“Seattle music is real; this ain’t a game ~ its movements.”
Black History Month has a new entry to add to the elite roster of notable African-American men and women. On February 13th, Mr. Benjamin BJ&J ENT. Itched their name into Seattle’s HIPHOP/RAP history!
He was becoming the first Independent Seattle Hip-Hop/Rap artist label to appear on the long-running B.E.T Jams. Twenty years ago, Mr. Benjamin worked his way on the classic uncensored video show, “ B.E.T. Uncut,” with the single “The Anthem” (What’s My Name,” “Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Benjamin”) in the early 2000s.
Photo by Jake Gravbrot / Converge Media.
In 2022, this multi-award-winning independent artist, hailing from Seattle, made his way back on the B.E.T. network again. By appearing on B.E.T. Jams for the new sensational single titled “Spend It.” Mr. Benjamin was featured on the track and will start airing the video for the single“ Spend It” as the musical guest alongside his BJ&J ENT. Artist/son, Maribased1. B.E.T jams will start airing the video for the single“ Spend It” on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13th, 2022. https://hiphopweekly.com/hhw-world-premiere-maribased1-spend-it-ft-e-silent-mr-benjamin/
The NFL team and the LA Rams weren’t the only ones celebrating on the day of champions. BJ&J ENT., Mr. Benjamin, and Hip-Hop/Rap music had a monumental victory to celebrate that Sunday.
During the Super Bowl halftime show, hip-hop’s legendary producer, Dr. Dre, entertained America. He was accompanied by another influential artist with whom he arranged and produced my blowing songs.
Upon researching Mr. Benjamin’s extraordinary journey as an independent artist hailing from Seattle, WA, I discovered he had an imposing resume. Mr. Benjamin has received numerous awards from Seattle’s politicians, such as Seattle Mayor Paul Shell, Governor Gary Locke, and Seattle’s City Councilman Ron Sims.
Mr. Benjamin has also won 4 West Coast Hip-Hop (WHHH) awards in 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2016. Also, Seattle shared support for the local hip-hop/rap artist by voting and selecting him for the “Best of the Best 2003 Readers Choice” award presented by Seattle Weekly. Mr. Benjamin has also appeared in the “High Times” magazine and numerous others. In 2003, “The People’s Champ!” had an article titled “ Mr. Benjamin Goes With Flow” written by Tina Potter in the Seattle Times newspaper. The article highlighted Mr. Benjamin’s positive energy and empowering message toward the local youth.
In 2016, Mr. Benjamin proudly passed the torch to Maribased1; together, they have accomplished extraordinary heights locally and nationally. His extensive knowledge of the music industry and mastering the art of maneuvering as an independent artist has paid off for his BJ&J ENT. Artist and son, Maribased1. When I asked Mr. Benjamin, who is idle in the music industry? Mr. Benjamin replied Clarence Avant, the “Black Godfather” of the music industry, hoping to meet him personally one day.
Not to be outdone by his accomplished dad, Maribased1 has appeared on the B.E.T Jams platform already five times starting in 2019, with the single “Bouncing” and soon after “Scorn”2019, “Mystery Girl 2020, “The End”2020, “Xuicide” in 2021 as well. The collaboration featuring his dad for the song “Spend It’, gives this exciting artist on the rise his sixth appearance airing on B.E.T jams—a tremendous feat during a month when astonishing accomplishments of black men and women are celebrated. In addition, Maribased1 has had his music videos in rotation on national platforms such as Footlocker and streams on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify, to name a few. In addition, Maribased1 entered the iTunes U.S song chart, landing at #33 on November 10th, 2021, for his song “Spend It’ and received a plaque from BJ&J Ent; he has also charted on college radio charts under his father, Mr. Benjamin’s guidance.
This father and son duo will dominate the independent hip-hop/rap scene in Seattle, reminiscent of the legendary father-son duo, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., going down in the Seattle Rap game Hall of Fame together. They have cemented their name in the books and carved out their path to success, leaving a blueprint for aspiring artists.
What’s next for BJ&J ENT. Artist Maribased1? Mariotto-verse, you can join today. Stay tuned in and see what BJ&J ENT is; It is cooking up. Until then, you can find Maribased1 & BJ&J ENT., Mr. Benjamin on all social media platforms and music streaming sites @maribased1 @mrbenjamin2008 @BJJENT (FB). I’m excited that we have a new representative to represent Seattle locally and nationally, growing the independent hip-hop/rap scene and representing Seattle in a big way by keeping the town on the radar nationally. Congratulations everyone!
Written by Ms. Brandy Dawn, February 20th, 2022
ACCOLADES
Mayor’s Award - October 31st, 2001, from Seattle’s Paul Shell, “For promoting Northwest music and Northwest communities.”
Governor’s Award - October 8th, 2001, given by Gary Locke “For outstanding contributions to communities.
Proclamation - April 13th, 2001, presented by Ron Sims, King County Executive for the “Shack the Shack!” at the Seattle Public Library.
Seattle Weekly - Voted and Won 2003 Readers Choice award “Best Local Entertainer” Mr. Benjamin https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/2003-best-of-seattle-winners/
Seattle Times Newspaper Article – October 26th, 2003 “ Mr. Benjamin Goes With Flow” written by Tina Potter. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20031026&slug=soundoff26
West Coast Hip-Hop Awards - 2009, 2013 & 2015
Seattle Sound Music Award – 2015 “Hip Oscars/Rap” (Male)
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