38 Spesh and Benny The Butcher set Philly on fire at The Foundry
38 Spesh Brings Raw Lyricism and Real Energy to Philadelphia
When it’s your time, it’s your time—and nobody understands that better than Rochester, NY’s own 38 Spesh. For years, he’s been putting in the work, building a reputation as one of the most respected lyricists in the underground. His rise wasn’t overnight, and that’s exactly what makes his journey—and his shows—so special. Earlier this week, Spesh brought his grit, growth, and bars to The Foundry in Philadelphia for a night that proved the trust he’s earned in Hip-Hop is well deserved.
Philly Crowds and Spesh’s Street Appeal
Philadelphia has always been a city that respects bars. From State Property to The Roots, lyricism reigns supreme in the 215. So it made perfect sense that 38 Spesh, with his raw wordplay and gritty authenticity, found a warm welcome from the Philly crowd. The Foundry was packed with heads who appreciate substance over gimmicks. So, Spesh gave them exactly what they came for.
He kicked off his set with “Warm Winter,” a hauntingly honest track produced by Harry Fraud and one of the standouts from his 7 Shots EP. The slow, cinematic beat paired perfectly with Spesh’s cold delivery. Therefore, instantly pulling the crowd into his world. He followed up with “Benefit,” another banger from 7 Shots, delivering the standout line, “If I don’t hustle, I don’t benefit.” That’s a mantra that resonated deeply with a city that knows all about the grind.
Tribute to Fred The Godson and a Nod to NY Legacy
In one of the more emotional moments of the night, Spesh paid tribute to the late Fred The Godson with a performance of “Empty Plates.” The chemistry between Fred and 38 on that record is undeniable. So, you could feel the respect in the room as fans nodded along to every bar. It wasn’t just a performance. Additionally, it was a moment of homage to a fallen great. New York energy was thick in the air, and it only intensified when Spesh brought out Grafh.
Grafh joined Spesh for a live rendition of “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” from their joint project God’s Timing. The track, filled with lyrical gems and slick cadences, reminded everyone just how deep Spesh’s catalog runs—not to mention his consistency in dropping quality collaborative projects. For fans of East Coast Hip-Hop, it felt like a masterclass in underground dominance.
Spesh’s Storytelling and Signature Grit
Spesh didn’t just stick to the bangers. He flexed his storytelling chops with “Can’t Show Love, Pt. 2,” taking the crowd through a detailed narrative layered with pain and realness. That’s what separates Spesh from so many others—he can bar you up with punchlines, then turn around and give you vivid, cinematic tales that feel personal.
Another highlight was “Last Gasp,” featuring Ransom. Although Ransom wasn’t in the building, his presence was felt. Fans recited his verse like he was right there on stage, a testament to how deeply these artists’ lyrics resonate.
Benny The Butcher Surprises Philly and Takes the Night Higher
If the show wasn’t already enough, things reached a new level when Benny The Butcher hit the stage. The crowd erupted the second he stepped out, and rightfully so—Benny is one of the most consistent and respected names in the game today. Teaming up with Spesh for “Thruway Music,” the chemistry was undeniable. The crowd went word-for-word, and the vibe hit a fever pitch.
Spesh brought the quotables, dropping lines like “did time, came home and they Pop Warner coaches,” while Benny delivered his signature blend of reflective street bars. The mutual respect and back-and-forth between the two MCs was reminiscent of iconic Hip-Hop duos—think Nas and AZ, or Jadakiss and Styles P.
Benny kept the momentum going by performing his verse from “Johnny P’s Caddy” featuring J. Cole, followed by “Sunday School” from his The Plugs I Met EP. If you follow anything tied to Griselda or Trust Gang, you already know how special these records are. For the Philly crowd, it was like witnessing two generals on the same battlefield—locked in, polished, and still hungry.
Why 38 Spesh Is Built for Longevity
It’s one thing to rap. It’s another thing to connect. What makes 38 Spesh special is that he’s doing both. Whether you’ve been down since 1995, or just caught on during the 7 Shots era, Spesh brings something to the table that’s increasingly rare: consistency, authenticity, and real-life perspective.
His music isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. Every line has weight, every project has a purpose, and every show—like the one in Philly—is built to leave an impression. He’s not chasing trends; he’s reinforcing principles. That’s why when he steps on stage, people listen.
And let’s not forget his output. Between solo tapes, collabs with names like Benny, Ransom, and Grafh, and his Trust Gang movement, Spesh is one of the most prolific artists on the scene. He’s not just surviving—he’s building.
Final Thoughts: 38 Spesh is Only Going Up From Here
This Philadelphia concert was more than just another stop on the tour—it was a moment that showcased how far 38 Spesh has come and how high he can still go. With a packed venue, surprise guest appearances, and nonstop lyrical heat, Spesh proved he belongs in any serious conversation about today’s top-tier lyricists.
From “Warm Winter” to “Thruway Music,” from solo bangers to collaborative anthems, 38 Spesh gave Philly everything they wanted and more. If you missed this show, make sure you don’t miss the next one. Because when it comes to real Hip-Hop—bars, presence, purpose—Spesh is one of the last ones doing it like this.
The grind is paying off, the crowd is growing, and the streets are watching. It’s only up from here for 38 Spesh. His performance in Philly, two weeks ago, was one for the books. Now, there is major anticipation for the next show. In the meantime, there is this memorable performance under his belt.