Like most MC's I've had multiple pen names while on the come-up, but the name BenFlowz emerged as a natural representation of my identity. I took it on as I opened myself up to the world... as I grew. I'm a candid guy and I wanted to let everybody know what I do, how I do it, and what I'm all about.

No doubt, always and at any occasion. Every show is an adventure...

It has changed the industry... we are the seeds of that change... let's not take it for granted.

Of course.

BenFlowz returns with his highly anticipated sophomore set "Tomorrow: The Hip-Hop Renaissance." In this coming of age project BenFlowz deals with the angst of young adulthood while paying homage to the old school era by interweaving classic elements of underground hip-hop with the radio-friendly soundscape of today. Superbly entertaining from start to finish, BenFlowz captivates the listener over 18 original, well-constructed songs filled with spectacular wordplay, incredible lyricism, and a dynamic delivery backed by solid production both in-house and from a handful of producers worldwide. This project further reaffirms his commitment to the hip-hop movement while continuing to display his vast range and unmatched artistic ability as an emerging artist in the music industry.

At 20, BenFlowz displays a youthful energy while wielding a concentrated ambition. Though he currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and attends one of the most prestigious art institutions in the country his story begins in the Midwest. Since his early years in Toledo, OH he has been training himself in preparation for this project. As a creator he has been active since before he can remember, and as a musician his odyssey began at the age of 8 when he began receiving formal piano instructions. This early musical training gave him new insight into the sonic field that would later aid his development as an both an MC and producer.

The young BenFlowz began recording demos in his bedroom at the age of 12, and by 13 he was distributing them at local malls, in schools, and in the streets- not to mention establishing a presence on the burgeoning Internet music scene. Frustrated with his inability to meet quality artists looking to build he became a one-man-army, teaching himself how to produce and relentlessly sharpening his craft. While collaborating with the more seasoned artist DraMatiQue on his solo disc Will I Rize (2001) he became a member of a growing musical squadron known as Trauma Unit. Through countless sessions, BenFlowz, by then 15, produced three pivotal bodies of work; The most pertinent of these being his first full-length solo project in 2002 Symptoms of Systematic Control. This albums release, paired with his growing experience as a musical performer, led to a stronger, more determined artist, which became evident as his work pace increased. Since 2003 he has plowed through three additional bodies of work as a duo/group with DraMatiQue, done studio work with a number of local artists, and relentlessly refined his skills as evident in his upcoming solo release Tomorrow: The Hip-Hop Renaissance.

As Tomorrow draws closer towards today, and the current chapter of Hip-Hop comes to a close BenFlowz looks ahead to the future. No longer amused by the meaningless wars waged between defenders of the old-school and new-school, underground and commercial he has coined the term True-School Hip-Hop in description of his music. His unique approach to rhyme delivery, varying subject matters, and conscious messages create a style unlike any other on the mic. Quietly, he challenges current world affairs through his enigmatic racial composition, his diverse background, and sometimes directly through his against the grain mentality, and outspoken lyrical content.

I'm into texture when it comes to my art... and that means musically I am drawn towards rich, textured productions. A certain amount of depth sonically. I grew up on that original Wu-Tang sh*** (36 Chambers, Cuban Links, Tical, Liquid Swords)... and later discovered the sample-heavy Bomb Squad. Diversity is my life-blood, and it's also, literally, in my blood so look for gunshots mixed with meditation, or pan flutes alongisde electric guitars, motown soul samples followed by african chant.

First off.... the BAY, and then Washington, DC or Oaxaca, Mexico in no particular order.

MPC1000, microKorg, ASR-X, and turntable. MIDI controller keyboard w/ Ableton Live, Reason, Cakewalk, Soundforge, and Protools. And then some.

Support grassroots!