Westside Gunn, born Alvin Lamar Worthy on July 27, 1982, in Buffalo, New York, is an acclaimed American rapper, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and professional wrestling promoter.
He rose to prominence as a key figure in underground hip-hop, known for his distinctive raspy delivery, eclectic references to high fashion, art, wrestling, and luxury brands, and his gritty storytelling rooted in street life.
Westside Gunn co-founded the influential independent label Griselda Records, which has become synonymous with a raw, boom-bap revival sound that draws from 1990s East Coast hip-hop influences like Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep.
Siblings
Westside Gunn has a half-brother, rapper Conway the Machine, with whom he shares a close bond despite different fathers.
The two grew up nearly the same age, only four months apart, and have collaborated extensively, including as the duo Hall N Nash.
Westside Gunn also has a well-known cousin in the industry, rapper Benny the Butcher, who is often grouped with them as part of the Griselda core.
Career
Westside Gunn’s career began in the mid-2000s with early mixtapes like Flyest Ni**a in Charge Vol. 1 in 2005, but he stepped away from music for years before returning with renewed focus.
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In 2012, he founded Griselda Records alongside Conway the Machine and later included Benny the Butcher, building an independent empire that emphasized authentic, unpolished hip-hop.
His breakthrough came with the Hitler Wears Hermes mixtape series, starting in 2012 and continuing through multiple installments, which showcased his experimental style and gained cult following in the underground scene.
Albums like Flygod (2016) featured high-profile collaborations with artists such as Danny Brown, Action Bronson, and The Alchemist, elevating his profile.
Griselda’s partnership with Shady Records, announced in 2017 under Eminem’s label, marked a major milestone, leading to projects like the group’s WWCD (2019) and Westside Gunn’s Who Made the Sunshine (2020).
He has continued releasing solo work, including Pray for Paris (2020), And Then You Pray for Me (2023), and various EPs, while expanding into fashion through Griselda-branded clothing and even professional wrestling promotions.
Accolades
Notably, Westside Gunn received two Grammy nominations as a featured artist on Mary J. Blige’s Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe), which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
His work with Griselda has been celebrated in year-end lists, with albums like Supreme Blientele (2018) and group efforts frequently appearing in best-of rap roundups from outlets such as Ambrosia For Heads.
Westside Gunn’s influence extends beyond awards, as he is recognized for revitalizing gritty East Coast rap and building a loyal fanbase through his unique aesthetic and consistent output.
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