Benny The Butcher’s “Excelsior”: A Deep Dive into the Gritty Comeback Album
Benny The Butcher is back, and he's not slowing down. Following a string of acclaimed releases, including Summertime Butch, the Buffalo, New York rapper has dropped a surprise new project, Excelsior. What makes this release so compelling, and how does it fit into Benny's evolving discography?
Named after the New York State motto, Latin for "ever upward," Excelsior is a statement of creative elevation. The album, released May 2nd, arrives as a seven-track project featuring collaborations with Boldy James, Premo, Skyler Blatt, Styles P, Fuego Base, and Sule.
The lead single, "Duffle Bag Hottie’s Revenge" featuring Boldy James, showcases the raw, stripped-down menace fans have come to expect from Benny. The track delivers eerie loops and precise bars, evoking the early Griselda sound. The video, shot in the Brooklyn subway, amplifies the gritty atmosphere.
"Some of us jumped off the porch early and understood the game instantly. Some of us took a lil time," Benny stated on Instagram, hinting at the themes of perseverance and growth explored in the album. Production on Excelsior is handled by Daringer, Harlem Zone, Harry Fraud, Moose Tarantino, and Nyckles, ensuring a diverse sonic landscape.
Interestingly, the release of Excelsior comes amidst ongoing beef with Freddie Gibbs. Gibbs recently took thinly-veiled jabs at Benny on his new song "The Big 2," but it remains to be seen whether Excelsior will include a direct response.
Beyond the personal drama, Benny's recent accomplishments include recognition from JAY-Z's Roc Nation and the NFL, who featured him, Rapsody, & More In New Playlist. This speaks to his growing influence and mainstream appeal, without compromising his underground roots.
Tracklist for Excelsior:
- "The Corner"
- "I Am The Program" (Feat. P.R.E.M.O.)
- "Sign Language"
- "$& Power" (Feat. Skyler Blatt)
- "Duffle Bag Hottie’s Revenge" (Feat. Boldy James)
- "Toxic" (Feat. Styles P)
- "B$F" (Feat. Sule & Fuego Base)
Excelsior is more than just another release; it's a testament to Benny The Butcher's artistic evolution and unwavering dedication to his craft. What do you think of Benny's latest project? Share your thoughts in the comments below!