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Memphis Bleak
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Memphis Bleak
Com A lot of you ask how
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Memphis Bleak
Yeah y', all, you already know what it is. Yours truly, M. Greasy back in the building with an exclusive. Got my GS in the building is rock solid and these the most solid coming out of New York City right now. You know what I mean? Y' all know what it is man. We got BSF in the building, my brother Benny the Butcher in the building and Fuego base in the building. You know when they in the building, bars is up.
Benny the Butcher
You know it big time man.
Memphis Bleak
I gotta step my up after this interview. That's how real These is. Man, I feel like I'm slipping. What's up, my guys, man? We good, man. How y' all been, man? Same grind, bro. Man, good seeing y', all, man.
Benny the Butcher
You know that, man. Same grind. Ash is in the safe out right now.
Memphis Bleak
That's right. Ash is in the safe out. My G, we was just talking off camera. I'm like, yo, I just was getting. Dude, I just finished. You know what I mean? Stove guard dropped some shit.38 special. You and 38 special dropped like three projects back to back. Then you dropped this joint. You dropped Summertime Butch like, my nigga, how the fuck do you do it?
Benny the Butcher
I do this shit. Cause I'm still having fun doing this first. Because you know you gotta still be having fun to do it at this rate. I'm still having fun. I ain't sick of this shit yet. And really, what I was saying was after the Def Jam deal, I gave Def Jam that album and before I put out an album before that, it was almost two years before I put some shit out. So I catch my. I have my spurts where I fall back. But ever since then, you know what I'm saying? You know, you gotta wait. You gotta wait amount of time that's up before you could drop some shit.
Memphis Bleak
That's right. Yeah. They make you the label be on some bullshit. Yeah, yeah, I hate that, period. Cause you could your window be closing a little bit if you don't stay
Benny the Butcher
on top of that. So you see, while the window's still going on, I just start dropping a whole bunch of independent shit. Yeah, a whole bunch of independent shit. You know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
That's what's up, man. So how you and Fuego Bass link up, man? Cause my guy from CT in the building, you know what I mean?
Benny the Butcher
Yeah, man. My nigga Bass man from Hartford, Connecticut, man. I met him through my dog Steve Starks, man. You know what I'm saying? We gained a relationship and I'm saying it and did some business. And he. One of the persons he introduced me to, you know what I mean? And this was dope. First time I heard him, I'm like, okay, this crazy. You know what I'm saying? That this crazy. I'm gonna end up. I'm gonna end up like, trying to. I'm saying, sign this. But I had to get my situation right first.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah, that's right. I was like, for you, my G, linking up with one of the hottest crews coming out the city. You know what I mean? Moving, shaking up, restoring the feeling, man.
Fuego Base
Man, this blessing, man. I ain't calling. I ain't know this is gonna happen. So I'd just be happy to be here. Facts like this right here, Even like this. I grew up on bleak.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah.
Fuego Base
I mean, facts, bro.
Memphis Bleak
That's love.
Fuego Base
So you know what I mean?
Benny the Butcher
All the time.
Fuego Base
Nah, like, nah, this ain't. This is Little. Please. Live from the streets, you know what I'm saying? Like, this should be. Like I said, I'd just be happy to be here, bro.
Memphis Bleak
Now, you always was pushing the pin or. Or, like, how long you been in the. In the. And, like, you know, feeling like, yo, I could do this shit, my G,
Fuego Base
man, I shot a video just to say I did it. Like, I said. Like, my man was telling Butcher I'm nice or whatever, I guess, or whatever. But when, like, I did that video, I guess he saw it, then he commented on it. So I was like, oh, shit. Like, that nigga think I'm nice. Like, that was kind of the beginning of it, you know what I mean? It was a process after that. But at that point, like, that shit,
Benny the Butcher
I'm thinking, this nigga been doing this shit forever.
Fuego Base
I was just like. Like, I had went through some personal. I broke my legs, and. And I would watch these while I'm in the bed. And I was just. I broke both of my shits.
Memphis Bleak
Nah, that had to. When you jumped out the window from the popo.
Fuego Base
Yeah, that's what they say, too. Like, that's exactly what they say.
Memphis Bleak
That's what that sounds like.
Fuego Base
You know what I'm saying? But, like, yeah, man, you know, my shits was broke, so it took me a minute to get my shit back together. So. So in the midst of that, like, they had put the bed in my crib and different shit like that. And I would just watch these niggas, like, when the flex shit came out and all that, they was going crazy. And then, like, a couple of the homies, like, bro, like, man, you could do that shit. Like. And you know, I shot my shot. Like, I said, he's seen it. So, like, I still ain't believe it yet. You feel what I'm saying? But, like, from that point, it was like, man, okay, it's something there. I kept trying to make more raps.
