Benjiman Returns With A New S.k.r.i.p.t.

Oct. 6, 2009 - PRLog -- Veteran rapper Benjiman releases his sophomore CD, S.K.R.I.P.T. (Spreading Kingdom Realities In Perilous Times), today on Save the City Records.

Produced by Brandon Bee (Amber Pacific, Jaime Jamgochian, Stacie Orrico) and featuring collaborations with Sparrow Records recording artist Shawn McDonald and indie artist Paul Wright (formerly of Gotee Records), S.K.R.I.P.T. is already garnering favorable reviews.

"This is a very tight and professional release, with a nice contrast between heavy, rock-oriented rap and smooth, soulful hip-hop," says Christian music website JesusFreakHideout.com. "Benjiman...is putting out music that can compete with the best, and it's great to have him back."

Although there's no denying that Benjiman easily falls into the "rap" category, elements of his music take it beyond that simple classification. Building on an R&B foundation, he adds in "rapcore" elements, creating an extraordinary fusion of R&B, rap and rock. Throughout the project, Benjiman sprinkles captivating tales about ordinary people he has encountered. In the leadoff single, "Back Home," co-written and produced by Wright and mixed by Jeff Frankenstein of the Newsboys, Benjiman compares human suffering to the suffering of Christ as he tells a story about a man who has lost his job. In "Stones" (featuring vocals from special guest McDonald), he sets a vision of how God works in our everyday lives against a backdrop of funk and folk music. Producer Brandon Bee brings his guitar virtuosity to the project, turning the blowtorch up on "Our Spot" and "Smokescreen," and R&B/Gospel drummer Sam Mathews (Bryan Duncan) adds a fresh funky feel on "Stones" and "System." To top it all off, legendary mastering engineer Steve Hall ("American Idol," Madonna, Earth Wind & Fire), gives the project a world-class sheen.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Benjiman was inspired by Christian rock pioneers Petra and dcTalk. He found a passion for reaching people through music and began his career performing around his small hometown of Lacomb, Ore. One day he received a call to rap for a little-known band named Callbox, who later changed their name to Kutless. On that group's first album, Benjiman rapped on a song called "Pride Away," which led to further collaborations with Kutless and Falling Up. Eventually, he signed a recording contract with BEC Recordings in 2004 and his first solo release, Activate, climbed the charts with the Top 10 hit single, "Trace of Love" and the Top 20 hit, "Activate." That project paved the way for several nationwide tours and a myriad of festival performances.

Now a familiar face at big festivals nationwide such as Creation, Spirit West Coast and Joshuafest, Benjiman says he feels called to reach out to the churched and the unchurched. "Rap is a universal language that opens doors to many audiences," he says. "My ministry is to reach kids who no one else will talk to. After my live appearances, I often end up talking to kids with troubled pasts; they gravitate toward me. I'm able to show them that they are not alone and that the Lord loves them. I have met with kids who were going through serious trouble. Somehow they came to one of my concerts, and God ministered to them through the lyrics."

Benjiman's S.K.R.I.P.T. is available on Save the City Records, a division of Rain On Me Productions, LLC, and distributed through Bema Direct Distribution. For more information on Benjiman and his new album, S.K.R.I.P.T., visit savethecityrecords.com or myspace.com/benjimanactivate.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact:

McCain & Co. Public Relations
email: mccainprnews@mccainpr.com
phone: 615-262-1727