Rapper Benny B is big on repping his Spring Garden corner, a self described "crew of white boy thugs from the inner city of Allentown." Unfortunately, with The 1040 Story (named for his street address), Benny falls into the same trap that countless, nameless corner boys fall into. Instead of striking out with their own thoughts or style, they attempt to mimic the big time radio blingers they're inundated with and fall considerably short.

On Blanco, Benny struggles to muster much flow on this monotonous and poorly mixed down track. It's that very production and lack of quality sound that contributes to the downfall of 1040. It continues on Thugs Play The Wall, where we hear Benny spit "I like big girls who shake they things, remove wedding rings..." The overall rhyme patterns are much to rudimentary to garner any lasting attention. On Not Enough Time, sub par rhymes continue with "give me the Allentown crown for the way I'm puttin' it down, I'm from PA where we smoke blunts all day..." The one spot where Benny B raises the elusive ray of hope is on Life Is A Mess. Although this isn't a great song it does prove that under the right circumstances, Benny can catch it.

In the end, The 1040 Story lacks soul. Benny's rhymes don't work because right now he lacks originality, complexity or flow. With additional seasoning, a reassessment of his style, hitting every open mic he can find and new and improved production, Benny may make some noise.

Contact Benny B at S.G. Productions
967 Chris Lane
Allentown, PA 18103
610-751-6091

Email S.G. Productions

Reviewed by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor - PhillyHipHop.com
May, 2002