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Benny The Butcher Names The MCs That Inspire Him
Though the process of ranking has always been a cornerstone of hip-hop discourse, opinions tend to hold a lot more credibility when they come from an authoritative source. Often times, those very sources are top tier, elite-level emcees — a testament to the mentality that real recognize real. It goes without saying that Benny The Butcher has earned his place among the game’s top tier spitters, a fact made wholly evident with the release of Burden Of Proof. That is if Tana Talk 3 and The Plugs I Met didn’t already make that fact abundantly clear.
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Having secured collaborations with the likes of Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″, Black Thought, Ghostface Killah, Lil Wayne, Tip Harris, and more, one has to wonder when Benny’s name will carry such weight to rising emcees on the come-up. In the meantime, we had a chance to chop it up with The Butcher about the current rappers that inspire him.
“Freddie Gibbs,” he names first, showing major love to his Alfredo collaborator, with whom he worked on “Frank Lucas.” Russ gets the next selection; while that may prove surprising to some, it should be noted that Benny and Russ go way back, having collaborated on “I Thought You Got Me.” Not to mention the fact that Benny was originally supposed to open for Russ in a major stadium tour, though COVID-19 swept those plans aside with haste. “Conway too, I feel like sometimes he don’t get the credit,” continues Benny, looking within his own crew. “Who else? There’s a lot of us, man, we be knocking on the door. There’s a bunch of us.”
For more insight from The Butcher, including some of his bucket list collaborations, the history behind his Butcher moniker, and more, be sure to check out our complete interview with the Burden Of Proof rapper right here. Are you surprised by the rappers he named?
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Pete Miller Explores Duality on “The Dazzling Kimberly”
Pete Miller’s ‘The Dazzling Kimberly’ is a profound exploration of the intricacies of human emotion and the complexity of our relationships. Through its narrative, the song delves deep into the heart of love, loss, and the paths we choose in life. The protagonist’s journey of self-reflection and contemplation, sparked by the enigmatic Kimberly, serves as a mirror to our own experiences with love and the often painful lessons that come with it.
“The Dazzling Kimberly” is a poignant song that narrates the story of two twins embroiled in conflict, who are brought together and eventually reconciled by their interactions with a mystical figure named Kimberly. This song, with its rich narrative and allusions, particularly to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, offers a layered exploration of themes such as rivalry, redemption, and the ephemeral nature of life and relationships.
The song opens with a vivid depiction of one twin’s sense of guilt and moral ambiguity, contrasting his own cunning with his twin’s straightforward approach. This internal conflict sets the stage for the entrance of Kimberly, a figure whose very existence seems otherworldly, serving as a catalyst for change and reflection in the twins’ lives.
Kimberly, characterized by her wisdom and almost supernatural presence, challenges the narrator to reconsider his values, suggesting that victories won through cunning lack the essence of true love and fulfillment. Her influence is profound, guiding the twins towards a reconciliation that seemed impossible before her intervention.
The chorus of the song encapsulates the narrator’s deep yearning and the transformative impact Kimberly has had on his life. It questions the value of freedom and the significance of their bond, highlighting the impermanence of life through the metaphor of fading air and shifting sands.
The resolution of the twins’ conflict, prompted by Kimberly’s disappearance (or passing), symbolizes a newfound maturity and understanding. The once-contentious land becomes a symbol of their shared heritage and reconciliation, underscoring the message that love and unity are more valuable than any material possession or victory.
The allusion to Jacob and Esau provides a biblical backdrop to this tale of rivalry and reconciliation, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning and moral questioning. Just as Jacob and Esau reconcile after years of conflict, so do the twins, guided by the ethereal and loving presence of Kimberly.
The song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone captures the duality of human experience—the longing for what was and the hope for what could be. The moods and themes you’ve described, from melancholy and contemplation to love, regret, and redemption, underscore the universal struggle with fate and the desire for moral clarity and closure.
For further thematic exploration, the works of Leonard Cohen, particularly for their spiritual and existential undertones, or the poetic narratives of Bob Dylan, might resonate with the themes of “The Dazzling Kimberly.” Both artists adeptly weave complex human emotions with broader philosophical and spiritual questions, much like Pete Miller does in this song.
–Ralph Grossman
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Yung Miami Unveils Exciting “Yams” Era in a Dazzling Comeback Trail, Are You Ready for the Yams Revolution
Yung Miami Unveils Exciting “Yams” Era in a Dazzling Comeback Trail, Are You Ready for the Yams Revolution