Connect with us

Story

Westside Gunn Wants To Run Def Jam

Westside Gunn has long declared himself to be an orchestrator, taking great pride in his abilities as a curator and visionary. And while he has been in the midst of a truly prolific hip-hop run, his imminent retirement has left the Griselda rapper’s future uncertain. Though given everything he has accomplished, don’t be surprised to see Gunn continue to make his presence felt in various ways.

Westside Gunn

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Though some have predicted a Kanye-esque transition to fashion, it would appear that Westside has his sights set on a more ambitious industry position. Taking to Twitter to muse aloud, Gunn proceeded to toss his hat in the Def Jam CEO race, claiming that he’s the best man for the job. “I WANNA RUN @defjam and I’m actually OVER qualified,” he writes, prompting a wave of support from his loyal fans.

Given everything he has helped build, alongside his Griselda compatriots Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher, perhaps it’s not entirely impossible to see Gunn slide into a high-ranking label position. After all, the Buffalo-based label has elevated to the point where its artists are breaking bread with the likes of Eminem and Jay-Z, proof that his vision can manifest results over time. And given how quickly his merchandise tends to sell out, it’s fair to call him a tastemaker as well. 

While it’s entirely possible that Gunn is simply flexing, who knows — he’s bound to do something after he retires next year, so why not pursue this possibility a little further?

Advertisement
Advertisement

Artist Spotlight

E.G. Phillips unveils where silence speaks the loudest on new release “Empathy for the Night Fly”

E.G. Phillips

The mood of E.G. PHILLIPS’s “Empathy for the Night Fly” is instantly cinematic, dark, introspective, and frozen in time. The track sounds like a scene from a late-night club where everything slows down just enough for feelings to come out. The arrangement is jazz-like in that it lets each part breathe. The arpeggiating Rhodes piano comes and goes, giving the impression that the music is thinking, as if it’s moving.

The song is really about recognition, which is when you hear something in someone else’s voice that reminds you of your own experience. It’s subtle, almost fragile, but it has a big effect on people. That emotional connection is what holds the piece together.

That choice seems deliberate, even defiant. It asks the listener to pay attention differently, not just passively. Every break is a part of the story. E.G. Phillips doesn’t just make the mood; he keeps it going. In that space, “Empathy for the Night Fly” becomes a quiet, powerful look at memory, connection, and shared feelings.

Connect with E.G. Phillips on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Artist Spotlight

Firecamino maintains folk storytelling with new release “Juan The Baptist”

Firecamino

“Juan the Baptist” is a stunning single by Firecamino, blending vivid storytelling with charming melody. The laid-back indie song with folk and country influences sounds like an ancient story told around a campfire after a long night.

The song’s central character is a misguided hero, vulnerable and human. Firecamino emphasizes imperfection over perfection, creating a relatable protagonist. That storytelling gives the song a cinematic, intimate feel.

“Juan the Baptist” handles several musical influences well. Folk-inspired writing and country textures add emotion and familiarity. Meanwhile, the cool indie vibe smooths the edges and lets the track flow naturally without being dramatic.

Connect with Firecamino on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending