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Hit-Boy Reflects On Benny & Nipsey Hussle Crying In The Studio
Authenticity is an immeasurably important quality in hip-hop music, and often times that very realness translates directly into the music being made. And while this tends to make for the most memorable music, it’s not entirely commonplace for artists to practice what they preach. In the case of Benny The Butcher, who recently dropped off his new album Burden Of Proof, bringing his life’s story to the booth is an integral part of what drives him. It’s no wonder that making his latest project, crafted entirely with Hit-Boy, was enough to move the rapper to tears.
Hit-Boy himself took a moment to praise Benny’s vulnerability, revealing that he and Nipsey Hussle were the only artists he’s ever seen cry in the studio. “Only 2 artists cried in the stu while making a record with me in the last couple years,” he writes, taking to Twitter following the project’s big release. “Nipsey Hussle when he recorded the second verse on “racks in the middle” and Benny The Butcher on “thank god I made it” Real gangsta shit if you ask me. It’s spiritual at this point.”
As for the song in question, it’s no surprise that the subject matter covered in “Thank God I Made It” brought Benny to such an emotional place. “You made me the man I am today, I never told you,” he raps, in a powerful dedication to his mother. “Dressed me in hand me down ’cause you couldn’t afford Polo/ How it feel to see your two oldest boys’ names on logos?” As the opening verse closes, Benny pens a few bars for his late brother, whose presence can be felt moving forward. “I look in my nephew eyes and I see my brother,” he reflects. “Sometimes I gotta look away ’cause it hurt so much / how that ni**a died so young and he was worth so much?”
Be sure to support Benny The Butcher by streaming Burden Of Proof right here.
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Firecamino maintains folk storytelling with new release “Juan The Baptist”
“Juan the Baptist” is a stunning single by Firecamino, blending vivid storytelling with charming melody. The laid-back indie song with folk and country influences sounds like an ancient story told around a campfire after a long night.
The song’s central character is a misguided hero, vulnerable and human. Firecamino emphasizes imperfection over perfection, creating a relatable protagonist. That storytelling gives the song a cinematic, intimate feel.
“Juan the Baptist” handles several musical influences well. Folk-inspired writing and country textures add emotion and familiarity. Meanwhile, the cool indie vibe smooths the edges and lets the track flow naturally without being dramatic.
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Lisa Jo finds freedom in chaos, breaking the loop on new release “Runnin in Circles”
Lisa Jo’s latest single, “Runnin in Circles,” is a captivating look at spiritual surrender and emotional exhaustion. The song’s painful cycle of self-destruction and setbacks makes it personal but universally relatable. The song is for anyone who’s been stuck in their own patterns, trying to break free from repeating mistakes.
“Runnin in Circles” captures the emotional exhaustion of repeated rock bottoms. Lisa Jo vividly depicts inner conflict and self-sabotage becoming all too familiar and devastating. The song embraces the emotional wreckage of “burning your own house down,” which is raw and honest.
Evolution makes this record strong. “Runnin in Circles” slowly moves toward surrender and release instead of staying in the dark. Lisa Jo explores that difficult yet transformative moment when control passes to something greater. The spiritual element gives the song depth and resonates beyond heartbreak and frustration. The song’s messiness is lovely. Healing isn’t polished here. Lisa Jo accepts the hard truth of growth, the confusion, the setbacks, and the painful realization that change often happens after the emotional bottom falls out.
Connect with Lisa Jo on Spotify || Soundcloud
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