Griselda
The music artist Griselda is a Buffalo-born independent record label that was founded in 2012 by rapper Westside Gunn. The label takes its name from the notorious Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco. The core members of Griselda include Westside Gunn, his half-brother Conway the Machine, their cousin Benny The Butcher, and in-house producer Daringer. These artists form the backbone of the label and bring their unique talents to create a sound that is inspired by boom-bap and '90s East Coast Hip Hop.
Griselda's journey began in the late 1990s when Westside Gunn, Conway, Benny, and Benny's older brother MachineGun Black formed a crew called the Forerunners. In the 2000s, the crew evolved into Street Entertainment, consisting of Gunn, Conway, Benny, MachineGun, and FreeCutter. Tragically, MachineGun was shot and killed in 2006, leading to the disbandment of the crew.
Conway and Benny later became part of DJ Shay's record label, Buff City Records. It was not until Westside Gunn's release of "Hitler Wears Hermes" in 2012 that Griselda was officially founded. Griselda initially started as a branch of Westside Gunn's clothing brand, Fashion Rebels. The label's first roster included rappers Conway, Mach-Hommy, and producers Daringer and Camoflauge Monk.
Over time, Griselda gained recognition in the hip hop underground scene, thanks to its prolific output and the unique sound created by Daringer. In 2017, the label signed a distribution deal with Shady Records for solo and joint projects from Westside Gunn and Conway. This further elevated Griselda's profile and allowed them to reach a larger audience.
In 2019, Westside and Benny signed a management deal with Roc Nation, further solidifying their presence in the music industry. Griselda continued to expand its roster, signing Armani Caesar, Boldy James, YN Billy, and Rome Streetz in the following years. Armani Caesar became the label's first female act, adding a new dimension to Griselda's already unique sound.
Affiliated acts such as DJ Shay, Black Soprano Family, El Camino, Keisha Plum, Stove God Cooks, Flee Lord, Billie Essco, Tiona Deniece, and Shots USA have also contributed to Griselda's success. These artists have brought their own distinct styles and talents, complementing the core members of Griselda.
About Griselda's Core Members
Westside Gunn, one of the founders of Griselda, is known as the brain behind the label. His unique perspective and artistic vision have been instrumental in shaping the sound and direction of Griselda's music. With his distinctive voice and lyrical prowess, Westside Gunn has established himself as one of the key figures in the current hip hop landscape.
Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn's half-brother, is often referred to as the muscles of Griselda. His powerful delivery and vivid storytelling have garnered him a dedicated fan base. Conway's lyrical abilities are often praised, and he is considered one of the most skilled wordsmiths in the industry.
Benny The Butcher, the cousin of Westside Gunn and Conway, is often described as the heart of Griselda. His raw and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners, painting a picture of the realities of street life. Benny's unique perspective and storytelling ability have earned him critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
Daringer, the in-house producer of Griselda, is the respiratory system of the collective. His production style, heavily influenced by boom-bap and '90s East Coast Hip Hop, has become synonymous with the Griselda sound. Daringer's beats provide the backdrop for the gritty and authentic lyricism of the label's artists.
Griselda's Current Roster
In addition to the core members, Griselda's current roster includes a diverse group of talented artists. Armani Caesar, the first female act signed to the label, brings her unique perspective as a long-time friend of the Griselda family. Her powerful delivery and captivating lyrics have garnered attention and established her as a force to be reckoned with.
Boldy James, another addition to Griselda's roster, brings his own distinct style and storytelling ability. With his gritty delivery and vivid narratives, Boldy James has garnered critical acclaim and solidified his place in the hip hop scene.
Mach-Hommy, though no longer with the label, made significant contributions during his time at Griselda. His artistic vision and unique approach to music brought a fresh perspective to the collective.
Rome Streetz, a recent addition to the label, continues to push the boundaries with his lyrical prowess and distinct flow. His unique style and ability to captivate listeners set him apart from his peers.
The Heartbreakers, a production team formed by Camoflauge Monk, Conductor Williams, and Denny Laflare, bring their own sonic landscape to Griselda's music. Their contributions add depth and texture to the label's sound, further enhancing the listening experience.
YN Billy, the younger member of the label, showcases his raw talent and potential. His energetic delivery and clever wordplay have garnered attention and positioned him as an emerging artist to watch.
With its talented roster and distinct sound, Griselda has established itself as a prominent force in the music industry. The label's commitment to authentic and gritty hip hop has resonated with audiences, allowing them to carve out their own niche in the ever-evolving landscape of music.