Back in February, Ben dropped “Life Again” via Tribeca Records, featuring Queens heavy-hitters Pelle and H. It’s raw, gritty, and drenched in that classic New York hip‑hop vibe—think Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas, Wu‑Tang, Mobb Deep—but with a gut-punch of vulnerability and personal reinvention.
Fast forward a few months, and that track scored itself a Song of the Year – Hip Hop nomination at the 2025 Josie Music Awards—one of the biggest independent music ceremonies out there.
This isn’t just a nod—it’s validation. The Josie Awards have serious indie cred, honoring artists across genres—from vocalists to songwriters, albums to music videos—with a panel of industry pros deciding it all. Having “Life Again” in that mix? Huge.
What’s in the musical pipeline?
If you thought “Life Again” was the big play, hang on—Ben just unleashed a new single: “Take Me Down to the Water.” It’s cinematic, moody, and comes off like the soundtrack to your own late-night city drive. Edgy, atmospheric, and definitely not your average rap drop.
And that’s not the end of it—he’s also prepping a full-length project titled 1986, which sounds like it’s gonna lean into darker, textured production. This dude isn’t playing around.
So, why should you care?
Because while everyone else is chasing trends or TikTok moments, Ben’s playing the long game. His music isn’t disposable—it’s grounded in a deeply personal space, coming from battles with anxiety and depression, Philly roots in Queens, and a balancing act between ruling a home inspection biz and chasing a rap dream.
That nomination? It’s more than a feather in his cap—it’s confirmation that independent artists can still carve out space, speak their truth, and get heard on a big stage.
Album Incoming
1986 is brewing—which might be the move that cements his next-level status.
Why It All Matters
Queens-born, healing through music, hustling a business during the day—Ben’s story is not some empty flex. It’s real. It’s gritty. It’s hopeful.
So yeah—it’s easy to play safe in music; Ben Bacardi? He’s doing the opposite. Independent, unapologetic, and utterly compelling.