more from
FREER Records
We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

about

I wrote this song in 2012 while in solitary confinement, where I spent a total of ten years. I took a solitary cell meant for sensory deprivation and transformed it into a place I had to heal, learn, and grow. Writing this song was part of that journey, and professing in a nuanced way that I am indeed, INNOCENT.

lyrics

Leon Benson... EL BE... 448…
Truth never dies huh?
Ey well let me ask you something brother
Why everybody in prison say they innocent?
Let me guess, you innocent too huh?

For the shooting murder of Kasey Schoen
I told y’all I was innocent
Jury didn't judge the evidence they judged me on my blemishes
Past life, who I was, high school I didn't finish it
In the War on Drugs a building called Vietnam I was gettin’ it in
Drug dealing was my revolution so I was an indigent
Bombarded by the social myths of me through media images
The west side of Flint is where I'm from and where I scrimmaged in
So it should be no surprise for what I started dealing in
I'm making no excuses I'm just pointing out your ignorance
Especially with your presumptions of Guilty Until Proven Innocent
The only thing I murdered the night in question was the oxygen
From reefer smoke, me and Tim Dog gone off the intoxicants
While sittin’ in the hallway steps I was selling work to the building occupants
Heard distant shots my man while dreaming of making it big
And never seen the block again, how did I get this murder rap?
When I was wrapping 20 bands
I was wrapping 20 bands...

I told y’all I was innocent
Nobody believed in it
Got no help no love and affection when I really needed it
Screamed my declarations everyday no one was listening
Stabbed by the Spear of Destiny but nobody was feelin’ it
From day one without me flinching I maintained my innocence
I'm innocent, innocent, I swear to god I'm innocent
From day one without me flinching I maintained my innocence
I'm innocent, innocent, I swear to god I'm innocent

Nobody is innocent I'm guilty y’all of plenty thangs
Accumulate the work I sold it adds up to plenty thangs
I'm guilty of bringing the world a whole lot of drama and pain
Wiping down you wannabes
Breaking the hearts of many dames
Man I still see all their faces but I don't know half they names
Guilty of saying I never do it but one day I snorted cane
Back in the day on Devil's Night I was the one who lit the flame
Done a lot of dumb shit but for the murder I'm not to blame.
FYI my OGs Flint 74s and Detroit YBIs
Stole change from collection plates
Told my mama plenty lies
I'm guilty of havin’ swag
Stuffin’ bands in the bag
Having contempt for loud mouth misses, trollers and you rats
Facts are facts and racks are racks
So ain't no need in getting mad
If you ever say you never done nothing wrong in your life
To me it's sad
Yahweh is my witness
I swear I didn't commit it
So I don't deserve to spend a second in they prison.

I told y’all I was innocent
Nobody believed in it
Got no help no love and affection when I really needed it
Screamed my declarations everyday no one was listening
Stabbed by the Spear of Destiny but nobody was feelin’ it
From day one without me flinching I maintained my innocence
I'm innocent, innocent, I swear to god I'm innocent
From day one without me flinching I maintained my innocence
I'm innocent, innocent, I swear to god I'm innocent

It's crazy cuz, as I'm sitting here listening to you
I see that you really are innocent
You did all that time man.
It's crazy how it can happen just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But I can honestly say that I believe you.
Innocent...

credits

from INNOCENT BORN GUILTY, released June 26, 2023

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

EL BENTLY 448 Detroit, Michigan

Leon Benson was locked up in 1998 for a crime he did not commit. After 25 years of wrongful incarceration, he was released in March 2023 and is ready to take on the world. As his rapper alter ego, EL BENTLY 448's uplifting yet gritty sound inspires all of us to seek justice and freedom in our own lives. ... more

contact / help

Contact EL BENTLY 448

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account