Westside Gunn Reflects on His Legacy as He Prepares to Bow Out of Rap

The Griselda Records co-founder discusses his plans to focus on art, fashion, and his new wrestling company Fourth Rope after releasing his final album Awesome God 3.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Westside Gunn, the co-founder of the acclaimed Griselda Records label, is reflecting on his legacy in hip-hop as he prepares to shift his focus to other creative pursuits. After over a decade in the rap game, Gunn plans to release his final album Awesome God 3 in March 2026 before stepping away from music to concentrate on his art, fashion endeavors, and his new independent wrestling company Fourth Rope. Despite feeling slighted at times for not receiving the recognition he believes he deserves, Gunn is proud of the impact he's made and the doors he's opened, especially for the Buffalo, NY hip-hop scene. As he embarks on his first international tour, Gunn is excited to showcase his diverse talents to fans around the world before gracefully bowing out of rap to solidify his multifaceted creative legacy.

Why it matters

Westside Gunn's impending retirement from rap marks the end of an era for Griselda Records and the Buffalo hip-hop scene that he helped put on the map. As one of the most unique and influential voices in the genre over the past decade, Gunn's departure will leave a significant void, but his plans to focus on other creative outlets like art, fashion, and his own wrestling promotion demonstrate his desire to leave a lasting, multidimensional legacy.

The details

After a critically acclaimed 2025 with his album '12' and his Heels Have Eyes mixtape series to promote his new wrestling company Fourth Rope, Westside Gunn is gearing up for what he says will be his final year as a rapper. His next project, Awesome God 3, is slated for release in March 2026 and will cap off that series. Gunn also has plans for a collaborative album with Stove God Cooks called Michelle Records later in the year. Beyond music, Gunn is excited to dive deeper into the world of fashion, with several high-profile collaborations on the horizon, as well as continue building his independent wrestling promotion Fourth Rope alongside his partner Smoke DZA. Despite feeling underappreciated at times for his contributions to hip-hop, Gunn is proud of the impact he's made and is ready to shift his focus to new creative avenues.

  • Westside Gunn plans to release his final album Awesome God 3 in March 2026.
  • Gunn and Stove God Cooks will release a collaborative album called Michelle Records later in 2026.

The players

Westside Gunn

The co-founder of Griselda Records and a respected rapper known for his unique style and influence on the Buffalo hip-hop scene.

Benny The Butcher

Westside Gunn's Griselda Records co-founder and longtime collaborator.

Conway the Machine

The third member of the Griselda Records trio and Westside Gunn's longtime collaborator.

Smoke DZA

Westside Gunn's partner in running the independent wrestling promotion Fourth Rope.

Stove God Cooks

An artist signed to Westside Gunn's Griselda Records who will collaborate with him on the album Michelle Records.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just have a different spirit about me lately. It just sounds like I'm extra hungry, and I'm in a great space. I think I'm just more mature. I look at life differently. I've been focusing on my family, health and just my legacy. Right now, I'm just pushing the art as much as I can while I have the energy.”

— Westside Gunn, Rapper

“It's crazy because I was supposed to have been dropping Awesome God 3 last year, and my brother Infinite got killed, Big Dump. It was kind of like I was just not wanting to do sh*t anymore, for real, but then something just came over me. I just wanted to do a classic. A modern-day classic, which I felt 12 was.”

— Westside Gunn, Rapper

“I'm about to go on my first international tour. Paris Fashion Week is the first show in Paris and then I go from there. I've been doing this for 13 years and never did one tour. So, I know the energy is going to be crazy. This might be the only time y'all see me. I don't see myself rushing back.”

— Westside Gunn, Rapper

“I honestly feel Awesome God 3 will be my last album. After that, let me focus on art. Let me focus on fashion. Let me focus on making other people better. Respectfully, I don't want to be the 50-year-old rapper. I don't know how much longer I'm going to do this because I came into the game with a mission. My vision is coming true, so it's a blessing.”

— Westside Gunn, Rapper

“He changed the game. It's no other Westside Gunn. I want to be on my Michael Jordan shit. Let me sit in the box, let me watch my team and let me just do what I do. I still got my different brands. I'm still a legend. I'm still respected.”

— Westside Gunn, Rapper

What’s next

Westside Gunn plans to release his final album Awesome God 3 in March 2026 before shifting his focus to other creative pursuits like art, fashion, and his independent wrestling promotion Fourth Rope.

The takeaway

Westside Gunn's impending retirement from rap marks the end of an era, but the multi-talented artist is ready to leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond music. By focusing on other creative outlets like art, fashion, and his own wrestling company, Gunn aims to cement his status as a true visionary who helped push hip-hop culture in new directions.