I don’t know what to say. Benny the Butcher has officially become as necessary as oxygen—a total breath of fresh air from the persistence of autotune and other auditory gimmicks. I feel like I’m in the 90s—thank you GRISELDA, which consists of Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, and of course Benny. Their music sounds like it was made for the corner while illustrating substantial business acumen. Benny described it best recalling his diction, or lyricism, as “all details.”
As of late, some are using heavy 808s, vocal effects, and catchy melodies to exploit how easy it is to amuse the public, i.e. gimmicks. It has become such the norm that I am questioning whether majority of these guys are actually that talented. The major contrast here with Benny the Butcher is there is no need for the theatrics others may overdo in hip-hop. He appears to approach song-making like it’s an autobiography, or memoir, on proper street etiquette.
There is so much content to cipher through—all of it’s worth it obviously. The Plugs I Met 2 is the most recent drop featuring many street HOFers: 2 Chainz, Fat Joe, Chinx, Jim Jones+. Harry Fraud provided us with a daily supply of perfectly curated compositions for the rapper he collaborates with at the moment. I think Harry Fraud has mastered how to connect directly with artists by creating an environment conducive to raising the status quo. OPINION: Survivor’s Remorse and Thanksgiving are the hardest tings on the newest tape. By the way, 38 Spesh and Rick Hyde are stepping on tracks just the same as Benny the Butcher! (see the playlist to the right).
I’m only listening to Benny currently cause I don’t really want to hear any autotune. Benny the Butcher is really a legend—he hasn’t fully gotten his flowers from society so I’ll be the first to admit he is bringing back rappers actually having something to say besides gloating. Literally whenever I hear anything that’s not Benny, I have some type of beef with the DJ, or individual, on the ones and twos. Who would’ve thought that I’d be the one to switch up…smh; thought I’d be addicted to ignorance forever. Honestly, the Butcher is going to be here forever; God forbid. His discography and freestyles are everywhere people.