing the narrative of Gunn as a grounded artist who remains true to the ethos of classic hip-hop. This is a full-circle moment that cements Gunn’s place as one of hip-hop's most distinct and essential voices, proving his growth without losing the edge that makes his music so compelling.