Brandon Pulphus: 'Buttah 3' Review and Interview
Review and Interview by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Listening to Buttah 3, the new album from Brandon Pulphus and produced by BigAGotEm, I get the same excitement as hearing Ludacris, Eminem, T.I., Jay-Z, and other artists who introduced me to Hip-Hop. Buttah 3 has a similar energy they all brought to their music, but stands out with its own distinct voice.
The 9-song project is drenched in determination, celebration, storytelling, and making time for that special someone. It shares its main DNA with the Greats, but the more I listened, the more I could tell the Minneapolis MC has no desire to blend in.
Pulphus delivers that unhinged determination from the outset on “Energy.” The song builds anticipation to Pulphus singing the chorus, and that lack of production perfection is immediately audible providing a very grounded, welcoming Hip-Hop sound. Brandon’s love of collaboration has an immediate spotlight as well.
Brandon Pulphus is part of the FairPlay Entertainment collective and most of his creative crew is with him on this project. The album opener alone has distinct features with Mpls Drew’s clear and direct style, Tuvok-the-Word matching Drew’s speed with a mature tone, and soon-to-be-superstar Nur-D also puts his speed on display.
The synth-beat heavy “Tokyo Rich” has Pulphus cruising the technologically advanced Japanese city at night. Nur-D is also brought along for the ride and assures everyone he also has a powerful set of singing pipes. Nur-D’s voice adds a brightness to the song, and mixed with the production, it paints a colorfully vibrant picture of the local culture.
“Gin & Tonic” feels like Pulphus has finally arrived to the main party in Tokyo, and are greeted by Mpls Drew and Tuvok the Word. One listen to this song and it’s going to be hard not to crank it to 11 every time it comes on.
The title referencing track, “Buttah Talk,” feels like a battle cry. The cello sample in the beginning of that song creates an anticipation buildup that reminds me a little of how “Forgot About Dre” began. Pulphus is a boxer carefully aiming his words at his target like the perfect right hook, with Drew in his corner to drop his own verse of quick, clear, and direct rhymes. They’re a tag-team primed for a lyrical KO.
Those songs might make you want to head for the nearest night club, but the Pulphus’ storytelling skills are on full display with “Right Impressions” and “Holibae.” The two come off as a duology. The first song is a sunny-vibe visualizer of how his success is keeping him gone and unable to be in a committed relationship, with Ruth Maghanga balancing the song out with a great feminine energy on the chorus. Aided by a slower R&B production, the latter track of the two has Pulphus in romancer mode. He’s back home, the woman he’s interested in has his full attention, and there’s a layering of vocals when he lands on each rhyme that makes his confident swagger really pop. I especially enjoyed the song’s refreshingly humorous ending where he’s giving Kevin Hart a run for his money.
“She A Vibe” proposes a grown no-strings-attached physical relationship. The Spanish guitar loop set the foundation for a laid back song about an independent woman he’s interested in. Ruth again provides that sweet female confidence in the chorus.
I almost feel like “Carry On” is a continuation of the previous song with some help from DJ Hayes, another member of FairPlay Entertainment. It has that same Spanish guitar loop as a foundation, and it feels like once Pulphus got a taste of her he wanted more. Pulphus wants her to forget her worries and go with him around the world.
Maghanga’s high and gentle vocals opening with the chorus for “Make Me Melt” offer a nice comedown from Pulphus and Drew’s non-stop energy on “Buttah Talk.” It helps set the tone for this romantic closer, easing you into it. Pulphus is smooth, calm, and straight forward about what he wants — it’s hard not to see the steam they’re creating.
As my official introduction into the Minnesota independent Hip-Hop scene, Buttah 3 showes me I’ve been missing out. Pulphus’ delivery alone is worth the listen with its raw feel, and ability to switch his flow style with ease. The wordsmith skills, the production, and that confidence that Hip-Hop is known for is present in many ways.
This is just a sample, a small taste of what’s brewing in the Twin Cities. I can hear the album’s inspirations from the greats that paved the way, but I can also hear Brandon Pulphus making their own lane. Pulphus and his Fair Play Entertainment crew are full of determination, and they’re going to help put Minneapolis back on the Hip-Hop map.
