Conway the Machine is a 38-year-old rapper out of Buffalo, New York. Alongside his cousins Benny the Butcher and Westside Gunn, he has been integral in Griselda’s recent rise and takeover. This year, Conway has been having a career season with his critically acclaimed Alchemist collaboration “LULU” and his Big Ghost Ltd produced “No One Mourns the Wicked”. Since May, “the Machine” has been preparing for his next album, “From A King To A God”. Today, we have gotten one step closer to its arrival as he dropped its lead single “Fear of God“. With production from the scorching hot Hit-Boy and a guest appearance from DeJ Loaf, will Conway be able to make the opening statement he needs?
Setting the tone for Conway’s vision, there is a suspenseful piano playing over some electric synths. Once the instrumental settles in tensions rise with the implementation of some chopped up vocal samples and ad-libs from the Machine himself. After nearly 30 seconds, the beat unfolds with some hard-hitting drums, which coincides with Conway’s rapping. Talking about his crime-ridden past, the Griselda godfather uses vivid imagery and wordplay to flesh out this compelling story. Coming full circle, the ladder half of the verse gives the listener a telling of why Conway the Machine is one of the best in the game. Furthering things, he preaches about his longevity and the greatness which is yet to come. After this intense monologue about his past present and future, DeJ Loaf sends listeners off with an epic finale. The female Detroit MC talks about the betrayal she has faced and how it has shaped her into a stronger character. Closing the song out with the phrase “I don’t fear anything”, DeJ Loaf exits, and the instrumental fades out shortly after.
In summary, “Fear of God” shows us that Conway is holding back no mercy as he looks to continue his dominant 2020. With some of the hardest lyricism I have heard from him all year, it is no doubt that the 38-year-old MC was in his element. Rounded out by phenomenal production from Hit-Boy and a great feature from DeJ Loaf, my expectations for his next project have only heightened. With records from Armani Ceaser and Westside Gunn dropping soon as well, Griselda’s takeover is only going to get crazier from here.
Rating: 9.2/10
