BENNY THE BUTCHER, TANA TALK 4

By Leo Hewitt-Provost

03/11/2022

It’s finally here. After months of anticipation and infatuation, Benny the Butcher delivers the last instalment of the Tana Talk series with TT4, featuring heavyweight names like Diddy, J. Cole, Boldy James, his cousins Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine, along with Stove God Cooks and 38 Spesh. The entire project is produced by The Alchemist, Daringer, and Beat Butcha—three producers who have consistently shaped the sound of modern underground hip-hop.

The tracklist, revealed just hours before the release, immediately stirred conversation across social media. The excitement was justified: Daringer and The Alchemist have been building sonic chemistry for years, and Beat Butcha continues to grow his already-impressive catalogue following his work on Conway’s God Don’t Make Mistakes.

The 12-track project opens with “Johnny P’s Caddy” featuring J. Cole, which served as the album’s lead—and only—single, released back in January alongside a music video. It’s a powerful opener, with both rappers offering sharp lyricism over Alchemist’s clean, haunting production.

“Back 2x” follows, featuring Stove God Cooks and production by Beat Butcha and Daringer. Both producers bring their A-game here, crafting a beat that pairs perfectly with Benny’s defiant energy. He demands again to not be compared to inferior rappers. Stove God’s delivery is effortless and confident, gliding over the piano-laced instrumental. He’s been carving his own space for over a year, and he continues to impress.

“Super Plug” is as ominous as it gets. The Alchemist’s production reveals more layers with each listen. Benny raps about finding his plug, working the streets, and outsmarting the law while providing for his family. His delivery is razor-sharp: “N**** want my crown and put it on but it don’t fit.”*

“Weekend in the Perry’s” features Boldy James and might be one of the most satisfying tracks on the album. After dropping Brickmile to Montana last year, it’s clear the two have incredible chemistry. Alchemist leans into the magic of looped samples, creating a laid-back, almost hypnotic beat. Boldy’s voice—soothing, nonchalant, and unmistakable—has become his signature, a style he’s honed to perfection over the past few years. Benny reflects on the people he’s brought up, delivering a track that’s both boastful and reflective.

On “10 More Commandments,” Benny links up with Diddy to give us a modern-day extension of Biggie’s iconic “Ten Crack Commandments,” released 25 years ago. The moment the instrumental hits, it’s easy to imagine Conway and Westside Gunn hopping on it too—further testament to Benny’s versatility. Diddy’s monologue is thoughtful, reminding us of the cost of success: people often highlight what he’s gained, but few speak about what he’s lost.

“Tyson vs Ali,” featuring Conway, is a standout collaboration. Both rappers have held themselves to elite standards for years now, and this track only raises the bar. They speak on their sustained excellence and the lack of recognition that often comes with it. It's a testament to their consistency, resilience, and evolution. La Maquina and The Butcher have nothing left to prove, yet they still sound hungry.

“Uncle Bun” sees Benny trade bars with 38 Spesh over menacing production. Their back-and-forth is sharp and unrelenting. Lines like “I don’t f** with no opps, burying them all… catch me at the boat dock, we ain’t boarding no yachts, just unloading raw”* showcase Benny’s knack for vivid, street-level storytelling with a flair for drama.

“Thowy’s Revenge,” produced by The Alchemist, introduces a more unorthodox instrumental—the first true departure from the album’s sonic foundation. Trumpets and clarinet float around the mix, creating space for Benny to touch on everything from his cousin Westside Gunn to trouble with police and women, all while keeping a playful tone.

On “Billy Joe,” we finally hear the Griselda tag—it feels like a moment of release. This might be the best track on TT4. Benny raps, “I counted half a million with my eyes closed, because this year I feel like ’99 Hov, I’m breaking records and setting milestones.” It’s a confident nod to Jay-Z’s legendary 1999 run, while also calling back to Benny’s own “’97 Hov” from Tana Talk 3.

“Guerrero” featuring Westside Gunn features stunning production by Beat Butcha and Daringer—these two deserve more recognition. Benny reflects on his journey from Burden of Proof to Tana Talk 3, paying tribute to the people who helped shape his career. Now a Def Jam artist, Benny sounds ready for the next chapter. Westside Gunn’s brief appearance packs a punch. “Bitch, I’m still here” is a reassurance to Griselda fans, especially after Conway’s announcement of his departure from the label. Still, many understand it’s just business—creatively, the three remain tight.

On “Bust a Brick Nick,” Benny delivers one of the project’s most revealing moments: “Let’s talk about this sht I did to become legend, because the money isn’t enough no more, I want credit.”* It’s the perfect summary of his journey. He knows how much he’s achieved, even if media outlets continue to overlook it.

The final track, “Mr. Chow Hall,” closes the album on a reflective note. Benny lays it out: “They say West is the brains, Benny is the star and Conway the silliest with the bars—well, I couldn’t agree more… Conway taught me and made me a boss… and they both rich, and I am too, so sht, the advice wasn’t wrong.”* It’s a moment of gratitude, clarity, and closure.

Tana Talk 4 is everything it promised to be—street-savvy, reflective, brimming with confidence, and full of razor-sharp writing. Benny the Butcher has been grinding his entire career, and now, with Def Jam behind him, he’s poised for an even bigger stage. If this truly is the final chapter in the Tana Talk series, it ends with the weight and reverence it deserves. Benny will carry it with him for the rest of his life—and so will his fans.