Memphis Bleak
Nah, that's what's up, man. I told you, man. Off record, man, I feel like the Griselda Gang bsf, y' all niggas is just manufacturing talent over there. Like, y' all niggas got the Coca Cola recipe with the guarded safe and the guns over there. Y' all just tell these niggas, plug in, play.
Benny the Butcher
We lit, man. It's a lot of. It's a lot of spitters, man, you know what I mean? This shit that we do, the kind of music that we do, it attract a lot of niggas of that cloth with the bars, and you know what I'm saying? It's a bunch of niggas who I could just name, who from all type of different cities who be hitting me up, who I would love to work with that nigga, hard luck. That nigga's crazy, you know what I'm saying? I love you busy. Crazy.
Memphis Bleak
That's a fact.
Benny the Butcher
He just one of them niggas, you know what I'm saying? It's a bunch of niggas who this should attract, you know what I'm saying? And when I get the opportunity, sometimes, man, I just feel like it's the right thing to do, you know what I'm saying? Cause people gotta hear, this nigga this crazy.
Memphis Bleak
So one of the things I always wanted to ask you, like, coming from Buffalo, you know, I'm from the city, like, so I know once you leave the city and go upstate, people, you know, they look at y' all different, like, y' all really ain't from New York. So that pressure of putting Buffalo on the map and representing New York as the state in the whole. What was that like? You know what I mean, for you?
Benny the Butcher
Man, it almost started out thinking it was gonna be a disadvantage, but it happened to be an advantage, you know what I'm saying? Coming from somewhere different, where we not involved in New York politics, you know what I'm saying? I always say that shit, you know what I'm saying? That helped us, you know what I'm saying? And bringing something new to the. You know what I'm saying? New to the game, you know what I'm saying? Here in Buffalo, talk, the way we talking dress, the way we dress, wearing the jewels and like that. You know that? Like, that haven't been seen far as the. The rap game.
Memphis Bleak
That's right.
Benny the Butcher
I think that was interesting to the whole world to see, like, damn, niggas up there give it up like that. Or they talk like that, or they do that up there, too. So some people knew, a lot of people didn't know. So that turned out to be an advantage, like putting the world onto something new, you know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
So, yo, you know what's crazy about up there? Like you saying the world didn't Know, but every dope boy from the city knew. Because think about it. How many niggas you know that was in the game? Tell you, yo, I was getting money out of town, Niggas would go upstate and tell you they out of town. No, you not, nigga. You still in New York. Stop bugging the money. Just feel like it's out of town. So both of y' all niggas is on the. On the line of where that. Yo, that money was flowing. Connecticut, Buffalo, Albany, Schenectady. I remember I went up in Skinnett years ago, and I was like, this ain't for me, man. These niggas, they hustling like this. Nah, I need the projects. Like, what was that like growing up? Like, how did that The Griselda movement even come together? Like, all y' all from the same hood neighborhood. How y' all linked up like that?
Benny the Butcher
Oh, we family. You know what I'm saying? We all family. And Wes and Conway, they been doing this shit way before me. Wes always was a curator. Conway always was, like, the best spitter in the hood. You know what I'm saying? And then, you know, when I came up and I was rapping, you know, N included me in this shit. And then it just evolved to this. We was forerunners first, and then we was street entertainment. You know what I'm saying? And now it's Griselda, you know what I'm saying? So it was like, this is the evolution of what we used to do, like, in 95, you know what I'm saying? At the crib, niggas used to rap on the tape recorders. Then we first started going to the studios, started going to Spoon Studio, and started going to Season Studio, and a whole bunch of niggas who had the hood studios and putting out tapes and shit like that. Niggas just. I mean, play at school or whatever. You know what I'm saying? So this is just basically the evolution of that.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah. Like, I don't want to put this title on y', all, but I'm gonna say y' all trajectory is going that way. Cause I hate when niggas try to put a ceiling on nigga. Cause you could probably pass, be greater or be equal. But I look at y' all like how I looked at Wu Tang. It was a bunch of niggas, and none of them sound alike. Everybody had their own identity. And that's what I respect.
Benny the Butcher
Different clicks on the side and shit like that.
Memphis Bleak
And that's what I respect on y'.
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Memphis Bleak
Keeping that wave going Especially for the city. So it makes the city look good. New York, you know what I mean? Niggas be trying to say New York ain't on the map. And it's like, are you kidding me? You not listening to Griselda, BSF. These niggas is killing the world 100%.
Benny the Butcher
100%.
Memphis Bleak
So carrying that wave. I know even for you, I wanna ask you this. Cause you new to the squad, you know what I mean? You the new hitter on the squad. So being around all the hitters that put in that work, being the new guy, the pressure of knowing, damn, I gotta spit. I can't come with no whack shit. These niggas is killing. Like, I know that's a pressure. Cause at the rock, it was on my nigga, yo.
