The latest collaborative EP from Buffalo, New York emcee Benny the Butcher and Hartford, Connecticut’s own Fuego Base marks a significant milestone in their creative partnership. With Benny having co-founded the Black Soprano Family Records and Fuego Base rising through the ranks after signing to the label, their synergy on Ashes in the $afe feels like a natural progression of their shared history.
The project arrives during a busy week for pop culture, following the recent WWE Hall of Fame inductions of legends like AJ Styles, Dennis Rodman, and the iconic tag team Demolition. Much like the grit required to reach such heights in professional wrestling, the duo brings a hardened, focused intensity to this collection of tracks.
The EP opens with the titular intro, leading into the standout track “Sundial.” This boom-bap opener establishes a theme of destiny and stardom, setting the stage for Fuego Base to shine on “Pyrex & Prayers,” a solo effort where he reflects on the high-stakes reality of his journey. Benny the Butcher rejoins the fold on “Like It Is,” maintaining the project’s momentum before the trio—joined by Sule—delivers the raw, hook-less intensity of “Rev X.”
The second half of the EP maintains this high standard. “The Fighting Irish” explores themes of fortune and resilience, leading into “Warehouse 4,” which features O.T. the Real and Rick Hyde. This track serves as a direct continuation of the series that began on Biggest Since Camby. Fuego Base closes out his solo contributions with “Big Shirley,” a track that highlights his comfort within the game, while the project concludes with the O.T. the Real-assisted “Castellammarese War.”
While Fuego Base’s earlier 2026 release, Tell My Momma I’m Still a Rapper, was a solid start to the year, and Benny’s Summertime Butch 2 remains a fan favorite, Ashes in the $afe stands out as a more cohesive and potent effort. It surpasses the collaborative work Fuego did with Elcamino last summer, proving that the chemistry between these two artists is stronger than ever. Ultimately, this EP serves as a testament to their artistic potential and their ability to elevate one another’s craft.
Score: 7/10