Westside Gunn Denies Rumors About Jay-Z's Advice Causing Griselda Rift

Westside Gunn is shutting down recent speculation that advice from Jay-Z played a role in creating tension within Griselda Records.

Rumors resurfaced after podcast host Mal claimed on the New Rory & Mal podcast that Jay-Z once encouraged Gunn to give fellow Griselda stars Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher ownership stakes in the label. According to Mal, Hov allegedly suggested splitting ten percent equity between the two artists, an offer Gunn reportedly declined. The claim quickly fueled online discussions about possible friction within the Buffalo-based collective.

The speculation gained even more traction as fans pointed to recent lyrics from Benny and Conway, including Conway's "Make Them Pay" freestyle, which some listeners interpreted as subtle references to unresolved business disagreements.

Westside Gunn, however, wasted little time responding. Taking to social media, he dismissed the narrative and criticized what he sees as a growing obsession with viral content.

"Everybody wanna go viral so bad, it's disgusting," Gunn wrote, rejecting the claims circulating online.

Mal later responded publicly, explaining that he had no intention of chasing attention and revealing that he had recently spoken with both Conway and Benny. The two also exchanged messages on Instagram, suggesting there was no major hostility between them despite the controversy.

What remains unclear is exactly which part of the story Gunn disputes. His comments did not specify whether he was denying the alleged equity conversation with Jay-Z, the existence of tension within Griselda, or both.

Despite years of rumors surrounding the group's internal dynamics, Griselda's core members continue to support one another's careers while maintaining their own independent ventures and label operations. Although each artist has expanded his own brand in recent years, they have continued collaborating and publicly showing respect for one another.

Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Benny The Butcher have repeatedly downplayed reports of serious division within the camp, even as fans continue to analyze lyrics and interviews for signs of conflict. For now, there is no confirmed evidence that Jay-Z's alleged advice created a lasting rift between the trio.

Whether more details emerge remains to be seen, but supporters of Griselda are hopeful the artists themselves will eventually provide clarity. Until then, the group's history of collaboration suggests their professional relationship remains intact despite ongoing speculation.