Fuego Base
Hell yeah, it's pressure. Like, I keep saying that. Like, this nigga the best rapper in the world to me. So you feel what I'm saying? And it's like, some of the other best rappers is my label, me. Some, like. You know what I'm saying? Like, all of them talk that shit. So it's like, you gotta be on point over there, man.
Memphis Bleak
That's right. Top of the top pack of wolves,
Fuego Base
you know what I mean? Is definitely some pressure.
Benny the Butcher
You know what that type of environment build, that build good music.
Memphis Bleak
That's right. Like, Beans used to be confident, still sharp and still bro. Word up, like. And that's a fact. And, like, you know what I mean? I hate to see the issue going on with Stove and his deal and all that shit, you know? But, like, us being young, the money, these execs, they take advantage of us. So, you know, I just wanted to know, like, not even know. Just tell you as being the new guy to the crew. Patience, bro. It's greater later.
Benny the Butcher
I be chilling, bro.
Fuego Base
I be chilling. I don't even know how I got here. That's why I just be chilling. I just let it go. I let it flow.
Memphis Bleak
Because I feel like the industry, you know, this my G, they dangle that fruit in front of you, and you. You know what I mean? I always felt like if a person want to give you this up front, you gotta always question what's being made on the back. Cause no one is gonna give you money up front to go broke. You know what I'm saying? They wanna make their money back, so they know they gonna make it back 10 times. So you gotta be on point. So I don't like to see that shit going on. And I know HOV and them reached out See if they can help or whatever, man.
Benny the Butcher
That's dope, man. That's dope, man. Because that's an unfortunate situation, man. The streets need that stove, man. Streets need that.
Memphis Bleak
They need that. My G. I've been waiting, and it's like, I hate to see the young guys going through that. That the industry is still built like that. That we got these niggas still in here trying to trap niggas. That's talented.
Benny the Butcher
That's crazy.
Memphis Bleak
I can't even believe it's like, nigga, I thought that shit died in the 90s, early 2000s.
Benny the Butcher
Nah, but that's where these niggas be from. They still be using the 90s tactics, you know what I'm saying? And it's crazy, but to them, I be thinking that's part of the game, you know what I'm saying? I mean, they think that's part of the game. They think that's how the game supposed to be played. So shit's crazy, man.
Memphis Bleak
Like, so, like, what was your thoughts like? You know what I mean, knowing all that and being in the game. Like, you went to Def Jam first, you was doing it independent, and you like, you know what? Fuck it. I'm gonna do the major deal. What was that transition like?
Benny the Butcher
It was a. It kind of was a smooth transition, but it was like, everybody know I be with Roc Nation. I'm signing Roc Nation, bsf, Griselda. So it's like, I already got. I already like. And my shit is, like, made from the bottom, so I already got a big team.
Memphis Bleak
That's right.
Benny the Butcher
So it was like adding more to the team, you know what I'm saying? And shout out everybody at Def Jam, and that was a dope experience, you know what I'm saying? But if I had an opportunity, I don't know if I would do that again, you know what I'm saying? I don't know if I'd do that again. I probably would have kept it independent or. You know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
Hell, yeah. Like, what you feel the benefits and cons of independent. And because you did the indie. I never got a chance to do indie. I didn't, you know, once I came up Rockefeller, there's no indie.
Benny the Butcher
Right, right, right.
Memphis Bleak
You know what I'm saying? So I don't even know what that is. I'm in it now, but I'm not that right now, you know, I mean, I ain't gonna cap, like, yeah, I'm getting a million streams. My is on the major womp, womp on the come up.
Benny the Butcher
I mean, people fuck with that record we did. People fuck with.
Memphis Bleak
Hell yeah. Nah, that's what I'm saying. I'm on the come up. I'm getting some more respect from the young guys. You know, they, like, think I'm a old head. Can't tangle. You know what I mean? Can't tangle, man.
Benny the Butcher
The independent shit, man, you know, I feel like. You know what I mean, it's a little bit more clear than it was back in the day. The artists understand it more, you know what I'm saying? It's a little bit more transparency now because the Internet and a lot of us built our own shit up before we got an opportunity to do business with these. With these distribution companies and shit like that, man. You know, the same people. The same people that. That work with these labels is like, you know, I mean, they. They for hire. You know what I'm saying? Outside of that shit, it's a fact. Saying it's about knowing who's who and what's what. You know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
It's a fact. It's just like they. Man, the world got a price. Everything in it got a price. Don't ever forget that money talk bullshit. Run the marathon. They don't make them sayings for nothing.
Benny the Butcher
Yep. Hell, yeah, man. But that independent shit is just. It's just you do a lot of the work yourself, you know what I'm saying? I be on a lot of phone calls. I know these rap niggas don't be on as many phone calls as I be on they Divas.
Memphis Bleak
They Divas.
