Benny the Butcher – Burden of Proof

Griselda’s 2020 level up wasn’t just statistical, it also played an essential role in accomplishing something seemingly impossible over recent years: It’s helped close hip-hop’s generational gap with a combination of production and storytelling that conjures up memories of a time when elder Millennials and Gen Xers fell in love with the genre.

With his sophomore album, Burden Of Proof, Benny The Butcher hit that nebulous sweet spot where hip-hop touches cinema. Comparing it to another album feels forced — telling people that it’s the audio manifestation of a season of Fargo directed by Quentin Tarantino, oddly feels right.

Hit-Boy had a monster year in his own right, laying the tracks for Big Sean’s Detroit 2 and Nas’ gout album. Burden Of Proof was his top offering, and one tailor made for Benny’s mid-tempo comfort zone.

With 2020 being the year of the 25-plus song deluxe album, Burden Of Proof was was refreshingly filler free, from its 40 minute running time to the features (Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, Rick Ross, Queen Naija, Conway The Machine and Westside Gunn), none of which felt like an A&R ploy to pad their own Christmas bonus.

In his own words from the album’s final song “Legend,” “They ain’t know me then bet they checkin’ now. The best player gettin’ drafted in the 7th round.” Benny The Butcher is the embodiment of perseverance and at 36-years-old, the success of Burden Of Proof is even sweeter as his journey is revealed. Classy, street, introspective, confident with just enough insecurity to remind the listener he’s human.