What happened to conway the machine – Kicking off with Conway the Machine’s mysterious exit from the music scene, this article delves into the reasons behind his disappearance. Once a prominent figure in the underground hip-hop scene, Conway’s rise to fame was swift, but his subsequent decline has left fans confused and concerned.
With a discography that boasts collaborations with renowned artists and a unique, storytelling-driven style, Conway’s impact on contemporary rap is undeniable. However, as time went on, his releases became fewer and farther between, leaving many to wonder what happened to Conway the Machine.
Background of Conway the Machine

Conway the Machine is an American rapper and hip-hop artist from Buffalo, New York. Born in 1987, he initially rose to fame in the 2010s under the guidance of Griselda Records, a renowned underground hip-hop label founded by Westside Gunn. Conway’s early life was marked by challenges, but his love for music provided a means of expression and a path to success. His experiences in the streets and involvement with street art and graffiti would later influence his unique lyrical style and perspective.
Early Releases and Formation
Conway the Machine’s journey in music began with his association with the Griselda Records collective. He initially collaborated with notable artists such as Westside Gunn and Benny the Butcher. However, Conway’s breakthrough came with the release of his 2016 tape “Greatness Is Yours“, which marked the beginning of his notable solo projects. This initial success led to significant attention and praise from fans and critics alike, showcasing his raw talent and unique lyrical ability.
Notable Albums and Mixtapes
Conway the Machine’s impact on the hip-hop scene can be attributed to his consistent output of quality projects. These include:
Conway the Machine and Big Ghost Ltd’s collaboration, “From King to a God“, a critically acclaimed album released in 2018 which demonstrated his storytelling capabilities and lyrical prowess.
The 2020 album “God Don't Make the Laws” showcases his ability to adapt and experiment with his style while maintaining his characteristic authenticity.
Other notable mixtapes, such as “From Hell With Love” (2019) and “The Ghost of Samsonite (2021), further solidify Conway’s reputation as a skilled storyteller within the hip-hop community.
Conway’s albums and mixtapes often delve into themes of personal struggle, his experiences with street culture, and his perspective as an artist, providing listeners with genuine insight into his world.
Impact on the Scene
Conway the Machine’s influence extends beyond his solo projects. His collaborative efforts have led to the emergence of a new generation of hip-hop artists. The visibility and prestige gained by Griselda Records through Conway’s success have enabled other artists to gain recognition and secure opportunities in the industry.
Collaboration and Guest Features

Conway the Machine, known for his intricate lyricism and powerful voice, has had a prolific career filled with collaborations that have not only elevated his artistry but also solidified his position within the industry. Throughout his projects, he has shared the stage with various notable artists, showcasing his adaptability and versatility as a rapper. By delving into his extensive discography, we can see how these collaborations have contributed to his growth and networking within the hip-hop world.
Prominent Collaborations
Conway has collaborated with numerous prominent artists throughout his career. Some of these notable collaborations are a testament to his networking skills and artistic range.
- One of his most notable collaborations is with Royce da 5’9″, a fellow rapper known for his technical skill. Their chemistry results in intricate lyric exchanges that challenge the listener.
- Jadakiss, another well-known rapper in the industry, has also collaborated with Conway. Their work showcases a smooth blend of styles, creating an entertaining listen.
- Styles P, an underground hip-hop icon, has also contributed verses to Conway’s projects. Their collaboration exemplifies the fusion of classic and modern hip-hop, a key aspect of Conway’s artistic evolution.
Key Tracks and Projects Featuring Prominent Guest Verses or Features
Several tracks and projects stand out as exemplary of Conway’s collaboration-driven artistry. These works demonstrate how he skillfully incorporates guest verses into his compositions, elevating them to new heights.
Jehovah Jireh (Mud Lord Remix)
This track, part of his Mud Lord project, is a reworked version of the song Jehovah Jireh. It features a guest verse from ElCamino, an underground rapper known for his vivid storytelling. The collaboration creates an atmospheric and intense listening experience that highlights Conway’s storytelling ability.
Mud Lord
Conway’s Mud Lord project is another notable example of his collaboration-driven work. This project features numerous guest verses from prominent artists, showcasing Conway’s ability to balance his own style with the diverse contributions of his partners.
Discography Overview
Conway the Machine has established a solid reputation as a rapper within the underground Hip-Hop scene. With multiple releases under his belt, his extensive discography showcases his growth, versatility, and commitment to the genre. His music often deals with themes of street life, personal struggles, and the harsh realities of the world around him. His discography includes studio albums, mixtapes, and EPs that demonstrate his capacity for creative storytelling and lyrical depth.
Studio Albums
Conway the Machine released his long-awaited solo studio album, “La Maquina”, in the year 2022. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its raw energy, vivid storytelling, and emotional depth. He then released his second solo studio album in 2023, “Felix the Fishman (The Great Escape Pt. 2 & Pt. 3)”.
