Stabbed & Shot 2 by 38 Spesh and Benny the Butcher - Review

Production7.6
Lyrical Mastery9.4
Themes6.9
Influence5.5
Features5.5
Replay Value9.4
7.4

"Stabbed & Shot 2" is the second collaborative album by New York rappers Benny the Butcher and 38 Spesh, released in October 2024. The project showcases their growth since the original "Stabbed & Shot" in 2018, highlighting their street-oriented lyrics and chemistry.

Stabbed & Shot 2” by 38 Spesh and Benny the Butcher is a much-anticipated sequel to their acclaimed 2018 collaboration, blending gritty street narratives with polished lyricism and sharp production. Here’s an in-depth analysis of its strengths, highlights, and reception:


Concept & Themes

The album continues the duo’s vivid storytelling about their experiences in the streets, infused with themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and survival. Both Spesh and Benny take listeners through the dark alleys of hustling, reflecting on the consequences of their choices while flexing their technical prowess and confidence.

The chemistry between Benny and 38 Spesh is a key element here—they’re not just collaborators but also close associates who understand each other’s lyrical style deeply. The seamless trade-offs in their verses feel natural and engaging, with each artist complementing the other’s cadence and subject matter.


Production

The production on Stabbed & Shot 2 stays true to the grimy, boom-bap aesthetic synonymous with Griselda Records and Trust Comes First. Some of the standout producers include:

  • V Don: Known for his haunting, minimalist beats, he sets the tone on tracks like "Coke Runs".
  • Harry Fraud: His signature lush, cinematic sound brings a polished edge to the harder themes.
  • Daringer: A frequent Griselda collaborator, his dusty samples and eerie loops ensure the album remains deeply rooted in underground hip-hop’s raw essence.

Tracks like "High Stakes" and "Corner Boy", with their soulful loops and heavy drums, evoke a nostalgic yet modern feel, amplifying the duo’s hard-edged lyricism.


Standout Tracks

  1. "1st of April": A cold-blooded opener that sets the tone with gritty lyricism and sharp imagery. Benny’s punchlines hit hard, while Spesh adds weight to the song’s reflective moments.
  2. "High Stakes": A reflective track about the risks and rewards of hustling, showcasing both rappers’ ability to balance introspection with bravado.
  3. "Jesus Arms" (featuring Busta Rhymes): Busta’s commanding presence adds intensity, with his verse layered atop a cinematic, almost orchestral beat.
  4. "Coke Runs" (featuring Ransom): A lyrical masterpiece where all three artists bring their A-game, delivering layered verses about the hustle’s intricacies.
  5. "Bad Guy" (featuring Dave East and Klass Murda): A posse cut with fierce energy, each rapper bringing their distinct flavor to the table.

Lyricism & Delivery

Benny the Butcher continues to shine as one of hip-hop’s premier storytellers, delivering bar after bar packed with vivid imagery, hard truths, and wordplay. Tracks like "1st of April" and "Jesus Arms" display his uncanny ability to turn grim tales into compelling poetry.

38 Spesh, on the other hand, grounds the project with his meticulous delivery and introspective writing. His verses often provide a sobering perspective, adding depth to the narrative without sacrificing energy.

Their ability to weave individual styles into a cohesive sound is a highlight of the album. The interplay between Spesh’s calculated delivery and Benny’s gritty charisma creates a balanced yet dynamic experience.


Key Strengths

  • Authenticity: Benny and Spesh don’t compromise their storytelling for commercial appeal. Every track is steeped in real-life experiences, making the album resonate with fans of street-oriented hip-hop.
  • Chemistry: Their collaboration feels effortless and organic, keeping the energy consistent throughout the album.
  • Production: The beats complement the lyricism perfectly, providing a rich sonic backdrop that enhances the narrative.

Room for Improvement

The album’s main critique is its lack of innovation. While the duo excels at their craft, some fans feel they could push boundaries further, experimenting with new themes or production styles to evolve their sound.


Final Verdict

Stabbed & Shot 2 is a triumph for fans of raw, lyrical hip-hop. Benny the Butcher and 38 Spesh prove that their chemistry is as potent as ever, delivering an album that stands as a strong sequel to their debut. Though it may not break new ground, it solidifies their positions as two of the most consistent storytellers in the game.

Overall, "Stabbed & Shot 2" is regarded as a solid addition to Benny the Butcher and 38 Spesh's discographies, appealing to fans of gritty, street-focused hip hop.