Jeremie Pennick, better known by his stage name Benny the Butcher, is a prominent member of Buffalo’s Griselda crew, the driving force behind Black Soprano Family. Alongside his frequent collaborators Westside Gunn and Conway, Benny draws inspiration from the hardcore mid-’90s hip-hop scene in New York, particularly the influence of Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep. Despite a late start in his music career, Benny flourished in his thirties with acclaimed releases like Tana Talk 3, The Plugs I Met, and the highly praised Burden of Proof, followed by The Plugs I Met 2. Notable collaborations include working with J. Cole on Tana Talk 4.
Having shown a passion for music from a young age, Jeremie Pennick released music in the late 2000s under the alias B.E.N.N.Y., showcasing projects like The Mayor’s Back and Chains Bond. He established a strong partnership with Westside Gunn and Conway in the Forerunners group, which also featured his brother, Machine Gun Black. Through his involvement with Griselda Records and contributions to various projects, Benny cemented his position in the mid-2010s music scene. Tana Talk 3, a collaborative effort with Alchemist and Daringer, elevated Benny’s status in 2019, leading to further success and recognition. His journey includes pivotal moments like the release of The Plugs I Met, signing with Roc Nation, and the production of Burden of Proof with Hit Boy, featuring renowned artists like Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Rick Ross, and Freddie Gibbs. Benny continued to make waves with projects like The Plugs I Met 2, Trust the Sopranos with 38 Spesh, and solo ventures like Pyrex Picasso. Collaborations with J. Cole and appearances on tracks by artists such as Armani Caesar and Maxo Kream further solidified Benny’s presence in the music industry.