The ongoing lyrical conflict between hip-hop artists Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher has seen another exchange of words. Following the release of Westside Gunn's latest project, Benny The Butcher delivered new lines interpreted by fans as direct disses towards Gibbs, who then responded through social media.
Key Takeaways
- Benny The Butcher released new lyrics on "FREE ROLEYS" aimed at Freddie Gibbs.
- Freddie Gibbs responded on Instagram Stories with pointed messages and imagery.
- The feud has been ongoing for years, despite rumors of a past reconciliation.
- Both artists have used their music and social media to address the conflict.
New Diss Track Ignites Further Conflict
The latest development in the long-standing feud surfaced with the release of Westside Gunn's project, HEELS HAVE EYES 3. On the track "FREE ROLEYS," a collaboration with Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher included lyrics that many listeners quickly recognized as aimed directly at Freddie Gibbs.
The Buffalo rapper’s verse contained lines that referenced specific events and characteristics, fueling speculation among fans. His words suggested that other rappers provoke him, leading to his retaliatory responses.
"Even in airports, rappers get checked like customs / They provoke me, and then y'all quote me / Low-key, y'all should blame them boys that woke me / When I put another rapper head on the shelf like a trophy / Dark skin, bald head, mama's boy, y'all are Jodys / Good looks on all that free promotion and thanks for that Rollie," Benny The Butcher rapped on the track.
These lines, particularly the reference to a "dark skin, bald head, mama's boy," were widely interpreted as a direct jab at Gibbs, who is known for his bald head and darker complexion. The mention of a "Rollie" also seemed to allude to past exchanges between the artists.
Fact Check
The track "FREE ROLEYS" is featured on Westside Gunn's new project, HEELS HAVE EYES 3. This project was released recently, providing the platform for Benny The Butcher's latest lyrical offensive.
Freddie Gibbs Responds on Social Media
Hours after Benny The Butcher's new track began circulating, Freddie Gibbs took to his Instagram Stories to deliver a series of responses. His posts, made on Friday, October 31, contained both direct and more subtle messages aimed at his rival.
One of Gibbs's posts was particularly explicit in its target. He shared a screenshot of a Walmart location in Houston, Texas, from the Apple Maps app, captioning it: "Bout to run to wal mart lemme know if y'all need somethin." This was a clear reference to an incident in 2020 where Benny The Butcher was shot during an attempted armed robbery outside a Walmart in Houston.
This post immediately resonated with fans who have followed the feud, as Gibbs has previously taunted Benny about this incident. The directness of the reference left little room for misinterpretation.
Subtler Digs and Memes
Beyond the direct Walmart reference, Gibbs posted other messages that, while not as overtly explicit, were understood by many to be aimed at Benny The Butcher. One post featured a popular cartoon meme of Gibbs, accompanied by the caption: "How I sleep knowing n***az can't rap like me." The meme itself has been associated with private moments, adding another layer to the perceived jab.
Another Instagram Story post showed a picture of Gibbs himself with the caption: "U gotta come better than that." This message implied that Benny's latest lyrical attacks were not impactful enough to bother him, further escalating the war of words.
Background of the Feud
The rivalry between Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher dates back several years. What started as a promising collaboration between the two acclaimed rappers devolved into a public feud marked by diss tracks, social media exchanges, and alleged physical altercations. Fans have often expressed disappointment at the ongoing conflict, hoping for a resolution or a joint musical effort.
Uncertainty Around Past Reconciliation Rumors
Adding to the complexity of the feud, there were recent rumors suggesting that Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher had reconciled. These rumors gained traction after Westside Gunn mentioned an airport meeting between the two artists.
However, Gibbs himself downplayed the significance of this alleged meeting, indicating that it did not lead to any substantial resolution. Benny The Butcher further undermined reconciliation claims by posting a diss on Twitter not long after the rumored meeting. This sequence of events strongly suggests that any attempt at peace was short-lived or unproductive.
The continued exchange of disses, both in music and on social media, confirms that the animosity between the two artists remains. Fans continue to monitor their interactions closely, as both artists have a history of responding quickly to perceived slights.
- Early 2020: Initial signs of a rift emerge.
- Late 2020: Benny The Butcher is shot in Houston; Gibbs later references this.
- Mid-2021: Diss tracks and social media exchanges intensify.
- Late 2022: Rumors of reconciliation surface, quickly debunked by subsequent disses.
- Present: New lyrical jabs and social media responses keep the feud active.
The public nature of this feud means that every new release or social media post from either artist is scrutinized for potential references or responses. This constant back-and-forth keeps both artists in the headlines and their fans engaged, albeit often wishing for a different outcome.