Benny the Butcher
I be on the phone calls, on the Zoom meetings, trying to put everything together, you know what I'm saying? Involved in a whole bunch of shit. Far as the merch, what we doing with the other artists, far as what I got going on, you know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
That's dope. And that's another thing. Y' all niggas changed the game with the merch, too. Like, as an artist, I never. If Rockefeller didn't make a Memphis Bleak T shirt, it never got made, my nigga. So I don't even know what that's like. Like the Merch Gang, like, explain that. How is that. That's a whole nother avenue besides rap, you know what I'm saying, Man, you
Benny the Butcher
know, I always gotta get a shout out to Wes first when we talk about this. Cause the shit that he built. I remember I even was signed to Griselda. I remember when he originally pulled up with the. With the hoodies and with the Hitler, where's Hermes hoodies? And I've spent like 400 with them. I bought everybody on my team them shits. And then, you know, that ballooned into what it is today. So, you know, I mean, people love the quality product and you know, you know, we take paintings and we put them on the, we do, we put on the shirt that means something to people. You know what I'm saying? It might be an undertone. Everybody don't know. Everybody might be some if you know, you know shit, you know what I'm saying? So I think people fuck with that. I think it's like, I think it's like something grimy about wearing like a Griselda hoodie. You know what I'm saying? Warning.
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Memphis Bleak
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Benny the Butcher
So can you drive carpool every day.
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Benny the Butcher
This thing has an intercom.
Memphis Bleak
What doesn't it have?
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Memphis Bleak
yeah, I represent the struggle, the up, the up and coming coming, that coming to age story that I got it from the bottom. Remember no one starts at number one. Everybody start from the bottom and gotta climb up. Y' all represent that path, you know what I mean? And that's from a fan speaking and a homie like real talk like let's get back to ashes in the safe. Man what was that like creating that my G? Like was that your idea or he came with the verses already. It was like yo lace me.
Benny the Butcher
It was basically cause I know how
Memphis Bleak
the yellow artist be. I did 16 already. Like 16 what? Records nigga. We need your verse.
Benny the Butcher
Yo, it was. It wasn't like that, but it was like that because it was my idea only because he has so much music and I wanted to get some of that out, you know what I'm saying? And a lot of that shit that he had it on, I had to get on it. I had to get on it because it was his, you know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
That's what's up. Yeah.
Benny the Butcher
It was like, man, this got shit. Let's put these records Up. You know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
That's. That's dope, man. I respect that, man. Like, I want to know more about your story, my guy, because you the new guy to the crew. And I. Like, I said, man, tell me that, nigga, man. Yeah, like, you just came from left field, spitting. Cause we just getting used to.38 and stove, and then now here you go, man.
Fuego Base
I've been chilling, man.
Memphis Bleak
All nice niggas is just chilling, right?
Fuego Base
I've been chilling, man. I've been in the shadows, man. I've been working, though. Like, yeah. I mean, like, this is what I've been doing, honestly. Like. Like, you know, like, I've been blessed. Like, I've been, like, figuring out how to make some paper or whatever without doing nothing that I don't want to do. So that gave me the freedom to just be creative, bro, right? So, like, when my. When they call my number, I'd be ready. I'd be over prepared. I got two cards. Like, I don't do nothing. I rap.
Memphis Bleak
That's right.
Fuego Base
I would have loved to do that at a different point in life. Like, so now it's like, you know, I cherish that, right? It's loaded up. They like, hey, you want to go to the studio? I might be in the club somewhere and just be like, yo, I'm out. I might go to the studio.
Memphis Bleak
That's right.
Fuego Base
Like, you feel what I'm saying? So it's like, that's what I do. That's how I stay out of trouble. That's how I get shit off my chest. Like, you say I'm emotional rapper, too. You feel what I'm saying? So I'm usually rapping about my days or, you know, I got something I need to say or whatever.
Benny the Butcher
Like that right on the record.
Fuego Base
And, you know, like, I'm still, like, human I got going on. It ain't all good. You feel what I'm saying? So a lot of that, I could express it through my music still. You feel me? So that's it, bro. Like, I. I just. I'm just here to work, man. I'm just here to make my mark,
Benny the Butcher
my fuego bass, man. If y' all don't know, go look at that. Go look at this. Blacking out on Sway. Blacking out on fire in a booth. You know what I'm saying? A whole bunch of other lifestyles, just that, nigga.
Memphis Bleak
Yo, I feel like y' all niggas just set the tone for Sway. Like, certain niggas got. They got. They. You Know what I mean? They platform where they go up there. And it's just. They go dumb like, you know what I mean? My guy, what's his name from la. Man, he gonna be so mad I say his name. Cause Dababy be going up there going crazy all the time. Damn. Nah, nah. What's his platform?
Benny the Butcher
King losing.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah. The 105 shit was my man. That's my man.
