11

Though Westside Gunn considered turning off his microphone for good in 2023, it was only a year later that he returned to form with *11*, a five-track effort that served as a prelude to his long-teased full-length album *Still Praying*. Though only five tracks long, *11* is a tribute to the Griselda leader’s roots, honoring two of his friends: Sly Green, who is serving a 100-year prison sentence, and Big Dump, who died in 2018. Because of this, Westside has referred to the project as his most personal to date, a statement that’s reflected in the heartfelt rhymes and diaristic storytelling. Take the soul-sample-infused “BIG DUMP BALLAD,” which finds Gunn reflecting on his brother, Conway the Machine, and his dearly departed cousin, MachineGun Black, who was also the brother of Griselda partner Benny the Butcher. He raps: “My heart got scars, my brother face crooked/Allah took us from \'ChineGun, I was devastated.” Later, he adds: “If I had three wishes, I\'d want to get Sly out of prison/Make sure my babies live life with no ceilin\'.” Westside Gunn may not be able to free his incarcerated friends or bring back those who have lost their lives, but thanks to his ability as a rapper, his kids will certainly live life knowing that the sky’s the limit.