Won't He Do It is the third studio album by American rapper Conway the Machine. It was released through Drumwork Music Group and Empire Distribution on May 5, 2023. The album was preceded by four singles, "Super Bowl", "Brucifix", "Quarters" and "The Chosen". It features notable guest appearances by Benny the Butcher, Dave East, Fabolous, Jozzy, Juicy J and Sauce Walka. It is his first studio album since his official departure from Shady Records and Griselda Records.[3] Critics have characterized Won't He Do It as a highlight in Conway's catalog.[1][4]
| Won't He Do It | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | May 5, 2023 | |||
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| Length | 49:19 | |||
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| Producer |
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| Conway the Machine studio album chronology | ||||
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| Conway the Machine full chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Won't He Do It | ||||
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| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Clash | 8/10[1] |
| HipHopDX |   [2] |
Background edit
On February 21, 2022, Conway the Machine announced his departure from Shady Records and Griselda Records four days before the release of his second studio album, God Don't Make Mistakes, by the two labels.[5] Shortly after that album's release, Conway revealed Won't He Do It as the planned title for his next album.[6] Conway has described the album title as an acknowledgement of "all that God has blessed [him] with" during his career.[7]
Throughout much of 2022, Conway prioritized the expansion of his Drumwork Music Group label over working on music, stating that rap was becoming "boring" to him due to the proliferation of Griselda-influenced musicians. However, after witnessing the development of the artists on his label, Conway found himself inspired once more.[8] Conway traveled to Denver to record the album; he spent several months there, recording prolifically, and developed Won't He Do It by narrowing down that body of material.[7]
In February 2023, Conway released the album's debut single, "Super Bowl", and announced a release date of March 31, 2023.[9] However, the release date was subsequently delayed to May 5, 2023.[10] Throughout April 2023, Conway released three additional singles: "Quarters", "Brucifix", and "The Chosen".[11][10]
The album cover features a direct view of Conway's face, something he had not shown on any of his previous albums or mixtapes.[8]
Content edit
Conway has described the mood of Won't He Do It as more triumphant than his previous work, contrasting it in particular to his prior studio album, God Don't Make Mistakes:
With Won't He Do It I wanted it to be the total opposite [of God Don't Make Mistakes]. I didn't wanna get too deep into the pain of the songs. I didn't want the sad story. We went from all that to a life of luxury! We're thankful, we're blessed, and it's all a positive mindset now.[8]
Sonically, the album centers features like "opulent horns and soaring orchestral compositions",[8] but has been described as refining his traditional boom bap production rather than changing it dramatically.[1][4] Lyrically, the project features Conway continuing to provide his characteristic "grimy" rapping while also "embrac[ing] his status as a boss".[2]
At various points in the album, Conway recalls interactions he has had with artists he looks up to; he discusses conversations with Kanye West on "Kanye"[8] and with Jay-Z on "Monogram".[2]
Track listing edit
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Quarters" | Khrysis | 2:28 | |
| 2. | "Brucifix" (with Westside Gunn) |
|
| 3:10 |
| 3. | "Monogram" |
| Daringer | 2:25 |
| 4. | "Stab Out" (with Ransom) |
| JR Swiftz | 3:07 |
| 5. | "Flesh of My Flesh" |
|
| 3:07 |
| 6. | "Kanye" (with GooseByTheWay & Drea D’Nur) |
| J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League | 3:03 |
| 7. | "The Chosen" (with Jae Skeese) |
| J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League | 2:55 |
| 8. | "Water to Wine" (with GooseByTheWay, Jozzy & Dave East) | E. Jones | 5:08 | |
| 9. | "Kill Judas" |
| Daringer | 0:58 |
| 10. | "Brick Fare" |
|
| 4:39 |
| 11. | "Brooklyn Chop House" (with Fabolous & Benny the Butcher) |
| Daringer | 4:53 |
| 12. | "Tween Cross Tween" (with GooseByTheWay) |
| Graymatter | 4:02 |
| 13. | "Won't He Do It" (with 7xvethegenius) |
|
| 5:30 |
| 14. | "Super Bowl" (with Sauce Walka featuring Juicy J) |
|
| 3:54 |
| Total length: | 49:19 | |||
Charts edit
| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[13] | 7 |
References edit
- ^ a b c Murray, Robin (May 5, 2023). "Conway the Machine – WON'T HE DO IT". Clash. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ a b c Wallace, Riley (May 4, 2023). "Conway the Machine continues to upgrade his programming on 'Won't He Do It'". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "Conway The Machine announces split from Griselda and Shady Records", revolt.tv, 21 February 2022
- ^ a b Grant, Noah (May 5, 2023). "Conway The Machine Drops New Album, "WON'T HE DO IT"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "Conway The Machine Confirms He Is No Longer With Griselda Records", hypebeast.com, 21 February 2022
- ^ "Conway the Machine / That's 5", stockx.com, 28 February 2022
- ^ a b Richardson, Maurice (May 12, 2023). "Conway the Machine Earned Love as a Lyricist, Now He Wants to Be 'Respected as an Industry Powerhouse'". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (May 2023). "Conway The Machine is Out of the Darkness on 'WON'T HE DO IT'". Okayplayer. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "Conway The Machine Launches New Album 'Won't He Do It'", clashmusic.com, 24 February 2023
- ^ a b "CONWAY THE MACHINE RELEASES NEW SINGLE "THE CHOSEN", RELEASE DATE FOR 'WON'T HE DO IT' LP", thesource.com, 28 April 2023
- ^ "VIDEO: CONWAY THE MACHINE "QUARTERS" + "BRUCIFIX" FT. WESTSIDE GUNN", rapradar.com, 7 April 2023
- ^ "WON'T HE DO IT / Conway the Machine". Tidal.
- ^ "Conway The Machine Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2023.