Benny The Butcher Says Jay-Z Told Him Not To Do 2019 XXL Freshman Cover

Source: HipHopDX

The rapper recently signed a management deal with Roc Nation.

Benny The Butcher almost ended up on XXL's 2019 Freshman cover but a talk with Jay-Z led to him turning down the opportunity.

In an interview with KXNG Crooked on his Crook's Corner series, Benny shared that he was going to be a part of the freshman lineup but changed his mind after speaking with Jay.

"I was going to do it," Benny said. "[Jay] told me not to do it…he made a big point. He let me know that when it's [my] time, there ain't gonna be no voting. I ain't gonna have to share it."

Benny then said that Jay recounted a similar experience he had earlier in his career.

"He told me about a situation where somebody turned something down and showed him that it's OK to be you and take the work that you're comfortable with for your brand," Benny said.

But turning down the opportunity to be on the freshman lineup wasn't easy for Benny, especially considering it was something that he wanted.

"I always wanted to be on that shit," he said. 'I was like, ‘I told these people no…what is happening in my life?'"

Last week, Jay signed Benny and Westside Gunn to Roc Nation. The rappers posted what appeared to be an announcement on Instagram Tuesday (August 6), sharing a photo with HOV. The group of artists had bottles of champagne and glasses in hand, so it’s clear a celebration was taking place.