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O.T. the Real’s 9th Album “Possession with Intent” Prod. by 38 Spesh is His Best Since Probably “Zombie” (Album Review)

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania emcee O.T. the Real making his TCF Music Group debut with his 9th studio LP. Getting his start in the underground back in 2016 after coming home from prison & dropping his debut single “Papercuts”, his profile began to grow from there after showcasing his skills on radio stations as well as dropping 7 albums as well as a mixtape & his last 7 EPs. My favorites being the Heatmakerz-produced 3rd EP The Irishman & the DJ Green Lantern-produced 3rd album Broken Glass that dropped on my 25th birthday & the Statik Selektah produced Maxed Out. No Matter What, Desperation of December, It’s Almost Over & Red Summer were all hit or miss for me until O.T. finally signed to Black Soprano Family Records & enlisted araabMUZIK for Zombie to critical acclaim. Prepare for War & Pale Horse were ok, following up Moving Base O.T.’s eponymous debut showed improvement as did the Nickel Plated produced Cost of Living & The Devil You Know. That said, 38 Spesh fully producing Possession with Intent had me feel like this could be a special entry in O.T.’s catalog & the singles hinting towards it.

“18 Ballgames” opens with some jazzy horns splitting a rat’s shit in half & dipped before the cops came whereas “Never Saw Me” hops over a boom bap instrumental with some pianos to talk about having people who depend on him. “Big Fish” featuring Grafh brings the brass instrumentation back in effect referencing my favorite show of all-time Breaking Bad leading into “For the Face” talking about friends becoming foes & grams turning into ounces.

Amir Ali joins O.T. for a shimmery “Philly Special” advising to make money because money won’t make you while “Americans” talks about the possibility of his enemies winding up dead or behind bars serving life. “Grease” featuring Dave East chops up a soul sample so the pair can talk about the work their plugs gave them just before “Warlock” takes it back to the basement instrumentally pleading not to blame him since he doesn’t mess with fentanyl

“Richer” featuring Flee Lord gets the ball rollin’ on the final leg of Possession with Intent responding to criticisms of being in their bags too much while the cinematically grimy “Jon Jek” talks about lasting longer than the beef you got if you mind your business. The jazzy “Streets Alone” speaks on putting family over everything & “Doin’ Bad” finishes the LP with 1 more boom bap joint addressing his past beefs.

Granted I did enjoy O.T. the Real’s last couple projects with Nickel Plated, the singles we got out of the Possession with Intent rollout had me feeling like it would become another one of his most essential LPs. Lo & behold: The most I’ve enjoyed an O.T. solo project since Zombie. A good 75% of the guests stick the landing in terms of their performances, but he & 38 Spesh both make for a pretty damn good MC/producer pairing.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh Drop Deluxe Edition of “Stabbed & Shot 2” w/ New Single & Documentary

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After six years since their fan-favorite collaboration Stabbed & Shot, Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh reunited for the highly anticipated sequel, Stabbed & Shot 2. The duo knew they were facing higher stakes, but they thrived under the pressure, delivering a rare sequel that actually surpassed the original. Stabbed & Shot 2 showcases their undeniable chemistry, with guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Dave East, Ransom, ElCamino, and more, alongside production from the likes of Harry Fraud, Daringer, and V Don. Now, Benny and Spesh have released the Deluxe Edition, featuring a new track, “ICE,” and the behind-the-scenes documentary, The Making of Stabbed & Shot, which gives fans a deeper look into their creative process, their early days, and an unreleased 2008 freestyle. The Stabbed & Shot 2 Deluxe Edition is available now via BSF/TCF Records.

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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38 Spesh Returns Behind the Boards to Produce Elcamino’s Latest EP “Martyr’s Prayer III” (EP Review)

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Here we have the 19th EP from Buffalo emcee & singer Elcamino. Blowing up in 2017 off his self-titled EP with Griselda Records, his profile increasingly grew after being followed up by Walking on Water mixtape in the summer of 2018 along with dropped 2 studio albums & a few EPs the year after that. They Spit on Jesus proved to be a well received Black Soprano Family Records debut becoming the first Camino project that I had covered since On the 3rd Day & that much like No Weapon Formed Against Me was an improvement over some of the material we’ve gotten from him in recent memory. 6 months after having Real Bad Man produce The Game is the Game followed by Ill Tone recently producing Built for Cuban Links named after Raekwon’s iconic solo debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… produced by RZA in addition to flexing his Millionaire status & Full Moon showing a heavy Future influence. 2 months later, he & 38 Spesh are back for Martyr’s Prayer III.

“Last Prayer” aggressively starts the Martyr’s Prayer trilogy chapter talking about everyone knowing the deal with him richer than a muhfucka whereas “Hustler Highway” reflects on being stuck in the streets all night as a way of getting by. “Animal Life” keeps it boom bap instrumentally to talk about rightfully earning his stripes staying on the grind his whole life while the drumless “Once in a While” seeing bitches acting like they know him & dudes acting like they homies.

Moving on from there, “Offend You” looks back on when he used to take the bus to get around town & now taking the Benz while “Mossberg Pump” aggressively talks about keeping the shotty on him standing on top of the hill staying in the hood. “Mobile Phone” featuring Benny the Butcher discusses making money feeling right to him while “JPay” talks about meeting him on the block with the AK over horns. “Shirley” soulfully shows off the long-ass sticks they carry & the closer “Babygirl” shows a romantic side to him.

Full Moon was easily the most daring EP that Elcamino has ever made & I appreciate him for taking the risks he did for it even though the music wasn’t for me personally, but Martyr’s Prayer III completes one of my favorite trilogies in his whole catalog with an entry that embodies everything that made it so memorable whether it be 38 Spesh’s consistent production reverting back to his signature sound as opposed to Full Moon’s trap-heavy direction & Camino himself giving better performances.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Eddie Kaine & Rim’s 3rd Collab Project “Welcome to Stuyville” Prod. by Camoflauge Monk & 38 Spesh Proves to Be the Strongest (Album Review)

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This is the 3rd collaborative project between Brooklyn, New York emcees Eddie Kaine & Rim. Both of whom initially got together over 4 years ago on Devil’s Night 2020 for their moderately received 1st collab effort BK Caminates produced by iamT2 followed by the Meta EP a couple summers later to more mixed reception across the spectrum. Welcome to Stuyville on the other hand here had high potential of surpassing both of it’s predecessors soon as it was announced than 38 Spesh & Camoflauge Monk would both be producing it on top of Holy Toledo Productions & Compound Interest Entertainment backing it.

“What’s This” eerily welcomes everyone to Stuyville by spitting that real shit over a grisly boom bap instrumental from Camoflauge Monk whereas “Ice Cold” takes a more soulful route thanks to 38 Spesh talking about their hearts being as cold as they are refusing to fold. “Never Stop” featuring Che Noir hooks up an organ with kicks & snares promising not to hang it up leading into “Check Check” talking about bench-pressing whenever they be lifting weight off the scale.

Hus Kingpin joins Eddie & Rim on “Da Whispers” fusing cloud rap & boom bap into 1 boasting that all 3 of them stay war ready & keepin’ it gutter while “Stay Focused” motivationally talks about still getting to the dough even when the odds are against them. “Salute” featuring Benny the Butcher goes drumless as the trio do exactly what they have to, but then “Breakfast” talks about focusing on being great.

“Reminisce” featuring Kurupt begins the final leg of Welcome to Stuyville on a jazzier note reflecting on the fact that the block ain’t the same these days while “Chop House” strips the drums again in favor of a bare flute suggesting not to ride the wave if you ain’t the skipper. The closing track “Made Men” featuring the late Fred the Godson finishes the LP with everyone talking about their successes in the rap game.

Only a week into the new year, Welcome to Stuyville greatly surpasses BK Caminates & META in being the best collaborative effort that Eddie Kaine & Rim have done with one another & an early Album of the Year candidate that’ll hold it’s strength until next winter. Camoflauge Monk & 38 Spesh’s production here is more palatable than the last couple & the chemistry that the individually talented Brooklyn lyricists share gets elevated.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Consequence Feat. Ghostface Killah, Rick Ross, Jim Jones And .38 Spesh “Blood Stain III” (Prod By Ye)

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After its premiere on Hot 97, Consequence has liberated his new single “Blood Stain III,” which is now available.  “Blood Stain III” features the crazy lineup of Ghostface Killah, Rick Ross, Jim Jones & 38 Spesh— and is produced by Ye. 

“Blood Stain III” arrives after the release of “What Has America Done,” and its accompanying video which was premiered by TMZ, as Consequence and Chuck D gave a state of the union address on the heels of the Presidential election. 

“Blood Stain III” is the third and final installment in what has developed into a series for my Ye-produced single.  Quite frankly, I blame Jadakiss for all this” Consequence laughs.  Once he told me “Blood Stain,” hottest track of the year, you know what it is, by far,” I decided we needed to run it out even further.  With Ghost, Ross, Jim and Spesh, we really took it back to some authentic rap sh*t.  The Deluxe version of Nice Doing Business With You will ensure I finish out 2024 strong as possible.” 

Nice Doing Business With You features appearances from Cons frequent collaborator Kanye West (who guests on “No Apologies,” and produces “Bloodstain”), Chris Rock, YNW Melly, Tony Williams and Con’s son Caiden The Crownholder.  Consequence also produced the bulk of Nice Doing Business With You. 

The deluxe edition of Nice Doing Business With You will be released on 12.13.24 and will include seven new tracks; including “Blood Stain III.”

“Blood Stain III” is now available at all DSP’s.

The post Consequence Feat. Ghostface Killah, Rick Ross, Jim Jones And .38 Spesh “Blood Stain III” (Prod By Ye) appeared first on .

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”Stabbed & Shot 2” Displays the Growth in Both Benny the Butcher & 38 Spesh (Album Review)

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Here we have the 2nd collaborative LP between New York rappers Benny the Butcher & 38 Spesh. One comes straight outta Buffalo becoming 1/3 of the core Griselda Records trio & the other hails from Rochester. There was even a point in time where Benny was signed to TCF Music Group years before Griselda went on to take over the underground altogether & they’ve worked with each other numerous times over the course of their careers. 6 years later, they’re linking back up for a sequel to Stabbed & Shot.

After the “Still Better” intro, the first song “1st of April” produced by V Don starts with a dreary boom bap instrumental talking about being staples in their corners whereas “High Stakes” finds the 2 showing off their street ties maintaining a dark atmosphere to the beat. “Thruway Music 2” is a sequel to a highlight off the first Stabbed & Shot continuing where the predecessor left off prior to “Who Really the King?” talking about people acting like family when that isn’t an action word over strings, kicks & snares from Chup.

“Center Stage” heads for a soulful direction thanks to Harry Fraud reminding us that they actually be living that life just before the 2nd & final single “Brick Specials” comparing their lifestyles to that of a lit movie. The lead single “Jesus Arms” featuring Busta Rhymes was a step above the b-side from the Bink! beat to the mobster-themed lyrics, but then “Hometown Hero” talks about their statuses in Buffalo & Rochester respectively.

Dave East & Klass Murda join Benny & Spesh on “Bad Guy” pointing out the fact that some don’t show you love until you start catching Ws while “Money Counter” hooks up some sampling teaching us that jealous friends happen to be the most foolish in the circle. “Internal Affairs” featuring O.T. the Real brings the trio together over a raw Daringer instrumental bringing it hardcore while the STREETRUNNER-laced “Intent to Sell” gets back on the hustling tip.

The song “Coke Runs” featuring Ransom gets the encore of Stabbed & Shot 2 going by making it clear that you haven’t seen the impressive traits that they all share in the past while “Watchlist” gives off more of a jazzier vibe to the beat talking about making $100M requiring risk. The closer “Power” featuring Elcamino finishes the Stabbed & Shot sequel talking about power becoming the cause of separation in the room.

Much has changed in the interim in the past 6 years including the respective statures of Benny & Spesh as they have both grown, elevated & evolved. Stabbed & Shot 2 though has made it’s case in being the rare sequel that surpasses it’s predecessor with Benny returning to his roots by reconnecting with the TCF founder to go on another round of paper chasing shooting for a sound that can only come from experienced street hustlers.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Benny The Butcher And .38 Spesh Drop New Visuals For “Higher Stakes”

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It’s been six years since Benny The Butcher & 38 Spesh linked up for the fan-favorite Stabbed & Shot.  On 10.18.24 that all changes, as Benny & Spesh have announced the long-awaited collaborative sequel; Stabbed & Shot 2.  Much has changed in the interim, including their respective statures, as they have both grown, elevated and evolved. 

For Benny The Butcher, 2024 has already been a monumental year. After dropping his major label solo debut, Everybody Can’t Go, on Def Jam, he followed up with “the summer ain’t over until say it is” projects Summertime Butch and Buffalo Butch, Vol. 1, the latter of which featured his long-awaited collaboration with Drake.  Benny’s ability to balance his gritty street lyricism with his growing mainstream presence has solidified his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most versatile voices. Stabbed & Shot 2sees him returning to his roots, reconnecting with 38 Spesh for another round of paper chasing.

38 Spesh, has also been active and supremely accurate this year, most recently with the release of the critically acclaimed, and perhaps his most visible project to date, Mother & Gun, which again displayed his versatility as both an emcee and producer. 

Benny & Spesh also realize that their long-awaited collaborative sequel includes much higher stakes and baked-in expectations.  But, they thrive under that pressure, as Stabbed & Shot 2 is the rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor; when you turn on the bright kitchen lights, Benny & Spesh are always going to cook up and deliver. 

Dubbing themselves as the best tandem to go back and forth since Jadakiss & Styles P, Stabbed & Shot 2 is a master class in plug talk, survival tactics, and everything you want from a Benny & Spesh drop.  The chemistry is even more elevated, their distinct styles blend seamlessly, and they effortlessly deliver more of the barred-out, street narratives and vivid storytelling that has defined their careers.  Stabbed & Shot 2 is a testament to their growth, and resilience as artists and entrepreneurs.

A week after releasing a two-pack of singles “Jesus Arms” featuring Busta Rhymes and “Brick Specials,” Benny & Spesh are back with the album’s first visual “High Stakes,” which is now available below.   “High Stakes” will be available at all DSP’s at midnight. 

The post Benny The Butcher And .38 Spesh Drop New Visuals For “Higher Stakes” appeared first on .

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”Trust the Chain II” Prod. by 38 Spesh is Planet Asia’s Best Project This Year (EP Review)

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Fresno, California veteran Planet Asia back with 38 Spesh to produce his 12th EP & a sequel to one is his best EPs in recent years Trust the Chain. Emerging as 1/2 of the duo Cali Agents, he would also go on to have a very successful solo career & has made a lengthy yet consistent discography for himself. This includes The Grand Opening, The Medicine, the DJ Muggs-produced Pain Language, Abrasions, the Apollo Brown-produced Anchovies & Sardines backed by Mello Music Group, the Evidence-produced Rule of 3rds & the Snowgoons-produced U.Z.I. (Universal Zeitgeist Intelligence). Now with the 1-year anniversary of Sardines approaching in a few weeks, Trust the Chain II is finally here.

“Checking Traps” sets the tone of what’s to come with a rich instrumental talking about the whole team out here getting fat whereas “Inertia” takes a cloudier route expressing his gratitude to be alive serving a purpose. “Crumble Cake” works in some pianos preparing everyone for the poisonous arrows that have yet to be unloaded, but then “BBQ” goes head-on boom bap talking about bringing out the drink & partying.

Starring the EP’s other half, “Players & Dons” has a blaxploitation flare to the beat telling us the difference between the 2 types of people while the sample-driven “Illuminati Money” by the General Monks featuring Klass Murda calls out everyone on their weirdo shit. “Upscale” featuring A Plus tha Kid & The Musalini brings a bluesier vibe to the table refusing to do deals with bitches in the field & “Greatness” ends Trust the Chain II peacefully brushing off that he’s on some fake shit.

