When some people see the facial expressions of Griselda Records’ Conway The Machine, they think that its a part of his persona, but it’s actually an acute form of Bell’s Palsy, which is basically facial paralysis. Conway has found an unlikely partner in his physical struggle in a Buffalo, New York-based fifth grader named Alanna “Ally” Bell.
Even though the 11 year old was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, it did not deter her from hosting her Community Canned Food Drive, which caught the attention of Buffalo native and Hip Hop star Conway.
“What she is doing with the drive, the donations and the canned goods and stuff, it inspired me..,” said Conway. “I thought it was incredible.”
Bell’s Palsy is a temporary condition that impacts about 40,000 Americans every year. Conway’s condition occurred after he was shot in the back of his head and neck in Buffalo in 2012, which he uses as inspiration for the sound and content of his music.
Conway, reflecting on his own situation with facial paralysis, he said, “Dealing with that and feeling how I was feeling and now signed to Shady Records and on tour and working with Jay-Z. I just wanted to show Ally you’re not alone in this.”
