Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh – Stabbed & Shot II (Album Review)

What a wild album title.


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TOP 5

5. Bad Guy (Ft. Harry Fraud, Dave East & Klass Murda)

Why do people like rooting for the bad guy?

More than any verse on this track, it’s the Harry Fraud beat that truly stands out. It brings a bluesy Western/mafioso vibe that sets the perfect mood. From there, we get a deep-voiced chorus from Klass Murda, followed by a great tone-setting verse from 38 Spesh, where he shares his street-smart moves and hood wisdom. Benny delivers a flashy verse, discussing the paranoia he carries while navigating the streets, and Dave East wraps it up with a verse explaining how his experiences have turned him into a savant in the street game. I love how each artist meets the urgency of the track in their own unique way.

4. Center Stage (Ft. Harry Fraud)

Harry Fraud’s beats on this album gave it an extra kick.

Once again, it’s a Harry Fraud beat that steals the show. “Center Stage” is powered by production that is soulful, celebratory, and hard-hitting. While I felt like 38 Spesh coasted through the song, sounding a bit too cool for school, I still enjoyed his crafty punchlines centered around his execution of all of his street plans. As for Benny The Butcher, his verse is sly and assertive, featuring lyrics that serve as a reminder that he’s fully at the top of his game.

3. Brick Specials

I swear, drug dealers make their products sound like some s**t you can buy at pizza hut.

“Brick Special” is one of those rap tracks that deserves a chef’s kiss. First and foremost, it’s driven by a dramatic beat with minimal bass. Over it, 38 Spesh and Benny The Butcher deliver raw, gritty verses where they refer to themselves as rebels, admit to scamming, dismiss shady women, and speak about the luxurious flights they take. While nothing particularly groundbreaking happens in this track, the duo maintains consistent flows and crafts their lyrics in a highly clever and engaging way.

2. High Stakes

Benny and 38 are gambling with more than just money here.

In “High Stakes,” Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh reflect on their past lives dealing drugs. Throughout the track, they use familiar slang such as “grams,” “yay,” and “bricks,” while illustrating how they navigated dealings with suppliers (“plugs”) and customers. Backed by production that exudes a cold vibe, 38 Spesh delivers his bars with an intense, gritty edge, emphasizing the raw nature of his experiences. Benny The Butcher, on the other hand, brings pure cockiness to the track, spitting his verses with the seasoned precision of a veteran who’s mastered the game. Both kill s**t.

“I was good with one foot in like the college game” is an elite bar.

1. Jesus Arms

I refuse to buy drugs from Busta Rhymes, bro.

Interestingly, Busta Rhymes kicks off “Jesus Arms.” His verse is animalistic, as he reminds the competition that no one is on his level, even going so far as to say he deserves a spot in everyone’s top five rappers list. 38 Spesh takes over with a slick verse, detailing his rise from drug dealing to earning legal money, while still maintaining his street connections. Benny The Butcher finishes with a gritty verse about his crack-dealing past, though his rise seems even more extreme than 38’s, as he brags about starring in movies and spending money recklessly. Overall, this is an excellent rap track.


SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

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RGM RATING

(B-) (81%)

This is elite mafia rap.

Production: Surprisingly, I didn’t love or hate the beats on this album. While I respect the hell out of the fact that they stayed in this cold street hip-hop pocket, I think it’s fair to say that there was nothing special about them. In other words, I just weren’t moved by them. However, if you’re looking for steadiness from a production standpoint, this project is for you.

Guest Appearances: Who are these n***as (In my Tommy Davidson voice)? While a few artists, like Dave East and Busta Rhymes, might stand out, most of the featured guests are deeply rooted in the underground hip-hop scene. I really appreciate how all the collaborators align perfectly with the album’s vibes, never straying from the overall tone. By the way, my favorite feature on this album is definitely Busta Rhymes.

The Performances: Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh are undeniable talents when it comes to rapping. Throughout this album, they deliver countless memorable punchlines, consistent flows, gritty deliveries, and lyrical content that captures both the hardships and bright moments of true dealers. I appreciate how the two artists have distinct styles, yet their tones and mission statements align closely. Their chemistry is impressive.

What Would I Change About This Album: As I mentioned earlier in this conclusion, I wish this album had a more exciting tone. It tends to drag, even though it features excellent rap verses and intriguing drug-dealer-related content. Overall, this album feels a bit boring to listen to.

The Biggest Reason You Should Listen To This Album: I feel like we don’t get enough mafioso rap these days, but this project delivers it in spades—probably more than you can handle. Appreciate it to the fullest.


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