Entertainment
Westside Gunn Unveils an Artfully Curated Album Tracklist of Surprising All-Star Lineup “Still Praying”
Westside Gunn has been on a strategic mission to redefine what it means to keep his fans hanging. The Griselda star, known for frequently releasing music, is back with a more restrained approach, meticulously crafting his latest album, “Still Praying,” into something personal and communal driven. This time, it’s emphasizing quality over quantity, a mantra that’s seen the album pared down to 14 tracks, a shift from the expansive 21-track “And Then You Pray for Me,” Gunn is dialing in. Fans already know this album will hit deeper, cut sharper, and shine brighter.
On October 28, Gunn unveiled the “Still Praying” tracklist on social media, sparking fresh excitement among fans and fellow artists alike. His signature bold approach is evident in the music and his visual artwork as a lover of spectacle. The album cover features late wrestling icon Sid Eudy, a nod to Gunn’s love for wrestling and gritty nostalgia, setting the tone for what promises to be an impactful album.
But what turned heads this week was his unconventional approach to unveiling the album’s collaborators. “Still Praying” will feature collaborations with artists like DJ Drama, Boldy James, Rome Streetz, and a handful of underground heavy-hitters like AA Rashid, Brother Tom SOS, and WS Pookie. True to his theatrical style, Gunn didn’t pair these artists with their respective tracks, creating an air of mystery and a palpable sense of excitement who might pop up on each song. It’s like he’s building tension, inviting his audience to experience the album as an unwrapping, where each track becomes a new discovery. This approach reflects Gunn’s belief that art should unfold itself in layers.
Additionally, Griselda’s presence reminds us that Westside Gunn is never really alone in this. His Griselda crew will bring their A-game to the record, infusing it with their unique chemistry, shared history, and collective grit. With these guest appearances, it’s clear that the album has a sense of unity, a family affair bound by respect, loyalty, and a shared artistic vision.
After being released, fans and critics alike can feel that “Still Praying” is more than another Westside Gunn. It’s an album meticulously crafted to honor Gunn’s growth and evolution as an artist and pay tribute to the legacies he values. As the listeners prepare to dive into this lyrical puzzle, one thing’s for sure: “Still Praying” is set to enhance both Gunn’s artistry and his audience’s listening experience, one powerful track at a time.
Artist Spotlight
Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”
Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.
The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.
“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.
Artist Spotlight
“Yonkers” – Song by Tyler, the Creator
15 years ago, Tyler, the Creator released “Yonkers.” The song would go on to shape a generation of hip-hop fans and make him one of the most talked-about artists in modern music. Tyler’s work on “Yonkers,” which came out of the Los Angeles group Odd Future, was a brave mix of raw lyrics, dark humor, and simple production that made him stand out from other artists right away.
“Yonkers,” which is just over three minutes long, seems simple but has a big effect. The song’s production is based on a spooky bassline, simple piano chords, and simple drums. This puts Tyler’s voice and story front and center. His flow is slow and threatening, and it sends out a stream of verses that balance shock value with deep thoughts on themes like being alone, rebelling, and thinking about oneself. This song has a modern twist on the gritty, confrontational style of hip-hop that was popular in the early 2010s.
The music video for “Yonkers” became a cultural phenomenon all by itself. In the black-and-white video, Tyler looks straight into the camera while doing something that surprised both fans and critics. Tyler became known as an artist who isn’t afraid to push boundaries when the song’s raw lyrics and stark images quickly went viral. The video’s viral success brought Odd Future national attention and helped Tyler get more work, including his albums Goblin (2011) and Wolf (2013), which were both well-received by critics.
People who didn’t like “Yonkers” thought it was a new take on hip-hop. People in the genre often liked flashy production and collaborations, but Tyler’s solo song showed that minimalism can be just as interesting, if not more so, when it has strong lyrics. Young people who wanted realness and change connected with the song’s unapologetic tone, and its influence can still be heard in music today. Many contemporary artists assert that Tyler’s early compositions, particularly “Yonkers,” significantly influenced their lyrical writing and visual storytelling techniques.
“Yonkers” was a big moment in Tyler, the Creator’s career. It was a bold statement from a single artist who wanted to change the rules of hip-hop, and it captured the spirit of early Odd Future, a group that thrived on chaos, creativity, and free expression. More than ten years later, the song is still a touchstone for fans and a turning point in the growth of alternative rap. Its creepy beat, controversial lyrics, and viral music video are still seen as examples of a time when hip-hop was pushing its limits and welcoming a new generation of voices that were willing to question the way things were.
“Yonkers” is a cultural artifact, a snapshot of the time that shaped Tyler, the Creator’s unique artistic style, and a reminder of how powerful bold, unapologetic music can be.
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe Perfect Storm celebrates friendship with new release “A Song for My Friends”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoMichael Soul hides from being open with new release “Hiding”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoGrace Doty lights up the sky with new release “Sunset Colors”
-
Artist Spotlight1 day agoFeel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound
-
Artist Spotlight2 days agoMarsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”
-
Album Review1 day agoDian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album
-
Artist Spotlight2 days ago“Boom” by Chandra explodes with energy and in-depth storytelling
-
Artist Spotlight1 day agoLana Crow turns a dream inspiration into pop anthem with “In Spirit”

