HEELS HAVE EYES 2

Though Westside Gunn’s attention these days seems largely focused on growing his 4th Rope pro wrestling brand, he can’t seem to stay away from the mic in 2025. With two new releases already under his championship belt, as well as noteworthy collabs with the likes of Doechii and JID, the auspicious arrival of *HEELS HAVE EYES 2* ensures that Griselda’s head honcho stays inextricable from the year’s rap conversation. While the kayfabe-centric series’ initial installment featured no less than WWE’s Ted DiBiase on its cover, this considerably lengthier sequel swaps in Virgil, another iconic in-ring figure whose memorable late-’80s/early ’90s storylines had him either aligned or at odds with the Million Dollar Man. Such choices reflect the world-building his fans have come to expect from him, and returning producers like Conductor Williams and Denny Laflare on deck reinforce the lineage this project plays in his wider discography. Its title reflecting the titular superstar’s shocking bad-guy turn, “HEEL CENA” finds Gunn canonically shrouded in villainous boasts and deeply jazzy vibes. The gloomy “GLOWREALAH” calls back to several thematic hallmarks in his lyrical mix, while “MANDELA” brightens things up without sacrificing his signature fixations. A handful of Griselda familiars come through with fly verses of their own, from veritable veteran Benny the Butcher on the ominous “POWER HOUSE HOBBS” to the more recent affiliate Brother Tom Sos on “AMIRA KITCHEN.” Both narco rap go-to Stove God Cooks and Buffalo mainstay Eastside Flip feature on “BRIKOLAI VOLKOFF,” the former with a profane hook and the latter with a characteristically freestyle coda. And as for that parting Hulk Hogan homage on “LOVE YOU PT. 2,” you know Flygod had to do it.