Conway the Machine
Music Artist
Griselda Records
About Conway the Machine
Conway the Machine: Buffalo’s Hip-Hop Trailblazer
Born on February 16, 1982, Conway the Machine—is a rapper who has risen to prominence as a stalwart of Buffalo’s flourishing hip-hop scene. His gritty lyrics, intense work ethic, and undeniable talent have not only placed him on the global music map but also brought attention to a city often overlooked in the music industry.
From Buffalo’s Streets to Hip-Hop Stardom
Conway grew up in Buffalo, a city often dismissed in the world of hip-hop due to its geographic distance from New York City’s vibrant music hubs. Despite these challenges, he turned his life experiences into compelling music. His youthful years were turbulent, marked by moments in and out of the criminal justice system, which shaped the raw authenticity of his lyrics.
The turning point in his life came in 2012 when Conway survived a near-fatal shooting. He was struck in the head and neck, leaving him with permanent facial paralysis and a distinct slur that would later become a signature element of his rapping style. Rather than holding him back, this adversity fueled his creativity and fed into his unapologetic, no-holds-barred musical delivery.
Griselda Records and the Rise of an Empire
Conway’s career skyrocketed when he teamed up with his half-brother Westside Gunn to co-found Griselda Records. The indie label would go on to represent some of the most uncompromising voices in contemporary hip-hop, including their cousin Benny the Butcher. Together, this trio formed the core of Griselda’s movement, bringing Buffalo into the spotlight with a gritty, throwback sound reminiscent of 1990s East Coast rap.
One of Conway’s breakout moments came with his 2015 mixtape, Reject 2, showcasing his ability to blend vivid storytelling with dark, menacing beats. Albums like G.O.A.T. and collaborative projects with The Alchemist solidified his place as a top-tier lyricist. The group’s deal with Eminem’s Shady Records further underscored their inevitability, but Conway and Griselda maintained their reputation for keeping the art form raw and artistically pure.
Musical Style and Impact
Conway’s music is deeply rooted in his experiences. His lyrics often explore themes of hardship, resilience, and survival, wrapped in a soundscape of hypnotic loops and heavy drum beats. Whether collaborating with rap icons like Raekwon, Royce da 5’9”, and Eminem or taking center stage on solo projects, Conway’s delivery remains uncompromising and true to his roots.
His 2020 album, From King to a God, received widespread acclaim for broadening his musical scope while preserving the ominous tone that put him on the map. Songs like “Fear of God” spoke to his trajectory as an artist who’s both reflective of past struggles and hungry for continued growth. The subsequent release, God Don’t Make Mistakes (2022), marked Conway’s ability to balance vulnerability and strength, addressing personal traumas and triumphs with remarkable honesty.
Bridging Buffalo and the World
One of Conway’s greatest contributions lies in putting Buffalo on the hip-hop map. For years, the city lacked the infrastructure and industry attention needed to cultivate talent. Conway, through Griselda, carved out a unique lane that showed the world that great music can come from overlooked places.
Beyond the music, Conway has remained committed to his community. He’s been known to mentor young artists and has expressed a desire to provide opportunities for up-and-coming talent in Buffalo. His recently established label, Drumwork Music Group, is part of this vision, offering a platform for Buffalo artists to thrive without needing to leave their hometown.
Lesser-Known Facts and Anecdotes
Conway’s nickname, “The Machine,” reflects not only his unmatched productivity but also his tenacity in the face of adversity. Despite the complexities of navigating the music industry, Conway has maintained a relentless drive, dropping a steady stream of mixtapes and albums that have cemented him as an underground king and mainstream contender.
Perhaps one of the most striking anecdotes of his career is his performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside Griselda. Performing their hit “Dr. Birds” as the first Buffalo rap act on such a national stage was a hallmark moment, showcasing how far they had come.
A Legacy in the Making
At 42 years old, Conway the Machine stands as a symbol of perseverance and artistic authenticity. His music tells a story of survival and triumph, and his impact on Buffalo’s music culture will undoubtedly resonate for decades to come.
For the people of Buffalo, Conway is more than a rapper—he’s a testament to what can happen when raw talent meets unwavering determination. For listeners around the world, he’s a sonic force whose career proves that hip-hop’s soul can flourish anywhere, even in the cold steel heart of Buffalo.