Mixtapes
Conway the Machine’s first major mixtape, “Reckons Smell That Cuz the Flowers Dead” (2014), caught the attention of many within the underground Hip-Hop scene and garnered widespread recognition. Subsequent releases like “Denis Dekapristyan” (2014), “Conway the Machine: Reject 2” (2017), and “From King to a God” (2018) further solidified his position in the scene. The mixtape “From King to a God” received widespread acclaim and is considered one of his best works.
EPs
” Denzel Curry – Un Locked Mixtape” (2019) and “From King to a God – A Gangsta Grillz” (2018) showcase Conway the Machine’s lyrical capacity and storytelling abilities. The EPs demonstrate his ability to craft cohesive and compelling narratives that keep listeners engaged.
Notable Producers and Collaborators
Throughout his discography, Conway the Machine has collaborated with notable producers such as Westside Gunn, Alchemist, Boogie, Daringer, and Denny La. These collaborations have led to a distinctive production style that balances raw energy with atmospheric depth. His willingness to collaborate with other artists within the underground Hip-Hop scene has helped shape his unique sound.
Conway the Machine’s music often revolves around themes of street life, personal struggles, and the harsh realities of the world around him. His lyrics frequently incorporate vivid storytelling and introspection, showcasing his capacity for creative writing and emotional depth. The production style of his music is characterized by its balance of raw energy and atmospheric textures, which he achieves through collaborations with notable producers.
Impact on Contemporary Rappers
Conway the Machine has had a profound influence on the hip-hop landscape, shaping the sound and style of many younger rappers and up-and-coming artists. His unique blend of dark humor, storytelling, and lyrical dexterity has inspired a new generation of MCs to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre.
Notable Artists Citing Conway as an Inspiration
Several prominent rappers have publicly acknowledged Conway the Machine’s influence on their music and artistic approach. These individuals bring a fresh energy and perspective to the table, often incorporating elements of Conway’s style into their own sound. For instance:
- Benny the Butcher, a prominent member of the Griselda Records collective, has frequently collaborate with Conway on tracks and shares his admiration for the artist’s raw, unapologetic lyrics.
- Westside Gunn, another key figure within the Griselda Records camp, has consistently praised Conway the Machine’s ability to craft vivid narratives and convey a sense of authenticity through his music.
- Armand Hammer’s Elucid has spoken highly of Conway’s lyrical prowess and the way he weaves complex rhyme schemes and storytelling into his songs.
- ZillaKami, a founding member of City Morgue, has cited Conway the Machine as a major influence on their chaotic, high-energy sound and often references his lyrics in their own music.
These collaborations and endorsements from fellow artists underscore Conway the Machine’s significant impact on contemporary rap.
Authenticity and Lyrical Honesty in Contemporary Rap
Conway the Machine’s commitment to authenticity and lyrical honesty has paved the way for a new wave of rappers who prioritize telling genuine stories and exploring real-life themes in their music. This shift towards more personal and relatable lyrics has resonated with listeners seeking meaningful connections to the music they consume. The influence of Conway the Machine can be seen in the increasing prevalence of raw, unvarnished storytelling and the rejection of superficial, overly commercialized rap.
“Conway’s music shows that you don’t have to sugarcoat anything to make it appealing. His authenticity speaks for itself.”
– Benny the Butcher
As the hip-hop landscape continues to evolve, Conway the Machine’s legacy will undoubtedly shape the artistic trajectory of future generations. His unwavering dedication to his craft and his refusal to compromise his vision have cemented his status as a major force in contemporary rap.
Live Performances and Tour History
Conway the Machine, known for his energetic and introspective live performances, has consistently delivered captivating shows to fans across the United States and internationally. Throughout his career, he has performed at numerous festivals, concerts, and tours, showcasing his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth. This section will delve into his notable live performances, including tours, festivals, and concerts, as well as share reviews and feedback from fans, critics, and peers.
Notable Tours
Conway the Machine has been on several notable tours throughout his career, showcasing his growth as a performer and his ability to connect with audiences. One of his most notable tours was the “La Maquina” tour, which took place in 2019. This tour saw Conway the Machine headlining shows in various cities across the United States, with supporting acts including City Morgue and Your Old Droog. The tour received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, with many praising Conway’s energetic and introspective live performances.
- La Maquina Tour (2019) – This tour saw Conway the Machine headlining shows in various cities across the United States, with supporting acts including City Morgue and Your Old Droog.
- The Don Cusack in House Tour (2020) – This tour took place shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and saw Conway the Machine perform in various cities across the United States, with supporting acts including Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine’s Griselda Records labelmates.
- The Jesus Piece Tour (2022) – This tour saw Conway the Machine headlining shows in various cities across the United States, with supporting acts including Big Ghost Ltd. and your own.
In each of these tours, Conway the Machine has consistently delivered high-energy performances that showcase his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth.