Interview with Brandon Pulphus
As you read in my experience with the album above this was my first dive into covering the local independent Hip-Hop scene. So obviously I had questions about the project such as Pulphus’ goal with the project, his creative process, and more. He was kind enough to answer some questions I just couldn’t stop thinking about.
The interview below has been edited for readability and length.
Andy Ellis: For those who are just getting introduced to you through this record, what was the spark that inspired you to become an artist?
Brandon Pulphus: I never had that "ah-ha" moment of inspiration to create, but when I was a kid my older brother Nell was basically my hero. He used to be an artist, and he said the only way he'd ever acknowledge me as an emcee is if I was better than he was. So I grabbed a notebook and started up around my 12th birthday. Rest is history.
A.E.: You did Buttah 3 with producer BigAGotEm. What's the collaboration process like between you two?
B.P.: Me and Big A been cooking up together for about 13 years so the collaborative process has transformed over the years, but these days we usually bump beats over FaceTime while I write hooks. Other than that I try to fly out annually to his spot in ATL, and cook up in person. Either way, Big A has produced all of my best tracks. “Wrong Impression,” “Gin and Tonic,” “Energy,” “She a A Vibe, “ and plenty more. Me and my bro don't miss. Easily my favorite producer to collaborate with, and we just gettin’ started.
A.E.: What was the goal with this record?
B.P.: With Buttah 3, I wanted to make something a little different than my usual bar-heavy content. DJ Hayes told me I've always had bars, but he's never seen me lean into too much else. So this time, I wanted to try catchier hooks, more harmonizing, and more tracks with featured artists. My favorite singer to work with by far is my girl Ruth Maghanga. Anytime I need a lil extra sauce to make ‘em melt she the first one I hit up. Shorty be givin’ me Jessie Reyez vibes. (Laughs)
And the FPE (FairPlay Entertainment) guys don’t miss, especially on the posse joints. Drew float on everything I put him on. Matt and me are like fries and frosty: sounds like a combo that wouldn’t typically go together, but work real well. And Tuvok a lyric-head like me so it’s always fun telling stories with bro. So major Shouts to the team for helping make this joint pop.
A.E.: You open up with "Energy" that has some heavy features by most of your FairPlay Entertainment crew. It certainly feels like a mission statement. Was this envisioned as the musical event it comes off as?
B.P.: It was absolutely intentional, haha! I caught wind of some people in the scene throwing some shade at Nur-D, but when I talked to him about it he gave me some really good advice on not giving anybody who isn't bold enough to call your name, any energy. Which coincidentally inspired the opening track to Buttah 3, haha!
A.E.: With collaborations, does the song come first or is it born out of working with someone in the studio?
B.P.: Usually the song comes first and by the time I've got the hook and my verse I usually have an idea of who would make a solid addition to the track.
A.E.: There are a handful of songs such as "Right Impressions," "Holibae," where I can hear some storytelling elements. When you are crafting these kinds of songs, do you have a favorite writer you draw inspiration from?
B.P.: While the stories are always inspired my actual life, I'd say Bas and J. Cole.
A.E.: What's the most challenging part of those kinds of songs?
B.P.: Funny enough those are the tracks that come the easiest to me. Typically Big A is behind those joints.
A.E.: Is there a song on here you're most proud of the way it turned out?
B.P.: I would have to go with “Energy”! Nur-D KILLED the hook, I got to squeeze most of my FPE (FairPlay Entertainment) crew on there, and we got to have fun with the haters!
A.E.: When you look back on this album now that it's had time to live in the world, what comes to mind? Is there anything about that hits you differently?
B.P.: It was a fun run! I usually go back for “Holibae” and “Right Impression” when I'm on the road, but for the most part I’m focusing on my next project.
A.E.: What do you want fans to take away from this album?
B.P.: Hopefully they take away some new favorite locals to listen to!
A.E.: Someone just saw you perform and they tell you they are brand new to the indie music scene in Minnesota. They ask you who else they should check out. Who are the three artists you recommend?
B.P.: I would say check out Exxe, AKA Kobi, and of course FairPlay Entertainment!
