WesWill
Image via iLL MiLL
WesWill aka Wesley Williams is a Cleveland, OH-based rapper, singer, and business owner. WesWill credits his artistic direction largely to black culture, including funk and soul music, as well as ‘90s fashion and streetwear. His mother and grandmother helped in growing his love for music, introducing him to R&B music and church hymns. WesWill cites Jay-Z as one of his biggest influences, from a music, business, and philanthropic perspective. He’s also inspired by OutKast, DJ Quik, Quincy Jones, Teddy Pendergrass, Curtis Mayfield, Jamie Foxx, Nate Dogg, and Missy Elliot. Throughout his discography, you can expect to hear additional references to artists like to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, UGK, N.W.A, Nipsey Hussle, and DJ Screw.
As of 2020, WesWill had three full-length projects; 2018’s Summertime Slaps, Vol.1, 2019’s Summertime Slaps, Volume 2, and 2020’s In Case You Were Wondering. With a modern spin on the perfect ‘90s rap music to play in your car with the windows down, “Top Down” and “Cutlass” stick out as favorites from the project. As for the second project, favorites include “The Dogg in Me” and “3008” featuring Shawn K. Finally, expect “Clockers,” “Change My Ways,” and “Black Boy Dreaming” to stick out when listening to the project from 2020.
WesWill returned in July 2021, with Open 24 Hours - EP at the age of 26. The project features Lord Afrixana, known for his work on The Lion King: The Gift, and Dana Beas, an up-and-coming rapper from Akron, OH. The five-track effort is highlighted by “Spaceships” and “Windows.” Continuing his streak of summer releases, WesWill released First Kiss In ‘03 in June 2022 highlighted by “Ex Girl” and “He Ain’t Me.”
In February 2023, Wes dropped The Game Is the Game - EP, highlighted by “Wrong One” featuring Will Cherry & FifGawd and “Moon Roof Chronicles.” Doubling up for the year and marking 6 straight summer releases, WesWill released Here For a Good Time in July 2023. The project closes out with its two best tracks, “Chase the Sun” featuring Shawn K and “For My Dawgs.”
You may have heard WesWill on the trailer for season 3 of Freeform’s Grown-ish, in NFL, NHL, and NBA hype videos, including one for the Lakers, and other videos for Sportscenter, Champion, and The Grammys.
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In The Media
2021 Interview with Cleveland.com