Benjimin – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
Well I’m from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I started rappin’ when I was about 14. Around that same time, I started to have my first encounters with struggles at home, and run-ins with the law. Shortly after, I dropped out of school around the age of 16, getting into some pretty messed-up situations and writing my feelings on a pad was pretty much my only outlet at the time. Over the years I honed my skill as an MC, but rap was never something I took very seriously, it was more of a hobby. But still, it was the only outlet that I had, and the only thing I was passionate about. Fast-forward to present day, and I look back and think to myself I don’t want to let all that time and effort go to waste. Now I actually want to do something with this, and see if I can take it somewhere and get my music heard. Because, at the end of the day, that’s all I really want is for people to hear my music, and good music at that!!
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
I’ve had various influences over time, but the best way I could describe it is that I’ve always just gravitated toward the culture and the music. A lot of my favorite artists that I used to listen to growing up I could relate with on many levels and subjects. But, I’m not about to act like all the influences were positive ones. Neither were they all negative, but that’s life. It’s all about the ups and downs. It’s something that I try to stay conscious of when I make music. And at the end of the day, this is just music. It’s up to the listener to understand that I’m just talking about my experiences. I’m not trying to tell people this is the way to live or anything like that. Just like most of my favorite artists I grew up listening to, that’s the vibe I believe I give off with the music I make.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
If I could describe my music as anything, I’d say its motivational hustlin’ music. Whether you legit, or in the streets, I wanna’ bring that kinda’ music that makes you want to strive to get more n’ make it through the bullshit that life can throw your way. As for what separates me from the rest, well I could name a few things, but what sticks out the most to me is why I’m actually doing this. Most folk are rappin’ cuz’ they want to be admired, and the want to make their money in the game. Which I believe does come in due time if you got what it takes. But! I don’t see a lot of people in this to do it for the fans. The best way I could describe it, everybody wants to be famous, but no one wants to be an artist. What rappers like Big K.R.I.T. are doing for the fans and with their careers is what I hope to be doing in the future.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?
I haven’t really done any collaborations. Why? I don’t really know… It’s not like I don’t want to reach out to other rappers or collaborate on projects, it just hasn’t happened yet. My style isn’t exactly tailored towards the type of rap that people are making up here. I don’t mean that in a bad way, It’s just probably why I haven’t really done any collaborations. There’s not really anyone in particular that I could think of when it comes to collabs, but I would definately be open to working with people who are on their grind and putting out some quality hip-hop.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
My definition of underground hip-hop, is really anything that is not on big labels. In my opinion it means anyone who’s rapping on small indie labels, makin’ their show money, you know, selling their own CDs, designing their own product and maintaining creative control of their career is underground. Just because someone might so happen to become successful without selling out to big labels (if that ever does happen) doesn’t mean they’re not underground in my opinion. Some perfect examples would be, UGK, CNN, Nipsey Hussle, etc.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Southern hip-hop, along with some west-coast hip-hop has and always will be an influence in my life, as far as music is concerned. I can’t really say any one person in general, cuz’ I’m a person that just likes what I like regardless of who made it, if it’s good then I’m listenin’. I’d like to think of myself as a student of hip-hop. Always looking for new things to incorporate into my craft.
Infoe at 4thWay Studios in Calgary, AB, Canada handles pretty much all of my audio production. I get my beats from various producers on the web. There’s plenty of people I could think of when it comes to who I’d like to work with, but if there’s anyone I could think of that I’d be most excited to work with would have to be Big K.R.I.T. As far as the music that I’m into and my style, he’s the coldest producer in the game right now.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
I’m gonna’ be workin’ on singles for the next lil’ bit. I have a few cool promo campaigns in the work that should be pretty entertaining, so I’m lookin’ forward to that! So be sure to check up on our youtube and facebook for all the latest updates and news!!
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of Benjimin – Tha Flow Op Vol. 2 ? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.
I haven’t exactly narrowed down a particular creative process yet… but if I could tell you anything, it involves a lot of weed, and I ain’t talkin’ about no Reggie! But in all seriousness, I tried to make this CD as fast as I could, because my music changes with my day-to-day life. I’m tryin’ to keep my CD on a certain vibe, and for the most part Tha Flow Op Volumes 1 & 2.0 have been the life and times of Benjimin, just with a nice weed theme… if that makes any sense to y’all? If you ever run into me, you’re probably gonna’ see me burnin’ one down, rollin’ one up, or talkin’ some smack cuz’ I just smoked one. I’m not on that “stoner/Wiz-tip” but Weed has played a big contributing factor to my creative process and my life in general, so that’s why I kinda’ dedicated it to this first little series of mixtapes.
Where can we find your music and info?
You can find my new mixtape for free download from DatPiff and Bandcamp. I’m on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and all that. So I’m not too hard to find if you wanna’ check me out.
http://www.datpiff.com/Benjimin-Tha-Flow-Op-Vol-20-mixtape.619080.html
http://benjiminmixtapes.bandcamp.com/album/tha-flow-op-vol-20
Facebook.com/benjiminkings
Twitter @Benjimin_
IG @BenjiminFrank
Any shout outs?
I just wanna give a shout out to my team. DeeJay Money n’ Infoe for helpin’ me make this happen. My family n’ friends that keep me goin’… whether or not this ends up turnin’ into somethin’ isn’t really somethin’ I’m worried about, I’m just doin’ what I love to do.
