Westside Gunn and Smoke Dza Talk Wrestling, Brotherhood, and Upcoming Albums

In a recent interview on Rosenberg Radio, Smoke Dza and Westside Gunn gave fans a glimpse into their unbreakable bond and the relentless creative spirit that drives them both, whether in the ring or in the studio. The conversation, filled with jokes, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories, showcased not only their shared love for wrestling but also their passion for making impactful music. The duo's journey has been about blending two worlds, wrestling and hip-hop, and they've done it in ways that have captured the imagination of fans across genres.

Westside Gunn and Smoke Dza are both celebrated artists in their own right. Gunn, a founding member of Griselda Records, has made a name for himself with his signature raw sound, intricate cover art, and larger-than-life persona. Known for his gritty, unapologetic style, Gunn has become a staple in the underground hip-hop scene, delivering vivid imagery in every verse. Meanwhile, Smoke Dza has established himself as a lyrical heavyweight with a laid-back flow that resonates with fans who love his distinct voice and storytelling ability. Together, the two have formed a genuine friendship that transcends their careers, one that was initially sparked by their shared love for hip-hop but has blossomed into a partnership that includes wrestling and culture at large.

During the interview, Dza and Gunn spoke about how their connection has been about more than just music—it's a real-life friendship that has weathered personal and professional storms. The duo reminisced about attending WrestleMania years ago, sitting in the cheap seats, simply as two fans enjoying their love for wrestling. This shared passion for wrestling has become a major part of their identity, leading them to promote wrestling events under Gunn's "Fourth Rope" brand, where they bring together hip-hop legends and the best indie wrestlers for unforgettable experiences. Their chemistry and shared vision make them a unique force, bridging the gap between two fanbases—wrestling and hip-hop—that may not always overlap but are united under the banner of culture and community.

But it wasn't just the wrestling that had listeners excited. Gunn also dropped the news that he’s got two new albums coming out, back-to-back: "11" dropping on Halloween, and "Still Praying" releasing the very next day on November 1st. Gunn described the albums as two distinct projects, with one being entirely solo and the other featuring heavy contributions from the Griselda team, including Conway, Rome Streetz, Benny, and Stove God Cooks. Impressively, both albums were recorded in a matter of days, highlighting Gunn’s relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft. "11" and "Still Praying" promise to deliver the authentic, no-holds-barred storytelling that has made Westside Gunn a revered name in the underground scene, full of grimy beats and evocative lyrics that fans have come to expect.

Smoke Dza, for his part, spoke about his involvement in the music as well, although his presence was more focused on support and collaboration than promoting a specific project. He shared that, regardless of whether he is actively making music, his bond with Gunn is deeper than business; it’s about real-life support, the kind of friendship that finds him sleeping on Gunn’s couch even though he could stay at a luxury hotel. It’s that sense of brotherhood that carries over into the music, making their collaborations feel organic and unforced.

Their plans for the future seem to be just as ambitious, with Westside Gunn's determination to blend his passion for wrestling with hip-hop through the "Fourth Rope" promotions, which include live events featuring both wrestling matches and performances from legendary hip-hop artists like DJ Premier and Pete Rock. As they continue to carve out a niche that’s entirely their own, one thing remains certain: whether in the studio or the wrestling ring, Smoke Dza and Westside Gunn are here to shake things up, breaking boundaries between genres and giving fans an experience like no other.

With two albums about to drop and their friendship stronger than ever, the future is looking bright for these two cultural forces. Hip-hop fans and wrestling lovers alike have something to look forward to—a reminder that great art often comes from places where we least expect it, at the intersection of passion, creativity, and the love of the game.