Posted by Benny From The Sandlot (Virginia) and Stotty P (Canada) are proving that distance doesn’t limit creativity. The two emcees have come together for a collaborative album titled “Bullpen,” set to release on September 1st. The project brings their distinct voices into one arena, built on a foundation of sharp penmanship, energy, and a shared respect for hip-hop’s competitive spirit.
The title “Bullpen” is as layered as the music itself. In baseball, it’s the space where pitchers prepare before stepping into the game, an image that mirrors both artists sharpening their craft before unleashing it on listeners. In another sense, it’s a corral, the place where bulls are readied and prepped before charging into battle. While other rappers might bullshit with their pens, these bulls are charging forward with theirs. Together, they aim to deliver a project that embodies the hunger, intensity, and relentless drive it takes to stand out in today’s independent hip-hop landscape.
Rap Olympus Media connected with Benny From The Sandlot and Stotty P ahead of their anticipated release for an exclusive conversation. Here’s how it went down!
Congratulations on the new album! We’ve watched this project develop from its inception and are super excited for the people to hear it. Was the initial collaboration intended to be a single or did you plan to put together a full body of work from the start?
Stotty P – I think we did one track, and it snowballed from there. There wasn’t an initial plan with Benny. I think it came down to let’s just see what happens, and if our styles will fit together. After the first couple of songs, I think it was intended to be a shorter project, but we just kept it going.
How important was it for you to establish a cohesive sound throughout the album? Did you approach the project with a specific sonic direction in mind, or did the overall tone develop naturally as the songs came together?
Benny From The Sandlot – We really didn’t approach this with a sound in mind; it kind of just happened organically. The more I worked with Stotty, the more familiar my ear became with his beat styles, and I just tried to feed off his energy and keep up.
Delivering a 15-track project is an ambitious move. Did every song make it onto the album, or were there tracks left on the cutting room floor?
Stotty P – Almost every song made the cut—just a few didn’t make it. We ended up with 15 tracks because, once we got into the chopping process, there wasn’t much fat to trim. Honestly, it was hard to cut anything. One or two didn’t make it, but it might’ve been more had we not finalized when we did lol.
Is there a track on the album that stands out as a personal favorite? Whether it’s because of the lyrics, the energy, or the story behind it, what makes that particular song stand out to you?
Benny From The Sandlot – The standout track for me would have to be Crazy Days Sober Nights. There’s something about it that instantly transports me back to those lunchroom cyphers, where verses flew without warning and every bar was a chance to prove yourself.
The project came together relatively quickly for a full-length album. What made the process move so smoothly?
Stotty P – Benny is extremely easy to work with and takes feedback well. He did all the mixing and did a damn good job of it. His turnaround to get the music back is quick and seamless. The vibe was right and everything wrote itself. The topics and beats he chose were right up my alley, so I was locked in and motivated. Salute to him.
How did your individual styles challenge or complement each other during the creative process?
Benny From The Sandlot – Working with Stotty was effortless song-wise. The real challenge was keeping up with him as an artist. The man literally breathes bars in his sleep, and his drive pushes you to step up every time.
BENNY FROM THE SANDLOT
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
STOTTY P
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
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