Benji: Artist Review
From Kodak Black painting his music with the colors of his flag and decorating album covers with Haitian cultural artifacts; Mach-Hommy dedicating an entire project— titling it “Pray for Haiti,” to Florida artists like Jackboy and Koly P allowing their cultural identities to be a theme of their artistry. Haitians have undoubtedly made hip-hop another home and language of their own— to much avail.
Florida artists and music assisted in developing and carrying rap-culture. Florida’s music is its own sound. Although we exist in the South, even our expressions don’t mirror the sonic rhythms and patterns it’s most notable for. Born in Miami and raised in Broward county, artist/songwriter Benji has sought to carry the same trend along with his flag. He would tell you his music encompasses his identity. Being unafraid to openly reflect his talents and ear for quality art.
As a musician turned rapper, the broad spectrum of sounds he pulls from is what paints his raps and guides him into introspection when creating. Navigating concepts such as love, trust, loss, and joy, he treks through life making efforts to reflect even his unhighlighted moments through his music.
With his most recent project, December 2021’s “Post Traumatic Trust Disorder” being his debut album, he sought to touch the ground in stride. He expressed that he had intentions of releasing the project on his birthday but the pressure of perfecting it forced the release to be roughly a week after. Likely to now be consider a project of 2022 rather than 21. Having polished production and crisp vocals, the quality of the sound itself can hold a listener’s ear for all 41 minutes.
Withholding trust, in fear of what it has welcomed, is a reality many of us navigate. He courageously gives his spiel on this album about how trust has seemed more self-inflicting than anything else. “Things Change” was a lament for 3 minutes, likely for the loss of a woman he’d chosen to depart from. With crooning over a solemn instrumental, he spills his soul.
”No longer your hero but I ain’t your villain”
His style of production reflects his desire for listeners to hear his message rather than the sound it dances over. “Sixth Sense” is him alerting us of his ability to detect artificial love and untrue expressions of fondness. A sense that might not be as vivid as taste or sound; but one that being betrayed may have handed him.
With “Therapy Session” interludes, Benji reveals how therapeutic rap and art can be. These beats may have been his shrink and healer, guiding him through a trauma disorder not allowing him to trust anyone else with his most intrusive thoughts. For rappers, even when no one else does, the ears of the studio will always listen. In moments of tumult, we can return to our art, as he did.
From thoughts of suicide to losing friends and family, he used this album as a personal journal to pour his pain into. In “Summer 20” he echoes his mistrust and unheard stories of some of his personal plights.
“What was the point of this? Was it just performative? Use to call you friend but see you call me for the benefits.”
A photographer throughout the week and rapper during the weekends— Benji is yet another Florida artist who wears his Haitian heritage on his back. He’s made notable efforts to continue the courtship of Haitians and hip-hop.”
