Rochester, New York’s own 38 Spesh has returned with his sixth studio album, 8 Shots. As the architect behind the Trust Army and the founder of TCF Music Group, Spesh has maintained a relentless pace, balancing his own solo output with high-profile production work for artists like Planet Asia and Elcamino. Following the intimate tone of his previous solo effort, Mother & Gun, this latest release serves as a gritty, focused conclusion to the month of May.
The album opens with “Free Game,” where Spesh navigates a drumless, atmospheric loop to address the industry’s tendency to commodify his personal history. This sets a tone of defiance that carries through to “The Main Line,” a track that explores the intersection of mortality and faith with aggressive precision. Throughout the project, Spesh demonstrates his versatility, such as on “Used 2,” which features a sharp guest appearance from Rome Streetz, and the self-produced “Be the Best,” which leans into a soulful, introspective soundscape.
The collaborative spirit of the album is a highlight, with Che Noir providing a poignant contribution on “Mental Health,” and Ransom and Smooth Haynes anchoring “Trust Us” with a masterclass in verse-heavy lyricism. Dave East also makes a notable appearance on “Heavy Burden,” adding a layer of soulful weight to the record’s mid-section.
As the album nears its conclusion, tracks like “Great Wall” and “Renovations” showcase Spesh’s ability to weave street-certified storytelling with reflections on his past. The inclusion of Busta Rhymes on “Cold War” provides a bridge between generations, further cementing Spesh’s reputation as a multi-hyphenate who respects the history of the genre while pushing his own evolution forward. 8 Shots is a testament to his growth as both an MC and a producer, successfully capturing the raw, uncompromising grit that defined his earlier work.
Score: 8/10