Meet Birmingham rapper Benny Boy as we talk all things Niko B, theoretical albums, and TikTok power.

Meet Birmingham bound Benny Boy as we talk about meeting and being influenced by Niko B through music, theoretical album releases, names and tracklists, and all things relating to TikTok power within the scene. A huge thank you to Ben for his time and efforts in speaking with us, be sure to go over to Spotify and stream 'Progression', his latest EP and follow him over on @musicbybennyboy to keep up with all new music updates.

Hey Ben, please can you give an introduction as to who you are for anyone who isn't yet aware of your work?

Hi, I’m Ben. AKA Benny Boy. I’m a 16, nearly 17 year old artist from Birmingham. I aim to express pure emotion and honesty in my songs. This can either be by rapping in a playful, lighthearted, very British way. Or by singing heartfelt ballads about relationships. Often, I mix both.

Either way Benny Boy’s talent is clear and his clever lyrics ignite something in the audience. I also have other passions for art, video making and clothing design but music is my focus.

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been doing music for around two years now. I released my first song in 2021. I started it because I saw other people doing it and thought “yeah, I could do that”. I’ve been constantly working on stuff ever since.

And, what's the goal for you musically?

Well I’ve got my first support slot coming up to perform my EP live in Birmingham so that’s exciting. I’d like to make an album if it fits. I never really have a static goal but just to keep doing what makes me feel good and feed it into the music. I’d like to build my way up with the live stuff if I enjoy it and I’d like to make other content to support the music like merch and music videos etc. I’d also love to collaborate with more artists and possibly be able to support myself from it if that was the direction it took.

Any artists in particular?

So many I love. But mainly. Niko B, Pinkpantheress. Then Cench, NSG, Tyler the Creator, Dave.

What do you think the music scene is missing right now?

Me. Haha no I think the scene has so much if you’re on about the UK Rap scene. However I think more alternative music and more smaller artists who sing getting more attention like someone like Sekou.

Absolutely, what's your opinion on what TikTok is able to do for the scene?

TikTok is unreal. I’ve tried to venture into it and I’m going to try focus on it once I have more free time or an idea pops into my head. You can spend hours and hours on something and whack it into a 10 second video and bam 1 mil views. It’s totally a hit or miss thing but I think with consistency anyone can be successful. It’s amazing seeing it launch peoples careers like Niko B, PinkPantheress etc. I could see it helping me.

For sure! We’re just learning ourselves and it definitely works for people! We keep talking about the great Niko B, I see you’ve met him on different occasions, how did that come around, what’s he like?

I have indeed. “The Great Niko B” is a fantastic way of summing him up. The first time I met him was in March last year at a Nando’s event called Meat and Feast where fans got to ask him questions and chill and eat Nando’s in Nottingham. It was so sick. And the second time around was at his show in Birmingham just a couple months later. He actually recognised me in the crowd and mouthed Ben and I was so gassed. He’s such a lovely man, he went around the tables asking peoples interests and I asked him about advice on being starting a clothing brand and he told me to just make what I want to wear and it’s really helped. He offered me free tickets to the Nottingham show but I had to go do my GCSE Drama Mock Exam. Oh well, I got a B so it’s calm. We’ve spoken briefly over DM’s at points and I’ve been following him for almost 3 years now. He’s a really inspiring and humble individual and I hope to cross paths with him again soon.

If you were to make a debut album and it drop next week, what would you call it?

Wow. I’ve got some album ideas in my notes. I think I’d call it “Benny Boy’s Notes App”

Theoretically, how many tracks would you have?

However many needed but at least 10 I want it to be a full project. I also make songs that are quite random and don’t always fit a cohesive style or feel so it would be nice to make something that felt like they all belonged in one album.

For sure, do you have any advice for anyone new to music?

I’d say don’t be afraid to release but also don’t be afraid to wait. I tactically chose to make the music during times I felt comfortable to do so and then releasing afterwards as opposed to rushing. Don’t worry about big end goals just enjoy it and make what you want when you want.

Finally, do you have anyone you would like to shout out?

@estheroutramm she featured on my song “Fly Away”. She’s got an amazing voice and she’s from New Zealand.

Very sick, thank you for your time and efforts in speaking with us, appreciate it!