Conway the Machine Defies Hip-Hop Convention with New Album, “You Can’t Kill God With Bullets”
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A new era of lyrical prowess has arrived with Conway the Machine’s latest release, “You Can’t Kill God With Bullets,” a testament to his resilience and artistic evolution in a landscape often criticized for declining lyrical depth.
Conway the Machine, the Buffalo-bred emcee, has consistently delivered raw and uncompromising Hip-hop, flooding both the streets and streaming platforms with his distinctive sound. His prolific work ethic is undeniable, having released Special Machinery: The Ghronic Edition, collaborated with Ransom and V Don on Chaos Is My Ladder 2, and delivered the critically acclaimed Slant Face Killah all in 2024.
Now, with “You Can’t Kill God With Bullets,” a title imbued with both cryptic and spiritual weight, Conway underscores his perseverance and staying power. The 18-track album remains firmly rooted in the gruff, street-driven sound that has established him as an elite lyricist, while subtly incorporating new elements that showcase his growth as a curator and songwriter.
Conway recently sat down with VIBE to discuss the inspiration behind his new album, his collaborative process, and his expanding artistic ambitions.
The Weight of a Title: Overcoming Adversity
The album’s title, “You Can’t Kill God With Bullets,” is deeply personal, stemming from a harrowing experience. As Conway explained, the title is “pretty much self-explanatory.” He recounted being shot in the head twice and once in the shoulder, a near-fatal ordeal he miraculously overcame. “To go from that to where I’m sitting [right here], I just think it’s truly amazing,” he stated. He aimed to articulate this journey in a compelling way, resulting in a title that reflects both his struggles and his triumph.
Conway views his albums as thematic projects. Slant Face Killah, a moniker bestowed upon him by Beanie Sigel, possessed a darker tone and featured numerous collaborations. In contrast, “You Can’t Kill God With Bullets” aims for a more “revolutionary” and “introspective” feel, while still delivering the hard-hitting lyricism his fans expect. He emphasized the addition of richer instrumentation and a generally more polished, yet uncompromising, sound.
The Alchemy of Collaboration
Central to Conway’s sound is his frequent collaboration with legendary producer The Alchemist. He described Al as “the greatest, man. Al is the G.O.A.T.” He noted the unique energy and personalized approach Al brings to each project, tailoring beats to the individual artist. “You feel the love,” Conway said, adding that Al provides invaluable advice and pushes him to refine his craft. “Shout out to Alchemist, man. I love working with Al. I don’t like doing a project, and Al’s not a part of it, for sure.”
Another key collaborator is Conductor Williams, whose production has become integral to Conway’s signature sound. Conway praised Williams’ ability to create a “dusty, dark” atmosphere, comparing him to “a mad scientist, like Walter White on Breaking Bad.” Despite never having worked in a studio with Williams, Conway consistently receives high-quality beats, solidifying their fruitful partnership.
Griselda’s Nucleus: The Legacy of Daringer
Daringer, a foundational figure in the Griselda Records collective, is considered by Conway to be the “RZA of Griselda,” the creative nucleus of their distinctive sound. He reminisced about the early days, crafting music in Daringer’s living room, laying the groundwork for the collective’s success. While members like Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher have pursued individual ventures, Conway affirmed that Daringer’s importance to Griselda remains unwavering. “Daringer is the nucleus of Griselda’s sound. Facts.”
Expanding the Sonic Palette
The album features a notable collaboration with Roc Marciano on the track “Diamonds.” Conway explained that this pairing was a deliberate attempt to revisit a connection forged a decade prior, on Roc Marci’s Reject 2. “It’s been 10 years since that Reject 2 thing. I just felt like it was time to cook back up with Marci.”
Another standout collaboration is “Nu Devils” featuring G Herbo, a connection that developed organically. Conway shared that he and Herbo have a mutual respect and had previously collaborated on Herbo’s last album. He recounted receiving the beat and immediately envisioning Herbo’s contribution, sending it to him while driving his new G-Wagon.
A surprising shout-out to Dua Lipa on “Parisian Nights” sparked curiosity. Conway recounted meeting the pop star through a friend, Clovis Ochin, in Paris. The song captures a vivid scene: “Louis sneaker in the corner/ They said I blew the streets up”…and Dua Lipa’s acknowledgment of his impact. “She was there, and that really happened in the joint,” Conway confirmed. He expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “I want the streams, the sales, and all of the Grammys, but I love my people more than that accolade.”
“The Undying”: A Poetic Reflection
“The Undying” stands out as a particularly introspective track, representing a departure for Conway. He described it as an attempt to tap into his “spoken word, my poetry side,” crafting a piece that felt like a poem. Inspired by the music and a Black Panther skit, he ventured into new lyrical territory, creating one of his favorite tracks on the album.
Beyond the Music: Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Conway plans to support the album with a tour. He is also preparing to launch his podcast, Talking Sideways, on the Conway the Machine Network in January. Beyond music, Conway is actively pursuing opportunities in film and television, having already appeared in projects alongside Alchemist and Hit-Boy, as well as a film directed by Langston Sessions. He intends to continue writing and directing his own short films, signaling a significant expansion of his creative portfolio.
Watch Conway the Machine’s interview with VIBE below. [Link to VIBE Interview Placeholder]
