The Plugs I Met cover

The Plugs I Met

Benny the Butcher · 2019

24 min · 7 tracks · rapping

Raw storytelling and gritty beats intertwine, reflecting the harsh realities of street life and the hustle for success.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crowns for Kings Start here — This track features a standout collaboration that emphasizes themes of loyalty and ambition, encapsulating the album's essence through vivid storytelling.
  • →
    Sunday School — In this song, Benny reflects on his past while offering insights into his journey, blending introspective lyrics with compelling production.
  • →
    Dirty Harry — The urgency in Benny's delivery combined with hard-hitting beats makes this track a powerful statement about survival and resilience in tough environments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong lyrical storytelling and cohesive production, marking a significant moment in Benny's career.

What we noticed

  • The first track is a skit that sets a narrative tone, while the following tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo flow with layered storytelling.
  • Each song typically features Benny's verses interspersed with guest appearances, creating a dynamic interplay of voices.
  • The production employs gritty, minimalistic beats that emphasize the rawness of the lyrics, often using repetitive hooks to reinforce themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gritty narratives of street life
  • short bursts of storytelling
  • focused listening in one sitting
  • intense vibes for late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, sprawling albums
  • seek lighthearted or upbeat themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This EP marked a pivotal moment in Benny's rise, gaining wider recognition.
Themes
street hustle· loyalty in adversity· survival stories
Career context
Upon the release of The Plugs I Met in June 2019, Benny the Butcher was emerging as a significant voice in the Griselda collective, following his earlier mixtapes. This project marked a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his lyrical prowess on a larger stage and solidifying his reputation in underground hip-hop circles.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sunday School

    Benny shifts from recounting past struggles to addressing lessons learned, creating a reflective tone that contrasts with earlier bravado.

    This pivot enhances the narrative by revealing personal growth, showcasing how he reconciles past decisions with his present ambitions.

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro Skit 0:26
  • 2 Crowns for Kings Start here 4:28
  • 3 Sunday School 5:54
  • 4 Dirty Harry 3:47
  • 5 Took the Money to the Plug’s House 3:20
  • 6 18 Wheeler 2:41
  • 7 5 to 50 3:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata