Rochester, NY producer/MC 38 Spesh returns with his fifth solo LP. Best known as the leader of Trust Army and founder of TCF Music Group, he has been very busy over the past few years, whether producing projects for the likes of Planet Asia and Elcamino, or his own solo work. However, just a few weeks ago, Spesh had lent his voice to Grafh’s fourth album, “God’s Timing,” and nearly a year after the release of the “Gunsmoke” EP, he returned to provide vocals for “Mother & Gun.”
“Early Morning” is the album’s soulful opener, dealing with the fact that they didn’t believe him when he initially said he was going to be rich, while “Sacrifice” again samples soul music in some hi-hats, thanks to STREETRUNNER Being busy is difficult. “Spesh is Back” pushes forward, talking about his return to the mic with a homemade orchestral vibe, while “Del Lago” shifts the gears back into trap territory, showcasing the power he exerts.
Havoc and Lloyd Banks join Spesh on the gritty “Had It Coming,” warning about building an ark as they build it before “Burn Marks” asks how he can hold a grudge against his own brothers because they’ll drown in shit, Because opponents have been giving him the cold shoulder lately. “SpeshalMethods” introduced the world to the titular East Coast duo, crafting booming beats through lyrical pressure, but then we saw the latest installment in the “Can’t Show Love” trilogy.
As Only You, starring Klass Murda, comes to a close, Mother & Gun has produced a crooning sample in response to those who claim they asked them to clarify that they’re not idiots Bitch, while Underestimated, starring Benny the Butcher and Che Noir, features all three of them talking about how people estimate them lower than they actually are.
Maybe some of you have forgotten, 38 Spesh has always been a quality MC as he is one of the most popular producers in the underground music scene, and his first full length album here in almost 4 years has to be Most popular. He took a back seat behind the boards, allowing other beats for Smith to get more exposure and create some of the most personal lyrics he’d ever penned on wax.
Score: 8/10

