In a world of copy-paste artists and algorithm-driven fame, G-Money Benjamin stands out with raw honesty, fire beats, and a story to tell. From New York’s overlooked corners to the frontlines of independence, the self-proclaimed “Rapping O.G.” takes us behind the scenes of his latest album, his creative rituals, and his unshakable mindset. Buckle up, this is G-Money, unfiltered.
How did you get started in music? What was the trigger?
G-M.B. My trigger was seeing Kris Kross on In Living Color when they performed there. Before that, I thought these rap guys were superheroes. I didn’t think somebody my age, 13 years old, could do this, until I saw someone my age doing it. I was like, “If they can do it, I can do it.” After that, I started rapping at 13, and this was in 1993.
What inspired you to write “Die By Fire”? What was the starting point?
G-M.B. Well, “Die By Fire” started with the beat. I heard it on Twitter, believe it or not. People don’t know that most of my beats come from social media, same with “Violent Nights”. That beat was everywhere on TikTok. And once I heard it , well, it wasn’t even a full beat, just the intro, I had to loop it to fit my bars. For “Die By Fire”, I just wanted to continue what the pastor was saying in the sample, to give the song meaning.
What’s your creative process like? Do you write lyrics first or start with a beat?
G-M.B. My creative process always starts with the beat, unless I already have something in my head, which is rare. The only time I started with an idea was “Feel It in the Air”. It began as a letter to my brother, my best friend, in jail, and evolved into a reflection on police violence. But usually, it starts with a dope beat.
As an independent artist, what’s been your biggest challenge?
G-M.B. Being from New York but not New York City. Back in the day, if you weren’t from the five boroughs, nobody cared. That’s why I respect Griselda Records, they’re from Buffalo and made the whole industry listen. Now, there aren’t gatekeepers anymore. They got fired! If you’re fire, you’re lit. Period.
An item you can’t go without on a daily basis?
G-M.B. Honestly? Nothing, lol. Besides music and essentials like food, clothes, and shelter, nothing. It used to be weed, but I quit three months ago. I’m saving money and feeling good. Too old for that now anyway.
The last 3 tracks you listened to today?
G-M.B. All from Russ’s album “There’s Really a Wolf”. I watched all his interviews before even hearing a song. He’s the blueprint for independent success. I was sleeping on him until I listened. Now it all makes sense, to me, he’s the white Kanye West.
If you had to pick one expression that defines you?
G-M.B. The Rapping O.G., lol. I’ve been doing this for years, and now I rap for the younger ones, hoping to guide them better than my generation was guided.
Why did you name your album “Rage Against The Machine”?
G-M.B. I wanted people to know the machine is coming, like in Terminator. Arnold is coming for your jobs, lol. I’m talking about AI. That’s why I included that Barry White skit. Most of the album was built with AI, from covers to mastering. It can be a friend or a foe.
Which track from the album means the most to you?
G-M.B. “Guns”. It’s not the biggest track, but it hits hardest for me. It talks about gun violence, something most rappers ignore. It’s tearing apart Haiti, and schools in America. I wish the video was longer, but songs today are so short.
And the one you like the least?
G-M.B. Probably “I Need You”, the “Jesus” song. I’m not religious, but I do believe in Jesus, since he was the first God I learned about in Haiti. I respect others’ beliefs, but I don’t follow any religion. I believe in God, and that’s enough for me.
What are your goals for 2026?
G-M.B. I want people to know my name and tune in every time I drop, like Russ. He took 10 years. I’ve been doing this since 2003, that’s 22 years, and I’m just getting started. Finally getting paid for it. It’s our time as independents. God is good.
Any last words?
G-M.B. More music coming soon. More videos too, hopefully not shot in my garage, lol.
Whether he’s looping beats off Twitter, challenging the industry’s status quo, or dropping raw truths over AI-crafted soundscapes, G-Money Benjamin proves that authenticity still hits hardest. As he gears up for more music, more visuals, and more independent wins, one thing is clear: the fire’s only getting started.
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