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New York-based hip-hop artist, Benjamin Hey!, is spreading the message of love through two unique singles, "Ra-ta-tat-tat" (released in May 2022) and "No Samples" (released in September 2022).
While the songs are stylistically different, both singles speak to love on a relatable level. Benjamin Hey!’s partner in musical crime, John Beyer, helped create and release the songs under his John Beyer Music label.
"Everyone has the need to be seen, validated, held, and feel special,” explains Benjamin. “That's why we speak to many kinds of love--they're all relatable."
Benjamin Hey!--also known as “The Captain” delivers character through his voice from song to song. Set to smooth productions and upbeat instrumentations, his thoughtful lyrics drive home a sense of confidence and strength in each of his singles.
The single,"Ra-ta-tat-tat," began with John's passion for addressing gun violence in major cities. "Something clicked and it just came together," shares Benjamin of the process. "This song doesn't only mention the problem but also the solution. It's a love-driven song in the form of a conscious hip-hop record." What began as a conversation became lyrics. Then came the beat. Soon after, Benjamin Hey! rhymed his thoughts and added a positive spin at the end. "It was truly a collaboration between the two of us."
“No Samples” tells a similar tale of unraveling naturally from the artist’s creative center.. "When I first heard the beat (from producer Young Cutta), it reminded me of something I'd hear in the 90s," shares Benjamin. "I knew it had to be an R&B record."
“No Samples” talks about real love. "If I'm gonna be with someone I'm going to do it because they're the best,” explains Benjamin Hey! “The five course meal, not the happy meal. Not a sample. Everyone needs to hold off for something special and amazing."
"I drove this process but John helped with editing, selection, and arrangement. He navigated the final sound, making sure not to take away from the overall message. I trust John and his musicality. He grew up on many genres from country to soul. The great thing about us together as collaborators and songwriters is that we want the message and lyricism to be very powerful and move the listener."
"I have written a song every day since April 15, 2017," shares Benjamin. "What I love about that practice is that I never know what the genre or song is going to be but that there will be one by the end of the day." Benjamin's devotion to the craft of songwriting lends itself to the partnership. "Working with John, who also loves music so much, makes our creativity work so much smoother."
"What unites us is that we love music so much. We share a common goal of bringing back lyricism and feeling to music. At the end of the day, we know there is an audience out there that wants quality music again,” tells Benjamin Hey! "One thing we both agree on is bringing back meaningful lyrics that people can identify with--the feeling of having the words reverberate in your brain all day long," chimes in John. The duo continues to grow and learn from each other through a shared creative experience. John references Benjamin's robust experience with hip-hop and R&B, while Benjamin diversifies his sound through John’s vast musical knowledge.
Over the course of the next year, Benjamin Hey! plans to tap into multiple genres to release more music for a global audience. The artist is also looking to perform his songs at a local level. “I just want my listeners to remember that any message conveyed through all of our songs has an element of love. I have love for so many other people who look like me and don't look like me. We all want love and peace.”
Make sure to stay connected to Benjamin Hey! on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
Websites:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
Benjamin Hey! Official website
Socials:
Instagram
TikTok
For “Ra-Ta-Tat-Tat” specifically
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
For “No Samples” specifically
Youtube
Spotify
Apple Music
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