Of the small handful of projects that Asia has given us in the last 11 months, Trust the Chain II easily stands as his best of 2024 so far surpasses last month’s God’s Timing or even last weekend’s Mother & Gun as my personal favorite from the TCF camp. Spesh’s production is more consistent than some of the Fresno emcee’s output in these last 8 months, the features are toned down significantly & the dude himself sounds as focused as he was on the predecessor 5 years ago.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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.38 Spesh Releases New Single Feat. Method Man “Speshal Methods”, Announces New Project

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38 Spesh has announced that his forthcoming project Mother & Gun will be released on 8.16.24.  To set things off, Spesh has dropped the project’s first single, “Speshal Methods,” featuring Method Man and Ti-Lar Bee.  “Speshal Methods” is produced by Jimmy Dukes and is now available. 

38 Spesh shared his excitement about the collaboration with Method Man, saying, “I found out Meth was a fan of my music when he mentioned my name in an interview, and so I immediately reached out to him to get a record done.”  Trust Gang & Wu-Tang is way overdue; as Method Man’s iconic flow & Spesh’s signature sound is sure to resonate.

Mother & Gun is a testament to 38 Spesh’s evolution as an artist and a producer, showcasing his unique blend of gritty storytelling and sharp lyricism; it’s a narrative journey reflecting 38 Spesh’s experiences and the realities of life in upstate NY. Mother & Gun features appearances and production from Method Man, Havoc, Benny The Butcher, Lloyd Banks, StreetRunner, Che Noir, and Jimmy Dukes.

The post .38 Spesh Releases New Single Feat. Method Man “Speshal Methods”, Announces New Project first appeared on The Source.

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Grafh Reenlists 38 Spesh to Produce His 4th LP “God’s Timing” (Album Review)

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Queens emcee Grafh linking back up with 38 Spesh for his 4th LP. Coming up in 2003 off his debut mixtape The Bang Out, he went on to release 7 more tapes before dropping his first full-length album Autografh only a few years later continuing that with a total of 10 mixtapes & an EP. The sophomore effort Stop Calling Art Content produced entirely by the late DJ Shay & released through Benny the Butcher’s very own MNRK Music Group imprint Black Soprano Family Records as well as his TCF Music Group debut Art of Words would become his most acclaimed material to date, so I didn’t expect less going into God’s Timing.

“Language” begins by jazzily calling out those who ain’t gang like they say they are whereas “Fight for Love” featuring Method Man takes the soulful boom bap route instrumentally getting in their hardcore shit lyrically. “Rock, Paper, Scissors” featuring 38 Spesh himself displays a back-&-forth chemistry between the 2 accompanied by a rugged beat just before “Roc-A-Fella Chain” featuring Freeway, Memphis Bleek & Peedi Crakk turns the jazz rap influences up paying homage to the Roc La Familia Dynasty.

Papoose joins Grafh for the grimy “Straight Shooter” reminding that you’re either legit out here or you’ve never had any losses whatsoever leading into “Take Risk” featuring Dre Island & Vado aggressively explaining that one has to take risks out where they from. “Glory” featuring Wretch 32 has possibly the weakest hook on the album despite the mature subject matter, but then “Remember Who You Are” featuring Jim Jones incorporates an organ talking about staying true.

“Coolin’” has a slicker vibe to the beat providing a calming & charming smoker’s anthem while the groovy “Poetry” touches on raunchier subject matter. “Right Now” featuring Talib Kweli returns to the boom bap not giving a fuck if the radio plays them due to their nasty styles while the rhythmically produced “Bullet Proof” featuring Don Paul & Dope Gang Porter talking about running this shit. “Give Praise” ends the LP with a dusty gospel flip talking about giving praise to God.

Even if I came away enjoying this a little less than I did Stop Calling Art Content & Art of Words, I can still say that I enjoyed a good amount of what I heard & hope that Spesh continues working with Grafh as much as possible. Only a select few of the guests miss the mark, but most of them throughout God’s Timing stick the landing & match Grafh’s level of penmanship scored by the mostly traditional boom bap production that made Spesh as big as he is of a beatsmith in the underground.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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