by Westside Gunn
Released September 24, 2021 via Griselda Records / EMPIRE
Reviewed October 5, 2021
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Hell on Earth, Pt. 2 (57%), The Fly who couldn’t Fly straight (40%), 99 Avirex (27%)
Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B holds an ambition, an array of features, and a scale exceeding all of Westside Gunn’s work since his legendary 2018 release, Supreme Blientele. Cold aggression is manifested through reverberated vibraphone samples, dusty snares, and a grumbling bass. These elements all come together in unison to deliver the chilling reminder that Westside Gunn is an artist belonging to the highest echelon in hip hop. He might go a minute without telling you that, but the next 64 minutes will make you never forget it. His final installment in the HWH lore is a culmination of the series, but also a culmination of Gunn’s primary mission: to make the grimiest and most extravagant indistinguishable. Production from Madlib, Daringer, Conductor Williams, and The Alchemist provide the heartbeat for an assembly of hip-hop’s greatest “Who’s who?” in recent memory. Only thing is, you know the regulars. Like Scorsese, Gunn casts exactly who you’d expect, with a flair for the dramatic that still leaves room for surprises like 2 Chainz and Tyler, the Creator. Gunn’s influence in defining the underground scene has made him a trail-blazer for the mainstream; Side B is the best measurement of that in his career thus far. – Ben (Synth) (9.5/10)
Westside Gunn’s run from 2016 to 2021 is one of the greatest in rap’s history, and Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B is a perfect way to bookend it. The production includes Madlib and The Alchemist, some of the greatest to ever do it, alongside up-and-comers like Jay Versace and Sovren. Each contribute in creating a perfect blend of grimy and soulful—the two styles Westside Gunn can rap over with ease. Gunn has never been the most technically skilled rapper; his success was largely due to beat selection, personality, punchlines, and how he always brought the best out of his features. While he demonstrates all those qualities here, he also delivers some of his best performances here, both flow-wise (“Forest Lawn”) and subject matter-wise (“Big Al”). Overall, Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B is a unique album, even for Westside Gunn, earning its spot in the upper echelon of Griselda releases. – Alan (8.6/10)
Westside Gunn’s potentially final project is a perfect snapshot of his entire ethos as an artist. Gunn has always been on people’s radar due to his ability to curate great producers and artists together on his projects, while showing off plenty of skill in his own raps. Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Side B displays everything great about Gunn, with incredible features, phenomenal beats, and a keen sense of personality that pushes him above many of his contemporaries. This project delivers a perfect balance of grit and soul, over some of the most consistent beats of Gunn’s career with some of his finest features. A perfect way to cap off a career as revered as his. – Jared (8.5/10)
Ben (Synth): 9.5/10 | Alan: 8.6/10 | Jared: 8.5/10 | Pax: 8.2/10
DeVán: 8/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10 | Peter: 7.5/10 | Cam: 7/10
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