Benji. Lends his Futuristic Soul Folk Sound a Charismatic Warmth on ‘Love Gun II’
PRAISE FOR Benji.
“At a packed local showcase in 2018, as the audience danced and sang along, it was clear that big things were in store for Benji.”
“One of Pittsburgh’s few rappers who can command a crowd on his own.”
“You might want to start getting used to hearing this guy's name because he possesses serious range.”
“He champions unquestionable potential even under the weight of the world. He sees something precious about life that precursors our worst moments.”
Love Gun II by Benji. is out now, buy/stream it here.
Today, Benji. — the Pittsburgh native and Spillage Village member who specializes in indulgent soul folk and buoyant R&B that navigates the seas of love with a winking presence and rich musicality that pairs the yearning warmth of vintage sounds like those of Al Green and Luther Vandross with the psychedelic swirl of acts from Tame Impala to Lil Yachty — releases Love Gun II via Guin Records / Since The 80s. Listen to Love Gun II here.
Love Gun II — a sequel to 2023’s Love Gun I — finds Benji. refining his lush sound and expounding on his philosophical approach to love, particularly the need for self-love in order to navigate growth and loss with grace. The project’s lead single, “Radio,” was the first glimpse into the project; a moodily arranged and suavely executed come-on that encapsulates Benji.’s effortless, easygoing charm.
Incorporating rousing rock choruses (“KeepComingBack”), deft and reflective raps (“Better”), sultry funk (“TYS”), and jazzily orchestrated soul anthems (“Be Mine”), Love Gun II (executive produced by Christo, who’s worked with the likes of Ari Lennox, Kacey Musgraves, and Wiz Khalifa) finds Benji. reckoning with a more accountable version of manhood as he searches for love.
Of today’s release, Benji. says: “Love Gun, in general, is a trilogy of journals for me talking through my relationship with romance, self-love, trauma, and grief. Love Gun II was my attempt at elevating the sonics around these big ideas and still trying to make it digestible and fun.”
It’s a dynamic collection that boasts lushly rendered sonic landscapes and an indelibly charismatic protagonist — a perfect primer on why Benji. has been tapped as an artist on the rise by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Vice, Okayplayer, and more.
Benji. is a consummate artist’s artist: He’s toured as the bassist for his Spillage Village comrades EARTHGANG, and boasts co-production credits on J.I.D.’s The Forever Story. And, in a surreal collision of fantasy and reality, he even got love from Adam Sandler for his feature on EARTHGANG’s The Waterboy-referencing “Bobby Boucher.” His solo music also appeared in the Disney / Marvel hit video game Spiderman 2. Stay tuned for Benji.’s to-be-announced tour dates.
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