Don’t call it a comeback; he’s been here for years. Over the last decade, rapper Conway the Machine has carved a lane for himself that most won’t dare travel. The Buffalo, New York native has maintained authenticity and grit, punctuated with bars that have transferred from the muddy waters of the streets into the mainstream. His Shady Records debut album God Don’t Make Mistakes continues in that progression, as Conway remains one of rap’s most prolific lyricists and curators of cutthroat bangers. His first single “John Woo Flick” reunites him with his Griselda co-conspirators Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher, crystalizing his new Shady era with his brothers beside him. Conway’s history is well-documented, yet the story is still unfolding. After leaving the gates of prison in his twenties, he took it as a lesson to make his music a priority instead of the street life. However, many years later, a shootout left him partially paralyzed in his face. He used the near-fatal injury as his superpower, making the permanent sideways talking slur his signature style in his rhymes. In 2014, Conway joined Griselda Records, with Westside Gunn at the helm as the label’s founder. Conway’s mixtapes under Griselda—including Physikal Therapy, The Devil’s Reject, and Reject 2 sparked a buzz in the industry, signaling that both the rapper and his label were built differently. By 2017, Griselda formed a partnership with Shady Records, and Conway celebrated that win with the critically acclaimed G.O.A.T. mixtape. He later collaborated with Shady Records leader Eminem on 2019’s “Bang.” Conway’s steady string of mixtapes and collaborative projects kept the streets fed—including Look What I Became, From King to a GOD, and the game-changing La Maquina, which proved Conway was striking a balance between his grimy beginnings and his new high profile living. The music video for the latter project’s single “Scatter Brain” (with Ludacris and JID) has cracked 3.5 million views alone. The stage is set to debut his first Shady Records album release, God Don’t Make Mistakes. At its core, the project exists at the intersection of everywhere Conway has been during his road to the top, meeting in the middle as he enters the next phase in career. With the lead single “John Woo Flick,” he’s flanked by Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher, aggressively trading bars like it’s 2014 all over again, only upgraded. He raises the stakes with “Tear Gas,” as Conway digs deeply into his psyche, acclimating to his new life as the past still haunts him. Cameos from both Rick Ross and Lil Wayne add an extra energy to the track, where the three deliver a combination of both hard facts and flair. The album includes other features from Jill Scott, to T.I., and State Property alum Beanie Sigel, as well as production from the likes of Hit-Boy, Bink!, and Justice League. Conway may call himself the Machine, but his heart is felt on God Don’t Make Mistakes. He laid the path down a decade ago, and with every bar he’s been preparing for this moment. But it’s like he says on “Tear Gas” with conviction: “And I’m just getting started, my story is far from finished.”

Jae Skeese, a Buffalo native, carved his niche in the hip hop landscape by intertwining his gritty street narratives with introspective reflections, offering a vivid portrayal of his upbringing and the realities of urban life. Growing up in the challenging environment of Buffalo, NY, Skeese's music serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of navigating the streets. Skeese's dynamic flow, coupled with his soulful storytelling prowess, sets him apart in the crowded hip hop scene. Infused with an authentic street sensibility, his verses effortlessly traverse the intricate beats of his production, creating a unique sonic experience. Known for his unfiltered honesty, Skeese connects with audiences on a personal level, building a reputation for music that resonates not just for its lyrical dexterity but also for its emotional depth. With a nod to his roots, Skeese's music pays homage to the rich hip hop traditions of New York while pushing the boundaries of the genre, making him a standout artist in the evolving landscape of contemporary rap.