By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – In the ever-shifting landscape of hip-hop, Westside Gunn stands as a formidable force, a curator of culture whose influence extends far beyond his distinctive vocal delivery. As a co-founder of Griselda Records, he has not only elevated Buffalo, New York, from a provincial locale to a significant hub for lyrical prowess but has also championed a bold fusion of genres, blurring the lines between street narratives, high fashion, and the electrifying world of professional wrestling. With a career marked by artistic integrity and a keen eye for innovation, Gunn is preparing for a deliberate transition, aiming to diversify the cultural tapestry before he ultimately steps away from the rap game.
From his formative years in Buffalo’s East Side, fashion served as an early creative conduit for Westside Gunn. While he may not have aspired to be the "best rapper" in a traditional sense, his lyrical dexterity and visionary approach have garnered widespread acclaim. His discography is a testament to his versatility, featuring collaborations with legendary figures like DMX and MF Doom, as well as contemporary titans such as Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator. Concurrently, he has navigated high-profile distribution deals with industry giants and meticulously cultivated the careers of emerging talents like Stove God Cooks and Armani Caesar.
A casual immersion into Westside Gunn’s extensive catalog reveals a master storyteller capable of detailing the harsh realities of the drug trade with unflinching authenticity. Yet, this same artist demonstrates an equal command of the sartorial language of Paris Fashion Week and the intricate narratives of professional wrestling. The past year has been particularly prolific, marked by the critical success of his album 12, high-profile fashion collaborations with brands like Corteiz and Saucony, and the energetic launch of his independent wrestling promotion, Fourth Rope. As he looks towards 2026, Gunn is focused on solidifying his legacy, emphasizing a graceful exit from his recording career when the time is right.
As Westside Gunn gears up for his inaugural international tour, he shared insights into his current mindset, his burgeoning passion for professional wrestling, and his well-defined strategy for concluding his rap career.
"I’ve been experiencing a different kind of energy lately," Gunn explains. "There’s a heightened hunger, and I feel I’m in a very positive space. I attribute it to a greater sense of maturity. My perspective on life has evolved. My focus is now primarily on my family, my well-being, and the enduring impact of my work. I’m dedicated to pushing the boundaries of my art while I have the vigor to do so."
Reflecting on the past year, the universally lauded album 12 stands out. "It’s interesting because my original plan was to release Awesome God 3," he reveals. "However, the tragic loss of my brother, Infinite, deeply affected me. For a period, I felt a profound lack of motivation. But then, something shifted. I felt compelled to create a timeless piece, a modern classic, which I believe 12 has become. Its entirety is truly exceptional."
Following the release of 12, the Heels Have Eyes mixtape series became a focal point. "The Heels series is, in essence, a freestyle for me," Gunn elaborates. "It’s about uninhibited creation and enjoyment, without the pressure of expectation. This initiative is intrinsically linked to my independent, Black-owned wrestling company, Fourth Rope, which is experiencing significant growth. Our wrestling shows are also titled Heels Have Eyes. The idea was to leverage Griselda Records and Fourth Rope for cross-promotion, introducing our wrestling venture to a wider audience. It felt like the perfect opportunity to launch a new mixtape series."
Looking ahead, Gunn expresses his anticipation for the coming year. "This year is already proving to be incredibly fortunate. My primary hope is to be healthy enough to fully experience it. My fashion endeavors are poised for significant advancement in ’26, and Fourth Rope is also set for major expansion. I’m particularly excited about the eventual release of Awesome God 3 in March. In my mind, there are two key projects I intend to complete: Awesome God 3 and a collaborative album with Stove God Cooks titled Michelle Records."
He continues, "I’m embarking on my first international tour, commencing with Paris Fashion Week, followed by further dates. After 13 years in the industry, this marks my debut tour, and I anticipate an electrifying atmosphere. This may very well be the last time many fans see me perform live. I’m not saying this due to a lack of desire to connect with them, but rather because my responsibilities as CEO of Fourth Rope are also demanding."
The genesis of Fourth Rope is rooted in Gunn’s profound connection to professional wrestling. "The name Fourth Rope emerged from my perspective as a front-row spectator," he explains. "I saw the three ropes of the wrestling ring and felt like I was an integral part of the spectacle, the ‘fourth rope.’ Wrestling serves as a vital escape for me, a form of therapy that preserves my inner child. I believe everyone needs that."
He recounts, "I was investing six figures annually just to attend events front row, but my attendance was driven by a desire to study and analyze the sport. I began visiting backstage areas, forging genuine relationships with the wrestlers. Initially, I considered investing in House of Glory wrestling with Master P, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold. The vision for my own promotion had always been present, and one day, I decided it was time to act. My business partner in this venture is Smoke DZA."