Benny the Butcher
That N King Los. Whenever he go up there, they be.
Memphis Bleak
Yo, y' all niggas go to Sway and it's like, nobody go up there for six months, yo. I know, I know. The first time.
Benny the Butcher
The first time I went up to that motherfucker. I always tell niggas, I was fresh out the projects. I ain't. I wasn't moved out of projects for 30 days. We went up to that motherfucker and I rapped for like six minutes straight.
Memphis Bleak
Straight up. Even when 38 dropped y' all project, like, y' all niggas went up there and did a 100%.
Benny the Butcher
Yeah, yeah.
Memphis Bleak
Yo, bro. And went crazy to where that shit was on every mixtape, every YouTube video, trust me, is studying that freestyle. And it's like some of them shouldn't even be freestyle. That need to be records and that
Benny the Butcher
we around before a few days before we go up there. We like, yo special. Let's do this like this. You know what I'm saying? Still having fun with this, man. That's part of it. Still having fun. That's what this tape was about, man. You know what I mean? I. I'm. I'm just happy to see this. Getting his shine and doing his and watching his shit go up and seeing people fuck with him and receive him. Cause I know what he bout to do.
Memphis Bleak
That's right, man. One thing I respect that he just said is that he stay focused on the music, not trying to get tricked off the street into the other shit. I feel like a lot of these young guys that get on my G, they get the bag and then go live the life they dreamed about. They ass get grabbed up. And then now it's like, damn. You know what I'm saying? So I respect that, bro.
Fuego Base
Yo, that's like, so. That's so hard. Cause it's like, you know, you watch. I've been watching this shit before I was in it. And I always be like, man, them niggas stupid. Like, how they get that bread? They go to jail and shit like that. And then being in that boat, you
Benny the Butcher
almost can see how it happened.
Fuego Base
Yeah. Like, you can see how it can happen.
Benny the Butcher
I fight that shit every day.
Fuego Base
Like, I wake up someday like, man, fuck all of them. Like, you feel what I'm saying? But then it's like, bro, like, I can make history and I can shed light on the place that been overlooked.
Memphis Bleak
That's right.
Fuego Base
So it's like I got, like, a social responsibility. You feel what I'm saying? That's right. And like, I've been able to do shit I was never able to do. Like, I got a good relationship with my kid. I'm consistent. Money not an issue for her. She do whatever she want. Like, you feel what I'm saying? It's like, that's the pets and like, you know what I'm saying?
Benny the Butcher
That's what we do it for. That's exactly what we do.
Fuego Base
You know, I stay out the way, man.
Memphis Bleak
And that's the best way to stay my G. Cause I'm the same way. I'm way out the way.
Fuego Base
I work.
Memphis Bleak
Check called and I'm there.
Benny the Butcher
I'll be outside, but I'll be out there.
Memphis Bleak
I think it like, nah, I'm outside.
Fuego Base
Cause I'll be outside, but I be places like that, y' all might not be, like, certain people not gonna be there. You feel what I'm saying? I'm not gonna see y' all there.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah, no, that's a fact. Like, yo, and Benny, you been through a lot of shit, you know what I mean? I don't like mentioning, you know, bad shit, but the Houston situation, you know what I mean? You been to jail, you came home, but nothing stopped you. You just keep leveling up. I feel like every distraction in your path, you take it to the next step. Like that. Gotta what? Like, how is that resilience even built up?
Benny the Butcher
Like, man, just. Just having one track mind, you know what I'm saying?
Fuego Base
I'm.
Benny the Butcher
I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do regardless about anything, you know what I'm saying? I'm going. I'm gonna carry it. I'm gonna be the leader and show the gang like, yo, this is what we own. And. And I'm gonna lead to the. To the point where niggas gonna have my back. So, you know what I mean? I took everything in stride, you know what I'm saying? And came back harder, I felt, you know what I'm saying? So, you know, from the. From the real. The real dirt, you know what I'm saying? Been through way more than. Than I have, than people see me go through since I've been a rapper, you know what I'm saying. So, yeah, you know, like base said. You know what I'm saying? Just. Just happy I'm here and just learning it as I go. But it's different. Navigating this from the streets to the. To this rap.
Memphis Bleak
But one thing I.
Benny the Butcher
Especially when it. Especially when you. When you hit a certain level, one level, be able to. You. It's easy. But then when you hit that next level, niggas really gotta. You really gotta have some solid people around you and keep right real shit.
Memphis Bleak
That's right. Keep you grounded. Cause a lot of these niggas get that cape, think they on Aladdin's carpet. Then that shit gets snatched. And niggas be like, yo, where I'm at? Gone, nigga. Real, you gone.