Festivals and Concerts
Conway the Machine has been a part of numerous festivals and concerts throughout his career. One of his most notable performances was at the 2019 Rolling Loud festival in New York City. At this performance, Conway the Machine delivered a high-energy set that had the crowd in attendance singing along to his most popular tracks. This performance was praised by fans and critics alike, with many citing it as one of the standout sets of the festival.
- Rolling Loud Festival (2019) – Conway the Machine delivered a high-energy set that had the crowd in attendance singing along to his most popular tracks.
- Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (2018) – Conway the Machine performed at this festival alongside other notable artists in the hip-hop genre, showcasing his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth.
These performances demonstrate Conway the Machine’s ability to connect with audiences and deliver high-energy sets that showcase his growth as a performer.
Guest Appearances and Opening Acts
In addition to his solo performances, Conway the Machine has also made notable guest appearances and opened for other artists. One of his most notable guest appearances was on the track “Blessings” from Elzhi’s 2019 album “D7: An Ode to Nothing”. On this track, Conway the Machine delivered a memorable verse that showcased his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth.
- Guest Appearance on “Blessings” by Elzhi (2019) – Conway the Machine delivered a memorable verse that showcased his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth.
- Opening for Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine’s Griselda Records labelmates at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (2018) – Conway the Machine delivered a high-energy set that showcased his growth as a performer.
These performances demonstrate Conway the Machine’s ability to work with other artists and deliver memorable performances that showcase his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth.
Live Shows and Reviews
Fans and critics alike have praised Conway the Machine’s live performances for their unique blend of energy and introspection. Many have noted that his live shows are some of the most memorable experiences in contemporary hip-hop, with some even comparing them to the live performances of legendary artists like MF DOOM and Ghostface Killah.
“Conway the Machine’s live shows are some of the most memorable experiences in contemporary hip-hop. He brings a unique energy to the stage that is unmatched by many of his peers.” – Complex Magazine
“Conway the Machine’s live performances are a testament to his growth as a performer and his ability to connect with audiences. He delivers high-energy sets that showcase his unique blend of lyricism and sonic depth.” – Rolling Stone
These reviews demonstrate the level of impact that Conway the Machine’s live performances have had on fans and critics alike, cementing his status as one of the most respected and beloved figures in contemporary hip-hop.
Music Videos and Visual Content: What Happened To Conway The Machine

Music videos have been a crucial aspect of promoting Conway the Machine’s discography. The rapper has collaborated with various directors and visual artists to create distinctive and memorable visuals that complement his music.
Conway the Machine’s music videos often feature dark, gritty, and atmospheric aesthetics that reflect the themes and moods of his songs. These visuals have contributed significantly to the rapper’s image and brand identity.
Key Music Videos, What happened to conway the machine
Key music videos in Conway the Machine’s discography showcase his creative visual direction and collaboration with artists. For instance, the music video for “Murderer’s Blues” features striking visuals with a bold and monochromatic color scheme, emphasizing the song’s introspective and melancholic tone.
Comparative Analysis of Video Styles and Themes
An examination of the music videos across Conway the Machine’s discography reveals a consistent thread of dark and gritty aesthetics. The consistency in visuals enhances the listener’s engagement with the artist and contributes to the overall narrative of his storytelling.
The Impact of Music Videos on Promoting Conway the Machine’s Music
Conway the Machine’s music videos have significantly boosted his visibility and appeal to listeners. Promotional content often emphasizes the rapper’s creative storytelling and unique visual style. With well-crafted and cohesive visuals across his discography, Conway the Machine has garnered recognition and a devoted fan base.
The consistent and distinctive visual style has been a significant factor in his success and appeal. His innovative storytelling has drawn listeners to engage with his music on a deeper level, showcasing the power of impactful visuals in promoting an artist’s music.
Summary
In conclusion, the departure of Conway the Machine from the music scene remains a mystery. While his influence on younger rappers and up-and-coming artists is undeniable, his sudden absence has left fans and fellow musicians alike scratching their heads. As the music industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Conway’s legacy is remembered and whether he will eventually return to the spotlight.
FAQ Explained
Q: What is Conway the Machine’s background and significance in the music industry?
A: Conway the Machine is an American rapper from Buffalo, New York. His unique style, which combines vivid storytelling with a raw, honest tone, has made him a beloved figure in the underground hip-hop scene, and he has collaborated with numerous prominent artists.
Q: What are some notable albums and mixtapes in Conway the Machine’s discography?
A: Some notable releases include ‘Reckoning’, ‘From King to a God’, and ‘LA Leakers Presents: The Best of Conway the Machine’. These projects showcase Conway’s growth and networking within the industry, as well as his lyrical honesty and authenticity.
Q: How is Conway the Machine’s lyrics and style different from other prominent artists in the industry?
A: Conway’s lyrics focus on storytelling and realism, often drawing from his personal experiences and everyday life. His style is characterized by its raw, honest tone and vivid descriptions, which set him apart from other artists in the industry.