A Retrospective Glance at Westside Gunn's Supreme Blientele

A vivid mosaic of street narratives and new york revivalism. Westside Gunn's 2018 album, a testament to innovation within tradition.

June 22, 2018, marked the release of Westside Gunn's album Supreme Blientele, a work vital to New York revivalism's vitality in hip-hop. It was a breath of fresh air that stirred the stagnant waters of the genre, proving that the beloved form could be reimagined and innovated while keeping its roots intact.

Westside Gunn's distinctive delivery, a wiry cadence that is both brittle and resilient, is the backbone of this album. His voice, as rugged as the New York streets, narrates tales of the underworld with a matter-of-factness that adds an unsettling authenticity to his stories. The rapper's adoration for professional wrestling is evident throughout the album, with references and samples adding an unexpected, oddly fitting layer to his lyrical narratives. His graphic depictions of the dope game are visual and visceral, presenting an unsanitized view of street life.

The album is a carefully curated collection of collaborations with a talented ensemble of producers and guest artists. Alchemist, Daringer, and Pete Rock are among the talented producers who lend their skills to the project, each adding their distinctive touch to the album's soundscape. The list of features is equally impressive, including the likes of Anderson .Paak, Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, Jadakiss, eLZhi, CRIMEAPPLE, Roc Marciano, and Busta Rhymes contribute their unique voice to the gritty narrative of Supreme Blientele.

The album opens with "Big Homie Arn," an atmospheric track that sets the tone for the rest of the project. Westside Gunn's wiry voice slices through the moody beats like a blade, his verses filled with detailed imagery of the streets. This is followed by the hard-hitting "GODS Don't Bleed," where Jadakiss and Benny the Butcher join Westside Gunn in a raw exposition of life in the trenches.

Supreme Blientele is not just an album; it's a carefully crafted narrative woven with threads of raw lyrics, wiry cadence, and richly textured beats. It explores a portrait painted with brutal honesty and an unflinching eye for detail, with a lifestyle often romanticized but rarely understood. From the haunting echoes of "Brutus,” each track adds a different hue to the overall picture, creating a cohesive yet diverse body of work.

In Westside Gunn's career context, Supreme Blientele stands out as a defining work, where he fully steps into his own as an artist. His previous works laid the groundwork, but this album saw him sharpening his skills, his rapping becoming more vivid, and his delivery more confident.

The New York revivalism embodied in Supreme Blientele was not just an artistic choice for Westside Gunn. He declared his affection towards the golden age of hip-hop and his resolute intention to uphold its heritage. It's a nod to the past, a recognition of the genre's roots, and an assertion of his place within that lineage.

The LP is a celebration of the gritty, unpolished side of life in the underbelly of society through the lens of a seasoned observer. It's a journey through the streets of New York, guided by Westside Gunn's unflinching gaze and wiry cadence. It's an album that challenges the listener, asks them to look beyond the surface, and engages with the realities it presents.

This album also showcases Westside Gunn's skill in curating collaborations. The features are not merely additions to the tracks but integral parts of the narrative. Each guest artist brings their unique perspective to the table, adding complexity to the stories being told. Whether it's eLZhi's hard-hitting verse on "The Steiners" or Anderson .Paak's smooth vocals on "Wrestlemania 20" and the collaborations enhance the album's overall sound.

Throughout Supreme Blientele, the influence of professional wrestling is unmistakable. This fascination adds a unique twist to Westside Gunn's rap style, infusing the narratives with drama and spectacle. The wrestling references are not just gimmicks but a testament to the rapper's ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate elements, weaving them into a compelling narrative.

Five years after its release, Supreme Blientele remains a standout in the enduring appeal of New York revivalism in hip-hop. It indicates Westside Gunn's ability to breathe new life into a beloved form without losing sight of the roots. This album demonstrates that hip-hop, like any other art form, is a dynamic and progressing entity that can pay tribute to its roots while confidently moving forward.