Who Made the Sunshine
Westside Gunn · 2020
39 min · 11 tracks · underground hip-hop
A rich tapestry of gritty storytelling and luxurious production that melds underground grit with moments of introspective clarity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Butcher and the Blade — This track exemplifies Westside Gunn's ability to weave intricate wordplay with a menacing beat, featuring standout verses that highlight his signature style. The chemistry with Benny Blanco adds an extra layer of intensity.
-
→
Ocean Prime — With its smooth yet haunting production, this track offers a moment of reflective vulnerability amidst the album's gritty bravado, showcasing Gunn’s range as an artist. The juxtaposition of luxury and struggle is palpable here.
-
→
Frank Murphy — At over eight minutes long, this track serves as a narrative centerpiece, blending storytelling with an atmospheric soundscape that immerses listeners in Gunn's world. Its ambition reflects his artistic growth and confidence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gritty narratives with polished production, showcasing Westside Gunn's unique style while maintaining strong cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into a series of tracks that feature layered storytelling and varied production styles.
- Several tracks incorporate high-profile guest features, which add depth and contrast to Westside Gunn's distinct vocal delivery.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- gritty storytelling with introspective moments
- short tracks for quick engagement
- late-night listening with reflective depth
- vivid imagery that sparks imagination
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long-form immersive experiences
- prefer straightforward, uncomplicated narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Who Made the Sunshine marked Westside Gunn's first studio album after signing with Shady Records, showcasing his distinctively raw aesthetic while expanding his reach. Following the success of his previous project, Pray for Paris, this album further established him as a leading figure in the contemporary underground hip-hop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Conway The Machine· Benny Blanco· Freddie Gibbs
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sunshine Intro 2:24
- 2 The Butcher and the Blade 3:59
- 3 Ishkabibble’s 2:53
- 4 All Praises 3:25
- 5 Big Basha’s 1:40
- 6 Liz Loves Luger 3:20
- 7 Ocean Prime 2:36
- 8 Lessie 3:28
- 9 Frank Murphy 8:11
- 10 Good Night 3:55
- 11 98 Sabers 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.