Benny the Butcher, the East Buffalo rapper and one-third of the Griselda Records triumvirate, has never been one to bite his tongue. With his latest album and Def Jam debut, Everybody Can’t Go, Benny once again serves up a powerful slice of street narratives, draped in coy confidence and powerful delivery.
To begin, the album opens with the hard-hitting track “Jermaine’s Graduation,”. Immediately Benny sets the tone for the unapologetic lyricism that follows. His gravelly yet emotional voice cuts through the East-Coast-inspired beat. His bars narrate tales of survival in unforgiving streets. Each verse is laced with a sense of survivor’s guilt, as Benny navigates the challenges of success while acknowledging those who didn’t make it out. The production style is a signature blend of haunting melodies and hard-hitting drums. This provides the perfect backdrop for Benny the Butcher’s vivid storytelling.
Further, Benny weaves the juxtaposition between the harsh realities of life on the streets and Benny’s vulnerability throughout the album. Tracks like “TMVTL” and “Griselda Express” reveal the Butcher’s more sensitive side, reflecting on the toll of a life immersed in struggle. Thus, these moments are delivered with a raw honesty that showcases Benny the Butcher’s growth as an artist. Further, he demonstrates the ability to relate to listeners through shared experiences of adversity.
Everybody Can’t Go features several dynamic collaborations that bring depth and intrigue to the piece. On “Big Dog,” Benny teams up with Lil’ Wayne, and the chemistry between the two is palpable. The album also features collaborations with fellow Griselda members Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn. This feature reinforces the unique sense of community that has defined the crew’s collective success (while squashing rumors of beef between the trio).
One of the album’s key strengths is its dynamic yet free-flowing sequencing. Benny the Butcher maintains a delicate balance between emotional hard-hitters, seamless interludes, and engaging skits. The album unfolds slowly but powerfully, culminating in an immersive listening experience.
Ultimately, Benny the Butcher is a beacon of creativity and style in an ever-evolving hip-hop landscape. Everybody Can’t Go is a stellar addition to Benny’s existing discography whether you’re a long time fine or new to the scene. The album points to Benny’s massive ability to continue to grow and expand the scene. More than just an album, “Everybody Can’t Go” has already etched itself into the cornerstone of hip-hop history. Benny has laid the foundation for future generations of rappers and storytellers to come.
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