Hollow Profit released his much-anticipated album QUIBONO?, featuring 17 tracks that showcase his deep reverence for old-school hip-hop while delivering fresh and thought-provoking lyricism. Among these tracks, “Birds & Bullets,” a collaboration with New York rapper Ben Beal, stands out as a unique fusion of jazzy nostalgia and lyrical complexity. With production by 47 Quid, the track is a smoky jazz-infused boom bap anthem that nods to hip-hop’s golden era while cementing Hollow Profit as a rising talent to watch in the modern scene.
“Birds & Bullets” draws clear inspiration from classic hip-hop, blending a jazzy sample with a punchy boom bap beat that instantly evokes the genre’s roots. The instrumental, crafted by 47 Quid, feels like a nod to production styles popularized by legendary figures like J Dilla and Madlib, seamlessly blending soulful loops with gritty drum patterns. The track’s mellow, smoky vibe immediately sets it apart from more polished, mainstream productions, giving it an underground feel that will resonate with fans of acts like MF DOOM and Wu-Tang Clan.
The collaboration is a perfect pairing, with both Hollow Profit and Ben Beal channeling their shared influences into intricate rhyme schemes and clever punchlines. Hollow Profit, hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, takes cues from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, MF DOOM, and Wu-Tang Clan, blending thoughtful wordplay with a delivery that feels urgent yet calculated. Meanwhile, Ben Beal, a New York-based rapper who has built a strong online following and toured across the nation, brings his own laid-back yet lyrically dense style to the track. His 2020 song “Birds Aren’t Real” provides a conceptual touchstone for “Birds & Bullets,” while Hollow Profit’s alter ego, “Crimson Dot,” adds a layer of character-driven storytelling to the mix.
“Birds & Bullets” isn’t just a play on the titles of Ben Beal’s earlier track “Birds Aren’t Real” and Hollow Profit’s alter ego; it’s a song rich with metaphor and social commentary. The title itself evokes contrasting imagery—birds as symbols of freedom, and bullets representing violence and destruction. This dichotomy is reflected in the lyrics, where both artists tackle themes of survival, conflict, and the search for peace in a world filled with chaos.
The track is anchored by the artists’ intricate rhyme schemes and punchlines, showcasing their ability to deliver dense, thought-provoking bars while keeping listeners engaged with clever wordplay. There’s a clear influence from MF DOOM in both their approaches, particularly in the way they layer multiple meanings into single lines. Each verse is packed with allusions and references that demand multiple listens to fully appreciate, making “Birds & Bullets” a track for true hip-hop heads who appreciate the art of lyricism.
As the seventh track on Hollow Profit’s QUIBONO?, “Birds & Bullets” plays a pivotal role in the album’s overall narrative. QUIBONO?—a Latin phrase meaning “Who benefits?”—is a concept album that asks hard questions about society, politics, and personal identity. Throughout the 17 tracks, Hollow Profit delves into issues of power, corruption, and inequality, using his alter ego, “Crimson Dot,” to explore these themes through a fictional lens. The collaboration with Ben Beal adds another dimension to the album, bringing in an outside perspective while maintaining the overarching themes of conflict and survival.
“Birds & Bullets” feels like a turning point in the album, where the mood shifts from introspection to confrontation. The boom bap beat gives the track a sense of urgency, while the jazzy sample adds a layer of melancholy, as if both rappers are reflecting on the struggles they’ve faced while also recognizing the beauty in resilience. This duality—hope and despair, peace and violence—is a recurring theme throughout QUIBONO?, and “Birds & Bullets” captures it perfectly.
The collaboration between Hollow Profit and Ben Beal on “Birds & Bullets” is a testament to both artists’ talents and their ability to create music that resonates on multiple levels. For Hollow Profit, this track is another step forward in his burgeoning career, marking him as an artist who isn’t afraid to tackle big ideas while staying true to the roots of hip-hop. His influences—Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang Clan, and MF DOOM—are evident, but he brings his own voice to the table, blending social commentary with sharp, introspective lyrics.
Ben Beal’s contribution further solidifies his reputation as one of the most promising underground rappers of his generation. His smooth delivery and ability to balance humor with seriousness make him a perfect foil for Hollow Profit’s more intense style. Together, the two artists create a track that feels timeless, rooted in the past while looking toward the future.
As QUIBONO? continues to gain traction, “Birds & Bullets” is sure to become a fan favorite, especially for listeners who appreciate the craftsmanship of old-school hip-hop. With its jazz-infused production, intricate wordplay, and thought-provoking themes, the track stands as a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop as both an art form and a tool for social commentary.
For fans of boom bap and old-school hip-hop, Birds & Bullets is a breath of fresh air. It’s a track that combines the best elements of the genre—thoughtful lyricism, intricate rhyme schemes, and soulful production—while also pushing it forward. Hollow Profit and Ben Beal have proven themselves as artists who respect the legacy of hip-hop while also carving out their own unique space within it.
As Hollow Profit’s career continues to grow, QUIBONO? and tracks like “Birds & Bullets” will undoubtedly play a crucial role in establishing him as a voice to be reckoned with in modern hip-hop. And with collaborators like Ben Beal by his side, the future looks bright for this rising talent from Duluth.
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