Hitler Wears Hermes VII cover

Released 7 years ago this November

Hitler Wears Hermes VII

Westside Gunn · 2019

43 min · 16 tracks · underground hip-hop

A raw and eclectic mix of gritty beats, vivid storytelling, and playful bravado that defines underground hip-hop's contemporary landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    FCKNXTWK — Opening the album with a confident declaration of intent, this track sets the tone with its punchy production and bold lyrics showcasing Westside Gunn's signature style.
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    Banana Yacht — This standout track features intricate wordplay over a hypnotic beat, exemplifying Gunn's ability to blend humor and street narratives seamlessly.
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    Kool G — A tribute to hip-hop legends, this track captures the essence of Gunn’s reverence for classic rap while maintaining his unique flair and contemporary edge.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical content and varied production, contributing to its distinct underground hip-hop identity.

What we noticed

  • The album features a diverse range of beats, with tracks alternating between minimalist production and more layered, sample-heavy arrangements.
  • Several tracks incorporate skits or interludes that break up the flow, creating a conversational tone throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • short, immersive listening sessions
  • wave-like pacing experience
  • intricate wordplay appreciation

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 1, 2019, 'Hitler Wears Hermes VII' marks Westside Gunn's ascension in the underground hip-hop scene following his previous projects. This album comes after his breakout success with 'Pray for Paris' earlier that year, further solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the Buffalo rap renaissance.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 FCKNXTWK 2:25
  • 2 Broadway Joes 3:21
  • 3 Size 42 2:10
  • 4 Connie’s Son 1:53
  • 5 Banana Yacht 4:32
  • 6 Gondek 1:00
  • 7 Kelly’s Korner 3:41
  • 8 Undertaker vs. Goldberg 4:33
  • 9 Whoopy 1:13
  • 10 Love U 1:01
  • 11 Kool G 2:29
  • 12 It’s Possible 3:50
  • 13 Lucha Bros 4:22
  • 14 WestSideGunn Day 2:13
  • 15 Kensington Pool 3:07
  • 16 Outro 1:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata