Don Benjamin: From America’s Next Top Model To The Billboard Charts

Let’s hop right into this brand new entry “Doin’ It Well”…Tell me about this particular track — How did it actually come to fruition?

Man, well I’ve been working with Bruce Waynne from Midi Mafia, and we were really trying to figure out the direction for me and my project and I referred to being like a new age LL (Cool J)! *Benjamin chuckles* He was like, “I got just the thing for you!” He sent me the track and I loved it. A story-line came right to me about building a relationship, rather than just a quick hit. After I laid the verses, me and Bruce both decided Elijah would kill the hook so we both reached out to him and the rest was history!

On it, of course, you teamed up with Elijah Blake like you just mentioned — How exactly did this collabo come about?

We’ve been wanting to do some stuff together for a while, and just never had the right track. After I did the verses, he was the first person to come to mind so me and Bruce hit him up and he was all for it!

With that being said, how would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

I like to look at it like a “smooth” rap; story-telling, vibey, blends of R&B…Try to stay in the “real” Hip-Hop lane.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

I used to write poems and stories in high school. I had some friends that did music, so one day I was hanging with them and they had me write a verse and get on a song. From that point on, I was in love with writing music.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

Coming up, it was Jay-Z, Nas, B.I.G., Eminem, LL Cool J, Ludacris…Lately, I’ve been heavy into J Cole, Wale, Drake, Kendrick (Lamar) (and) King Los.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

I feel like I bring a fresh new line of stories. I’m giving the women an appealing sound to vibe to, along with something good to look at. Not being cocky at all, but being a model most people don’t expect me to be musically inclined, so when they get the two together I think it’s very beneficial for the women. And, I still tell stories that all the men can connect to as well.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

I’ve came into a ton of problems. Coming up, it was impossible to get good production, or I couldn’t afford studio time or getting good features. Now, I deal with scheduling problems. And, the pressure of having to go extra hard to really prove I have what it takes to be mentioned amongst a ton of talented rap artists.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to be able to connect with my music…Rather it is something that happened to them or someone they know.

When can we, the masses, expect some new music from you?

My single “Doin’ It Well” (just dropped) June 10th, and I have a few tracks that I love, shortly following that release…

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

If I could do a track with anyone right now, I would have to say Drake. I haven’t heard him put out a bad song yet, and I think us together on a track, and with the visuals, would be crazy!

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Madison Square Garden! If you shut that down, I think you are really onto something. *Don laughs*

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

My song titled “Real.” I just kinda spilled my guts and let my feelings go on it, and the judgments I’ve faced or problems I’ve faced.

Any parting word(s) for our readers?

I have a lot of great music on the way for the world, and I’m excited to open eyes and connect with fans on a new level.

@ItsDonBenjamin

Interviewed By: Hype Staff

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER