This is the second collaborative record between New York rappers Benny the Butcher and 38 Spesh. One of them graduated directly from Buffalo and became 1/3 of the core trio at Griselda Records, and the other was from Rochester. Even a few years before Griselda fully took over the underground scene, Benny was signed to TCF Music Group, and they would work together numerous times throughout their career. Six years later, they teamed up again for the sequel to Stabbed & Shot.
Following the “Still Better” intro, the first V Don-produced track, “1st of April,” begins with a dull Bap instrumental about being staples in their respective corners, while “High Stakes” finds the duo showing off their of street connections, maintaining dark relationships. “Thruway Music 2” is a sequel to the highlights of the first “Stabbed & Shot” and continues the continuation of its predecessor “Who is the Real King?” Talk about people acting like family and that’s not the action word on Chup’s strings, kicks and snares.
“Center Stage” is heading in a soulful direction, thanks to Harry Fraud reminding us that just on the second and final single “Brick Specials” the pair’s lifestyle is synonymous with a They actually lived that life before the light movie comparison. The lead single “Jesus Arms” featuring Busta Rhymes is a step up from Bink’s b-side! The beat features gang-themed lyrics, but then the “Hometown Heroes” talk about their place in Buffalo and Rochester respectively.
Dave East and Klass Murda on Bad Guys with Benny and Spesh point out that some people only start catching Ws Shows of affection come later, and “Money Counter” provides some examples of how jealous friends happen to be the ones who matter most. “Internal Advisory” featuring OT the Real brings the trio together and turns it hardcore with raw Daringer instrumentals, while the STREETRUNNER-flavored “Intent to Sell” returns to the raucous tip.
“Coke Runs,” featuring Ransom, provides an encore to Stabbed & Shot 2 and makes it clear you haven’t seen the impressive features they’ve shared in the past, while “Watchlist” exudes even more. jazz atmosphere. El Camino-starring closer “The Power” wraps up the “Stabs and Shoots” sequel about Powers being the thing that separates the room.
Over the past six years, a lot has changed, including with Benny and Spesh’s respective statuses, as they have both grown, improved and developed. Stabbed & Shot 2 has become a rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor, as Benny returns to his roots, reconnects with the founder of TCF, and continues a new round of paper chases in search of the voice that only a seasoned street hustler can muster.
Rating: 9/10