Fuego Base
I be seeing that look in them green rooms.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah. And then be thinking they flying. And it's like, my man, you better get back down here where it's real as you bugging. Like, I respect, too. Like, you know what I mean? All of y', all. Y' all show that y' all in the music, but y' all not music niggas. You still show your family. You show your wife, you travel with your kids. Like, I just seen you out there wilding with your daughter. You know what I mean? Like, yo, she trying to get me. Y'. All. Like, I love that shit. Cause that's the type of shit I'm on, gotta do. And that's what keep us grounded. And other niggas could look and see, be like, man, I live just like that, man. Nigga just like me, man. So that authentic.
Benny the Butcher
A lot of people identify with that. They don't get to see this side of all the time, you know what I'm saying? And, you know, I mean, that's. You know, that's a big part of my life is a family. You know what I'm saying? That motivate me to go get the money.
Memphis Bleak
Hell, yeah. You see, baby girl? You like, hold on, hold on, baby girl. Need them shoes, baby. That bag.
Benny the Butcher
I like to tell my daughters, no. I don't like to say no for. You know what I'm saying? Why. Why I'm saying, though, if I'm buying like this, that's why I'm saying no to them for anything. You know what I mean?
Memphis Bleak
That's a fact, my G. Like, yo, you work with legends, new blood, all that. Like, what's the best? Like, did you ever feel like it was a moment where you, like, man, I made it? Or you still like, man, that's a lot More to get, man.
Benny the Butcher
Hell yeah. I feel like it's a bunch of shit that happened, you know what I'm saying? That made me feel like I made it, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, I remember, to be honest with you, I remember like spending six figures at a car lot.
Memphis Bleak
That first new car smell changed your life, you know.
Benny the Butcher
I know a lot coming coming from the. Coming from the bottom. Just imagine and having that type of money and imagine having that type of money where you could spend it, you know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
Yeah.
Benny the Butcher
And one wop. So definitely that the paper. Definitely. I went to, I want. It was like Grammy week and I went to like an industry party, I'm saying. And I seen was in there and it was like, it was like super famous people, but they was all like in a chill mode with drinks in their hand, dancing and shit. I'm like, okay. You know what I mean?
Memphis Bleak
Yeah.
Benny the Butcher
This is where this shit at right now.
Memphis Bleak
Yep, I'm here now. That's a fact. This music shit, man. I say this shit showed me the world, bro. I wouldn't change it for nothing, man. I wish everybody get the opportunity, man. You know what I'm saying? A pen could take your ass to Perth, Australia. It's insane to me.
Benny the Butcher
This shit changed my life. This shit. Just put it in the direction where, you know, I learned a lot about myself with this shit. This shit will teach you about yourself too.
Memphis Bleak
That's a fact. That's a fact. How much you really want it, how much you really gonna, you know, gonna give to get. Cause this is one thing a lot of niggas think you get in the game and you just receive, receive, receive. But you give a lot to this game to receive all that. You give a lot. You give a lot of time from your kids, your family, you know what I mean?
Benny the Butcher
Give a lot of yourself.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah.
Benny the Butcher
You know, people don't understand this.
Memphis Bleak
Yeah.
Benny the Butcher
Even though, even if it do sound entertaining, this, that we say these be our thoughts.
Memphis Bleak
That's right. These be our pure thoughts.
Benny the Butcher
You know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
Right. Like sharing with like, you give a lot in this game and I don't think, you know, the fans appreciate that. You know what I'm saying? And that's, that's one thing I miss in this game of doing like in stores, the pop ups, you get to see the actual nigga who bought the cd. Nigga bring his kid to the store, his moms and he like, yo, take a picture. This my aunt. Like, you know those moments. I feel like Hip hop, we need back, man.
Benny the Butcher
We about to bring. We definitely about to bring that shit back.
Memphis Bleak
We got to see.
Benny the Butcher
We doing the BSF Planes collab, You know what I'm saying?
Memphis Bleak
Ooh, I just did. I did. See, you took in the office with that, seeing the hat. You posted all that. Them niggas don't do no collabs with Blizzle.
Benny the Butcher
It's cool, though.
Memphis Bleak
As long as you got the collab. We lit BSF collab, dropping Blizzle, rocking. You already know I show love, but I'm hating on y'.
Hyundai Palisade Advertiser
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Memphis Bleak
I mean, my G, we gonna make sure.
Benny the Butcher
We gonna make. We gonna make. We gonna go on a crazy campaign for that shit, bro.
Memphis Bleak
Like I said. You said you got something popping up in London. You said you're doing the Roots Picnic in London.
Benny the Butcher
Yeah, yeah, I'm doing the Roots Picnic in London. You know what I'm saying? Nas headlining, me, Black Thought, J, period. There's gonna be a whole bunch of other artists out there. I seen Anthony Hamilton. I can't even name so many legends on the flyer. I'm saying we out in London.
Memphis Bleak
That big G. We out there. We going to London. I'm pulling up. Send me the date. You there, my G. I'm pulling up. I'm coming to fuck with you. Word up. So what's Next for my GS, man? Like, what's next for you, bro?
Benny the Butcher
Man, we doing this nigga album next. We gonna do a BSF album next. You know what I'm saying? Like I said, I'm chilling. Real shit. That's how we doing. That's how we closing out the year.
Memphis Bleak
Yo, his album probably finished.
Benny the Butcher
Nigga said we doing it next.
Memphis Bleak
That shit probably done as we talking. He finished the album.
Fuego Base
That shit done.
Benny the Butcher
This shit done overly. It's like it's a bunch of songs on there. We gotta pick songs and put all the songs in there. It's done overly. Basically saying, do that shit, let this nigga take over the rest of the year. You know what I'm saying? We doing a movie, you know what I'm saying? We just. We just enjoying this shit, man. Enjoying this run.
Memphis Bleak
That's a fact, man.
Benny the Butcher
Next year gonna be my 10th year in the game. 10 years of rap, my 10th year in the game. So that's when I'm gonna.
Memphis Bleak
We gotta do a major big party, man.
HomeServe Advertiser
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Memphis Bleak
We gotta do all that, man. Come on. I'm party season. You hear me, y'? All. I'm acting like I'm young. Let's do a Party? No, we bringing our wives. Madcuff kicks hanging there handcuffed up. We ain't even fixed like we wanted to.
Benny the Butcher
Date night type of shit.
Memphis Bleak
Word up.
Benny the Butcher
It's a celebration, though, man.
Memphis Bleak
They good, yo. So I always ask everybody that come through the door, man, if everything ended today, the game, everything, what would you
Benny the Butcher
say you'll be doing if everything ended today, man? Nigga, I'd probably be. I'd probably be a motherfucking on a couple Laundromats, you know what I'm saying? Couple box trucks, you know what I'm saying? Couple weed traps and shit like that. I'll be out the way. I'm still unk.
Memphis Bleak
That's right, yo, I'll be out the way. You not Unk, man. You out here with the young niggas still blending in.
Benny the Butcher
No, I'm NBA Unk boy. You know what I'm saying? NBA Young Boy. I'm NBA Unk Boy. Real shit.
Memphis Bleak
Nigga said, I'm NBA Unk Boy.
Benny the Butcher
That's what they call me, man.
Memphis Bleak
So fue my guy. Fuego. Like, what's next? You know you got the album, then you got another album, right? I know. It's a double album, right?
Fuego Base
Yeah. Facts. Nah, man. Showing up for work, man. Whatever they say, man. Facts.
Benny the Butcher
Like I said, this computer, he got.
Fuego Base
I'm chilling.
Benny the Butcher
He a. You can send that to. He gonna send it right back. That's what I do. I send him records all the time. He send them shits back so fast before I get to listen to them shits.
Memphis Bleak
Damn, man. That's dope, man. Now, I appreciate y' all coming through, man. I respect my dog, man.
Benny the Butcher
You know how we put this.
Memphis Bleak
I appreciate that. 3 Kings verse, I. If I never said thank you, we gonna say it live. Thank you. I appreciate that. Because I've been in this game going on 20 plus. I'mma tell you. Facts. Beans, Freeway, Young Chris, Neef, Buck, even Owen Sparks. I love these niggas. They ain't never called an ax and be like, bleak. You working on the album? Let me get on it. I had to ax them. You called me and was like, yo, I heard you working. Send me some.
Benny the Butcher
That's a fact.
Memphis Bleak
That's the first time in this game I ever heard that.
Benny the Butcher
You know how I gotta do this shit, man. You know how I gotta do this shit.
Memphis Bleak
Then you pulled up on the coldest day in New York. Nigga, it was the coldest day.
Benny the Butcher
We seen that video. Shisty Mask. It was freezing like a motherfucker.
Memphis Bleak
Word up, my g So I just wanna say I appreciate that, man. Keep doing your thing. BSF is the motherfucking wave. Ash is in the safe out right now. Fuego bases that new hitting. So I thought I was getting off the bench to get back in the game, but it's like that. That told me Bleak this. Why you chilling? So I' ma chill, y'.
Benny the Butcher
All.
Memphis Bleak
You already know what it is. It's rock solid, man. Ah, ashes in the safe. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever, wherever you listen to your favorite shows at. And you can follow me on any social media platform under the name Memphis Bleak. You see anybody frauding, flag them.
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Hey, it's Ashanti Plummer from Futaround. And find out coming out of the draft, it's been a special time for us here at Futaround. I want to thank everyone from the fans to the sponsors, especially geico. Not just for supporting az, but for showing up where it matters, like the business of Women's Sports Summit. That kind of thing really moves the needle. And now that AZ's starting a new life in Dallas, we don't know what next season is going to bring. But we know that we're all on the same team and it's been amazing to feel the love and support. So keep showing up for our girl. Show up for each other. Thanks to GEICO and our listeners.
