Released: 2021
Benny The Butcher’s song “1st Name Basis” delivers a raw narrative, revealing the heavy weight of legal challenges and the ever-present surveillance from authorities in his life. The track pulls no punches as Benny reflects on his encounters with law enforcement, suggesting an intimate, albeit involuntary, familiarity with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He intertwines his personal history with the broader narrative of his crew, Black Soprano Family (BSF), highlighting ongoing legal battles and scrutiny.
The opening of the song is powerful, almost like a confession, where Benny expresses a triumph over the feds, referring to having previously ‘spanked’ or defeated them in legal confrontations. This language sets the tone for the song as a proclamation of his resilience and tactical prowess against significant adversarial forces. By stating “I spanked the feds already,” Benny indicates that he has successfully navigated and emerged victorious from these perilous legal situations, demonstrating his cleverness and perhaps some luck.
Benny further elaborates that while he has managed to stay out of legal trouble recently (‘my hands is clean’), the feds are well acquainted with him. This connection to the feds is described almost like a personal relationship — they know him by his ‘first name.’ The depth of this line underscores how pervasive the scrutiny has become in his life, showing that Benny isn’t just an anonymous target; he’s a person of interest.
The artist candidly admits that the authorities are always watching him. Mentioning that they watch his social media accounts—like Snapchat—implies a modern twist on surveillance. This monitoring invades both his public persona and his private life, blurring the lines between what is presented and what is surveilled. Benny acknowledges this watchful eye but seems unfazed, suggesting a defiant attitude against this intrusion.
Benny’s reference to ‘my niggas fighting cases right now, on the BSF case right now’ reveals a significant context. It points out the broader legal challenges facing his crew, BSF, which stands for Black Soprano Family. This lyric captures the precarious balance of life for those associated with the street and the law. Benny uses this line to not only portray the stress and tension of these ongoing legal battles but also to draw solidarity among his peers facing similar adversities.
The explicit mention of ‘Buffalo,’ Benny’s hometown, and its association with federal investigations signifies a personalized ordeal rather than a generalized claim. Buffalo isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in his narrative, shaping the gritty, almost noir-like storyline that informs his music and his lived experiences.
In referring to ‘them niggas know everything, real shit,’ Benny acknowledges the comprehensive nature of the surveillance and investigation into his life and that of his associates. This line sheds light on how little can be hidden from the feds, emphasizing a form of vulnerability masked by bravado. However, it also indicates an unyielding spirit amidst this oversight, a testament to his unwavering sense of self.
Throughout the track, the wordplay and slang create an authentic voice, grounding Benny’s story in reality while painting vivid pictures of his confrontations with authority. For those unfamiliar with street vernacular, phrases like “spanked the feds” and “BSF case” are key to understanding his boldness and loyalty, alluding to criminal triumphs and shared burdens among his crew.
As the song progresses, Benny’s choice of words captures the listeners, transforming legal jargon into a narrative full of tension and lived experiences. Each lyric is meticulously crafted to not only tell a story but also resonate with those familiar with these kinds of life-altering circumstances.
“1st Name Basis” is more than a song; it’s an open letter and a defiant statement. Benny The Butcher turns the spotlight on himself, showcasing both the personal impact and the community’s resilience. Through his lyrics, he offers an unfiltered glimpse into a world where the feds and the streets intersect, yet manages to claim power over his narrative, proving his story is his own to tell.
