The hip-hop community is in turmoil this evening following allegations that Buffalo native Benny the Butcher has betrayed fellow upstate New York rapper 38 Spesh in the midst of an escalating lyrical war against New York City legends Jada Kiss and Jim Jones. Sources confirm that 38 Spesh, representing Rochester, had just delivered a devastating verbal takedown of both Jada Kiss and Jim Jones, only to find himself abandoned by one of the region’s most prominent voices.
The conflict erupted after 38 Spesh, a 33-year-old rapper known for his gritty street narratives, released a diss track that many are calling a career-ending blow to Jada Kiss. The track, built around what critics describe as a “garbage hook” and dated production, left Jada Kiss 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 after three decades in the industry. Witnesses say 38 Spesh’s bars were surgical, mocking the veteran’s reliance on old-school beats and repetitive flows.
“The last time I felt this low was when I found out Math Hoffer was representing Brooklyn,” a visibly agitated commentator said in a widely circulated video. “But then Jada Kiss decided to swing on a Rochester rapper. He lost when he came with that old-school hook.”
The same fate befell Jim Jones, who was reportedly “chewed like bubblegum” in a subsequent verbal sparring session.
But the celebration was short-lived. Just days after 38 Spesh’s victories, Benny the Butcher – a fellow upstate star from the Griselda collective – was spotted in New York City filming a music video with Dave East. The move has ignited accusations of betrayal, with many claiming Benny chose to align with NYC over his upstate brethren during a critical moment.
“He was snake man by Benny the Butcher in the middle of a war,” the commentator continued. “You supposed to be riding with your homies. Benny heavy in attendance in NYC doing a music video for Dave East – a career that died like a car battery.
And homeboy is looking for a comeback by going against the system.”
The controversy deepens as 38 Spesh had publicly praised Benny the Butcher and other upstate artists in the same video, declaring that no rapper from New York City could compete with talent from Rochester, Buffalo, and surrounding areas. “He didn’t just say him and Rochester – he said upstate. He was giving Benny his flowers,” sources noted.
Now, social media is ablaze with accusations. Fans have labeled Benny the Butcher a “snake” and a “YouTube f-boy” for failing to maintain protocol in a street-level feud where loyalty is paramount. The timing could not be worse, as Griselda has long prided itself on representing the upstate renaissance against NYC dominance.
Dave East, whose career has been described as “dead like a car engine” by critics, is also facing scrutiny for allegedly using the situation for clout. Industry insiders suggest Benny may be trying to expand his reach into the NYC market, but the cost appears to be his reputation among upstate loyalists.
38 Spesh has not issued a public response, but sources close to him indicate deep disappointment. The rapper had positioned himself as a champion of the region, even boasting that upstate New York produces the best rappers. The betrayal cuts deeper because it came from a supposed ally.
Legal and security concerns are mounting. While no physical violence has been reported, the history of rap beefs in this region is fraught with danger. Both Jada Kiss and Jim Jones have extensive ties to street organizations, and any perceived disrespect could escalate beyond social media.
The fallout is already affecting tour schedules. Benny the Butcher was scheduled to appear at a major festival next month, but promoters are privately reconsidering given the controversy. Meanwhile, 38 Spesh has seen a surge in streaming numbers as fans rally behind him.
Observers note that this incident mirrors past betrayals in hip-hop, from the East Coast-West Coast feud to more recent label disputes. The difference here is the explicit geographic divide: upstate vs. downstate, rural vs.
urban, emerging vs. established.
One veteran music journalist, who requested anonymity, described the situation as “a powder keg.” “When you have guys like Benny the Butcher, who built his name on loyalty to Buffalo, now cozying up to NYC after his ally just dismantled two of their icons, you’re asking for trouble.”
The video that ignited the controversy continues to circulate. In it, the anonymous commentator spits a stream of consciousness: “Shout out to my dog in the building. We did it in this mother.
The best rappers come from upstate New York. But then whoop, there it is – Benny the Butcher snake man.”
As the story develops, all eyes are on Benny the Butcher. A statement is expected within 24 hours, but insiders say he is torn between diplomacy and damage control. One thing is certain: the battle lines have been drawn, and the entire hip-hop world is watching.
Stay tuned as this story unfolds. The implications for the upstate rap scene – and the broader industry – are immense. Loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless grind of the music business have collided in a way that will be remembered for years.
