5 Songs I Love w/ Benicio
Every artist has a handful of songs that become part of their DNA, whether they first opened the door to a new sound, connected them to their roots or simply stayed in rotation through different chapters of life. For British-Ghanaian rapper Benicio, those influences reflect the meeting point between the two worlds that have shaped his identity, from the Ghanaian HipLife that connects him to his heritage to the UK rap and Afroswing sounds that have influenced his own artistic direction.
With his new single “Eve” marking the beginning of a new chapter ahead of his forthcoming debut mixtape A Beautiful Day, Benicio catches up with Flex for 5 Songs I Love. Along the way, he talks through five tracks that have left a lasting impression on him, exploring the music that shaped his taste, the artists who influenced his approach, and the sounds that continue to inform his evolution as an artist.
Crooked Smile by J. Cole featuring TLC
I had previously acquainted myself with J. Cole’s music beforehand but this song made me a fan. I didn’t know it was possible for rappers to get this vulnerable on a record. From the lyrics to TLC on the hook everything about this record is perfect to me. What he did here has been the blueprint for the artist I am today.
Stan by Eminem featuring Dido
Stan is probably one of the first rap songs I memorised from start to finish. I remember listening to the song and watching the music video and feeling so sad with how the story played out. It’s also one of the first times I realised how powerful art can be in invoking emotions out of the audience.
Hustler Musik by Lil Wayne
Till this day I listen to Hustler Musik and feel the urgency Wayne talks about on this song. Being a kid growing in the 2000s it was inevitable hearing Lil Wayne on the radio at least once a day. Everytime this song came on TV I got hyped for what was about to come. From the delivery to the swag and the lyrics itself, Wayne in his prime was the blueprint for what an MC should be in my opinion.
My 9ine by Kojo Funds
When I was in Uni back in 2017, one of my close friends who I was staying with for the weekend put me on this song and it changed the trajectory of my career. I went from wanting to be just a rapper to wanting to be a rapper who could also sing if need be. Kojo’s flawless ability to sing in a way which is both appealing to both UK and African audiences made me want to try Afroswing for myself as well. It’s cause of this song that I have been able to venture out of rap and do more melodic songs
U Go Kill Me by Sarkodie featuring E.L
I moved to Ghana back in 2009 after completing Primary School in the UK. When I arrived I wasn’t as acquainted with the local music scene yet but when U Go Kill Me came out I couldn’t help but be enamoured with the flow and the feeling the song provided. I didn’t have as good of a grasp on Twi as I do now but the flow was sick! It was the first time I was exposed to rap on an Azonto beat which is a Ghanaian genre of music. This has influenced later down the line when it comes to rapping on non traditional hip hop beats
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