FEATURE
Hip Hop artist LEE BENZO talks about upcoming projects, sense of style and more
How did you come by your stage name?
At first, I was going by Lee Bando but that wasn’t true to self. Benzo comes from my love for Mercedes Benz, my first car was a Benz so why not Lee Benzo. It fit perfectly.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I have been writing and rapping since I was about 10 years old. It’s always been my outlet, whenever I feel I write. Music has always been my heart. I knew any and every song that would come out, I wanted to hear my own sound that I couldn’t receive from any other artist. I have a story, I have a voice, that many would relate to.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I feel my sense of style comes from the 90s. I give all 90s artists that credit. I’m all about delivery, punchlines, metaphors, bars, schemes, and true hip hop. I’ve always been heavily influenced by Death Row, Missy Elliot, Eve, Lil Kim, Nas, The Lox, and if we speaking on today’s artist J.Cole.
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
Right now we’re all in quarantine, practicing social distancing due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Before the Coronavirus I’ve always been a little antisocial, not liking people too close to my personal space so in all reality I practice social distance the daily. Nobody should ever get too close to you, what you doing, your money, your business, and your building. So we named my first ep “Social Distancing” it describes what going on in the world at this moment and it describes me.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
My greatest challenge is trying to make it right now at this moment. Trying to push through any obstacles that stand in my way, especially being a female artist people always expect less than what they receive from me or feel intimidated cause I’m doing things the average woman isn’t. Being a Black Gay Female Rapper comes with a lot of weight, but they don’t expect me to carry everything out and put in the work that I do. I love when people doubt me due to my looks. It’s only bringing more hunger.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
My confidence is at an all-time high. I feel like I’m one of the best of my time, I know my worth and I know my capabilities and I know I will only get better. I’ve watched and analyzed the greatest artists of all time for years preparing my self for moments like this. You have to be open to always being a student of the game, know your place. The learning never stops.
What are your plans for the near future?
Music is my life but my future plans will fall more into the business and filming side. I plan to open after school programs in Nyc for an artist coming up like me who don’t have guidance or the budget to do what it has to take to become a rapper.
I want to provide free recording studios and music programs. Shoot and direct movies about what it’s like for young kids coming up in Harlem or the Bronx, just Nyc overall because it’s harder than anybody could imagine. We really a different breed but only very few understand.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Of course, I want to thank and shout out my entire BANDHI NATION and BOSSBRED RECORDS team, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be doing any of this. Beyond grateful for my manager Oulay Da Don, he’s done things family have never done for me, he is family. We like the modern-day Timbaland & Missy Elliot, Jermaine Dupri & DaBrat. Diddy & Lil Kim. We that Dynamic Duo that could never be touched. EVER, and we come to take over the entire game.
How can fans find you?
You could follow me on Instagram @Leebenzo_ find me on YouTube or ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS by typing “Lee Benzo” follow my management and the CEO of BandhiNation @Oulaydadon6360 especially for any future business, bookings, features, etc. contact him first. More music on the way too definitely stay tuned.
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
Stay on your grind don’t let anybody get in the way of your goals surround yourself with people who want to see u win and put ya faith in no human cause we all the same.
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