38 Spesh – 8 Shots (Album Review)

38 Spesh proves that good beats and good raps are an undefeated combination on “8 Shots.”

STREAM

TOP 5 SONGS

5. Trust Us (Ft. Smooth Haynes)

“Trust Us” is packed with sharp punchlines, and the Karl Malone reference alone is worth the price of admission. Over buttery-smooth production, 38 Spesh and Smooth Haynes flex their financial savvy, take shots at people making poor decisions, and celebrate the rewards that come with staying ahead of the curve. Both rappers sound cool, calculated, and completely in control. The flows are tight, the bars are clever, and the overall execution is impressive.

4. Speshal (Interlude)

I had a feeling I was going to like the shortest track on the project, and it ended up delivering. To me, it features the coldest beat, the sharpest flow, the catchiest hook, and the clearest representation of who 38 Spesh is at his core. It’s a simple but highly effective track that leaves a strong impression.

I really want this as number one, but it’s all good.

3. Heavy Burden (Ft. Dave East)

I’ll be honest: about 80% of the reason this track made my list is because of the Eddie Murphy bar that 38 Spesh drops. That line alone had me rewinding. Beyond that, I think Dave East ended up being the collaborator who brought out the best chemistry in 38 on this project. 38 sounds cool, composed, and effortless, while Dave attacks the track with a hungry, rebellious energy that adds a spark. Both artists sound fantastic over the emotional production.

2. The Main Line (Ft. Method Man)

There’s something about “The Main Line” that feels like a throwback to the G-Unit days. The production balances darkness and energy beautifully, with soulful samples adding extra flavor.

38 Spesh attacks the beat with more punch and urgency than we usually hear from him, touching on enemies and his street background. Method Man slides through with effortless charisma, stacking clever wordplay and repeating key phrases in a way that makes them stick. The contrast works perfectly: 38 is the soldier, Method Man is the seasoned veteran. The chemistry is undeniable.

1. Great Wall (Ft. Curtis Coke)

“Great Wall” features my favorite instrumental on the entire project. The beat has this gritty yet smooth old-school hip-hop feel that I f**k with a lot. 38 Spesh rides it effortlessly, balancing stories of his past hustle with reflections on where life has taken him today.

Meanwhile, Curtis Coke (What a sick-ass name) injects the song with extra intensity, recounting moments where he played a leadership role and helped create opportunities for others while working in shaky business ventures (I bet you he ain’t put his prior experience in the traps on LinkedIn). Add in a tough chorus and plenty of street wisdom, and you get one of the strongest tracks on the album.

SONG BY SONG RATING

1. Free Game (4/5)

Become an RGM+ member to see every rating we gave these tracks.

RGM RATING

(82%)

8 Shots finds 38 Spesh operating in his most focused and refined lane, delivering a street album that balances soulful nostalgia with darker, modern textures.

Throughout the album, Spesh proves once again that he knows exactly how to meet a beat. Whether he’s rapping about his drug dealing past (Honestly, it still sounds like he sells that s**t on the side), his present mindset, or guiding younger voices, his delivery stays controlled, intentional, and consistently sharp. The production across the project is a standout on its own, blending nice knocks with moody undertones and classic soul influences that give the album both weight and replay value.

Guest appearances elevate the experience even further. Method Man brings veteran charisma and layered wordplay on “The Main Line,” while Che Noir adds emotional depth on the hauntingly real “Mental Health,” even if the energy contrasts with the subject matter at times. Smooth Haynes brings slick chemistry on “Trust Us,” and Curtis Coke helps turn “Great Wall” into one of the album’s most memorable moments.

Even the shorter cuts like “Speshal (Interlude)” serve a purpose, reinforcing the album’s identity and cohesion. Overall, 8 Shots is a hungry, polished street record that showcases 38 Spesh at his most consistent—anchored by elite production, strong features, and a clear artistic vision from start to finish.