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Memphis Bleak
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Date: May 26, 2026
Host: Memphis Bleek
Guests: Benny the Butcher, Fuego Base
Podcast: ROC Solid (The Black Effect Podcast Network x iHeartPodcasts)
Bleek welcomes Buffalo’s Benny the Butcher—a modern legend keeping New York street rap raw—and rising Hartford MC Fuego Base to the ROC Solid couch. The conversation is a gritty, spirited exploration of the Griselda/BSF movement, the mechanics of independence versus major-label contracts, the burden and blessing of putting Buffalo on the map, and lessons learned hustling both music and business. Peppered with honest, unfiltered exchanges and Roc-A-Fella war stories, this is a must for anyone wanting to understand hip-hop's real-time evolution.
Timestamp: 03:10 – 04:04
“I do this shit ‘cause I’m still having fun doing this first... I ain’t sick of this shit yet.” – Benny (03:31)
Timestamp: 04:11 – 06:40
“First time I heard him, I’m like, okay, this crazy...” – Benny (04:17)
“I broke both my shits... had the bed in my crib... I would just watch these niggas... and I shot my shot.” – Fuego (05:50)
Timestamp: 06:40 – 07:31
“Y’all niggas got the Coca Cola recipe... just tell these niggas, plug in and play.” – Bleek (06:40)
"This shit that we do... attract a lotta niggas of that cloth with the bars..." (06:57)
Timestamp: 07:31 – 09:25
“Thought it was gonna be a disadvantage, but it happened to be an advantage... not involved in NY politics... Bringing something new: Buffalo talk, dress, the way we do it.” – Benny (07:54–08:24)
Timestamp: 09:25 – 10:36
“A bunch of niggas and none of them sound alike... that’s what I respect.” – Bleek (10:11)
Timestamp: 10:50 – 11:37
"Hell yeah, it’s pressure... this nigga the best rapper in the world to me… you gotta be on point over there." – Fuego (11:14)
Timestamp: 12:10 – 15:54
“Labels still be using the 90s tactics... they think that’s how the game supposed to be played.” – Benny (13:02)
“It’s just you do a lot of the work yourself... I be on a lotta phone calls... these rap niggas don’t be on as many calls, they divas.” – Benny (15:32)
Timestamp: 15:54 – 17:04
“People love the quality product… we put on the shirt that means something to people... it’s like something grimy about wearing a Griselda hoodie.” – Benny (16:16)
Timestamp: 20:07 – 28:04
“Y’all represent the struggle, the up-and-coming coming-to-age story… no one starts at number one.” (20:07)
“That’s how I stay out of trouble... I’m an emotional rapper too.” (22:03)
“I got... a good relationship with my kid... I can shed light on the place that been overlooked.” – Fuego (24:49)
Timestamp: 25:37 – 30:19
"Just having a one-track mind... Took everything in stride and came back harder." – Benny (26:00)
“These be our pure thoughts... you give a lot in this game and I don’t think the fans appreciate that…” – Bleek (30:19)
Timestamp: 31:17 – 34:10
“I’d probably be a motherfucking on a couple laundromats… I’ll be out the way. I’m still Unk.” – Benny (33:03)
“I do this shit ‘cause I’m still having fun... I ain’t sick of this shit yet.” – Benny (03:31)
“I broke both my shits... I would watch these niggas... I shot my shot.” – Fuego (05:50)
“A bunch of niggas and none of them sound alike. That’s what I respect.” – Bleek (10:11)
“Labels still be using the 90s tactics… they think that’s how the game supposed to be played.” – Benny (13:02)
“It’s just you do a lot of the work yourself... these rap niggas don’t be on as many phone calls as I be on. They divas.” – Benny (15:32)
“People love the quality product... it might be some if-you-know-you-know shit.” – Benny (16:16)
“You gotta be on point over there, man.” – Fuego (11:14)
“You gotta always question what’s being made on the back... No one is gonna give you money upfront to go broke.” – Bleek (12:10)
“That type of environment builds good music.” – Benny (11:34)
“This music shit, man, I say this shit showed me the world ... I wouldn’t change it for nothing.” – Bleek (29:24)
“If everything ended today… I’d probably be on a couple laundromats, couple box trucks... I’ll be out the way, I’m still Unk.” – Benny (33:03)
“NBA Unk Boy!” – Benny (33:29)
Bleek keeps the conversation firmly grounded—equal parts big brother tough-love, NY hip-hop historian, and fan. Benny and Fuego radiate street polish and gratitude, with unvarnished tales of hardship, industry game, and the pure fun still fueling their craft. It’s a celebration of evolution from tape decks in the Buffalo basement to global stages and fashion lines, all while keeping it “100% ROC solid.”