God Don't Make Mistakes Review
Many say Conway the Machine should not be here today. A shooting in 2012 left him with Bells Palsy which is a paralysis in the face. But he beats the odds and is here today at 40 years old, releasing an album where many would say is a masterpiece.
Many listeners have known Conway both as a member of this beloved trio, Griselda, and as an individual act. The three rappers, Conway himself, Westside Gunn, and Mach-Hammy have talked about their road bumps, hustles, and victories that allow them to be where they are today. Conway’s story can be viewed as a victory on the surface, but underneath lies issues such as internal conflicts and PTSD bother him to this day.
GDMM is less focused on being impressive on the lyrical aspect and more on the narration. Every time there is a brag or cocky verse about being the greatest, he later reminisces his mortality and "What if?" situations in which his life could have ended. The Buffalo native is proud of what he has accomplished by expanding underground rap and building his own label.
“Tear Gas”, a Cosmo Beats-produced track, shows Conway when he'll get his recognition: "Probably won't get my flowers when I can smell 'em/ It's gon' take my untimely demise before they realize I was a legend." Not only is he not fazed by all the fake fans that will be at his funeral, but he will also continue to focus on his progression and run up a bag in the meantime.
He doesn’t shade the fact that killjoys are on his mind, but really remembers a mentor’s advice that was showcased on “Drumwork” where he spits, "OG told me keep them feelings in your chest, just kill 'em with your success." Jae Skeeze and 7xvethegenius, who are all members of Griselda that follow behind Conway in their own respective verses. Expressing that the Drumwork Music Group has a future that is very bright.
“Stressed” is part of his most personal tracks on GDMM. He mentions about his experience losing his cousin to suicide and losing his unborn son from a miscarriage. He then dives deep into his own flaws and his inner self where he addresses his alcoholism and the lack of time he has. He asks, "Do anybody care that I'm stressed?"
Conway's storytelling discography adds more variety and depth to the album but at times it underperforms due to the repetitive flows and beats. With that said many previous albums such as From King to a God had a slightly more diverse sound to it.
To further contribute to Conway's lead verses or monologue, original instruments were put into place to play the supporting role on all the tracks. However, they are too continuous even though there was a variety of versatile producers. He does have a forte that catches the attention of many people but his inability to try and expand his game hinders him from being able to connect with more people outside his current audience.
But, when we don’t look at the negatives of the project, there is a understanding to his tone that adds to the album. Although he has achieved a lot and overcome many obstacles, he still isn’t content with that he has right now. God structured the journey he is on, and there is an obstacle within him that isn’t allowing him to be content with himself due to him being too caught up in his own legacy and history and he believes that. Either during his own journey or with the label Griselda he has carried demons that he can’t seem to get rid of.