Gunn confirms his deep involvement in the creative direction of Fourth Rope. "Smoke DZA and I collaborate closely on the creative aspects. When I decided to establish the promotion, I brought him into the fold because wrestling is his passion as well, and he possesses exceptional writing skills. Together, we’ve consistently delivered outstanding performances at every show. I’m confident that with our combined efforts, we can establish the premier wrestling promotion in the industry."
He elaborates, "Even if attendees aren’t initially familiar with the wrestlers, their exposure to Griselda or Smoke DZA might draw them in. However, I guarantee they will leave as dedicated Fourth Rope fans. We ensure that every match offers substantial entertainment; there are no filler bouts. I approach Fourth Rope with the same dedication I bring to Griselda. Our aim is to provide fans and supporters with what they desire. In a world often perceived as challenging, if I can offer art and experiences that bring joy and amusement, that is my purpose."
Regarding the future of Griselda Records, Gunn expresses optimism. "We have an artist named Brother Tom Sos, and I’m eager to champion his work in 2026. He is exceptionally talented. I will also complete Awesome God 3. Following that, the focus will shift to Michelle Records with Stove God, and then I can collaborate with Jay Worthy or work on Liz 3 with Armani Caesar."
"I intend to release as much of my artistic output as possible because I believe that once I complete these two projects this year, I may reunite with Conway and Benny. At that point, I will feel I have accomplished everything I set out to do, silencing any doubts about our potential future collaborations."
Gunn addresses the persistent rumors of internal conflict within Griselda. "The narrative that Conway, Benny, and I are not on good terms stems simply from the fact that we are not frequently seen together. We are all grown men pursuing our individual paths. Conway is active with Drumwork, undertaking tours and working on his album. Benny is focused on BSF (Black Soprano Family) and his own projects. I am currently in the midst of my own creative run. I’ve always prioritized curation, and that necessitated taking a step back to focus on other aspects."
When asked about the perceived decline of A&R in the current music industry, Gunn states emphatically, "Absolutely. There’s a lack of leadership and direction. Many situations are characterized by a lack of expertise. It’s a complex environment, but I’ve strived to fulfill my role effectively."
On the prospect of having "nothing else to do" after his upcoming projects, Gunn clarifies, "I genuinely feel that Awesome God 3 will be my final album. After that, I intend to dedicate my energy to art, fashion, and nurturing the talent of others. Respectfully, I have no desire to be a rapper in my fifties. I entered this industry with a clear mission, and witnessing my vision materialize has been a profound blessing."
He reflects on the current era, "It’s been a significant period for established artists. Griselda emerged with a more mature perspective, and I believe we’ve contributed to the resurgence of older artists being celebrated. It’s heartening to see respected figures releasing new music, which benefits hip-hop as a whole. We are currently experiencing a strong period, enjoying our success and providing for our families. However, it’s undeniable that this is largely a young person’s game, and we must acknowledge that evolution."
Gunn discusses the drive behind his multifaceted brand. "It’s a combination of everything – competitive spirit, a desire for legacy, and the pursuit of impact. I genuinely believe that despite possessing what I consider the strongest resume in the game, I often feel overlooked. I’m aware of the extent to which I’ve influenced others, the number of individuals who have emulated my style, and the support I’ve extended without receiving it in return."
He continues, "Many prominent figures in this industry have benefited from my contributions. I’m too direct to remain silent when I see my ideas implemented without acknowledgment. There are instances where album rollouts, specific creative directions, or even lyrical concepts originated from me, yet that recognition was never publicly given. Opportunities to credit me were frequently missed."
Despite these perceived slights, Gunn asserts his sense of accomplishment. "I am incredibly fortunate to have achieved everything I set out to do. I never anticipated such a long career in this industry. However, witnessing the growth of my fanbase, seeing young children embracing my music, and observing families, even grandmothers, engaging with my merchandise has been profoundly rewarding."
Regarding his next artistic frontier, Gunn identifies filmmaking. "While I’ve had preliminary forays into film, such as the premiere of my movie Adolf starring Rome Streetz at Art Basel and the release of Conflicted on Tubi, my ambition is to fully immerse myself in writing and starring in films. This is partly why I’m focusing on my physical health; I want to be prepared for demanding roles, including numerous intimate scenes early in a narrative. When I write a film, I envision extensive use of such scenes within the initial segments."
Ultimately, Westside Gunn hopes his legacy in hip-hop will be one of transformative influence. "I want to be remembered as someone who changed the game," he states. "There will never be another Westside Gunn. I aspire to achieve a Michael Jordan-esque status, where I can observe my team from the sidelines and continue to contribute in my own way. My brands will persist, and I will remain a respected legend."