Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Collotta.
Ben, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As long as I can remember, I have loved music. From the classic and southern rock that my father raised me on to the sounds of 90’s hip hop, music has been a vital part of my existence. I was introduced to hip-hop music at age 10, hearing the likes of Wu-Tang, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G among many others and I was instantly hooked. I began writing my own lyrics, doing my best to keep a rhythm while maintaining a rhyme scheme, I have always had a way with words and eventually earned a B.A in English. All throughout high school I would write rhymes in class and kick verses to my friends at lunch and after school. I began freestyling at parties and had a knack for being able to flow off the top of my head. People were amazed at my ability to flow and rhyme so casually on the fly and many of them encouraged me to take emceeing more seriously. I began going to different studios, trying to hone in on my craft and perfect my sound. The process of creating music became therapeutic for me, a means of escape from everyday life. I felt that if I could reach even one person with my message, then I had done what I set out to do.
I moved out to Los Angeles five years ago, mainly for change of scenery and to avoid Boston’s winters, but I knew that it was also a great place to be for music and entertainment. Shortly after arriving on the West Coast, a friend I met suggested I go to an audition he heard about. The production company was looking for rappers for a protein powder commercial. Out of 30 rappers, I was chosen alongside another guy for the lead role in the commercial. I got to write most of the lyrics and be featured In Ascent Proteins project which was surreal. I had no aspirations to act, but here I was using my musical ability to intertwine the industries. This experience really peaked my interest in acting so I started pursuing it, landing another role in Burger King commercial, becoming SAG eligible in the process. All the while, I was a school teacher, first working in an inner city High School and then in an elementary school in Santa Monica. I was a teacher in Boston so was able to transition into the education setting out here as well. I consider myself a jack of all trades, having work in numerous fields such as construction, sales, education and entertainment. Always having a hustlers mentality, I am not scared of the time and effort required to reach my goals. I know that anything is possible with the right mind state.
I have worked in several theatre productions, with a new one approaching and have done other exciting independent projects. I have performed my music all over Los Angeles and have been grinding to build a fan base in a city that I don’t call my own. I have shot several music videos while out in L.A. and hope to continue networking with other artists while building my brand.
I truly believe that I have a message to share with the world and I won’t stop pushing until I have been able to do so.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road thus far has been anything but smooth. Being an independent artist has many challenges, like trying to pay your bills and survive while continuously chasing your dream. It is difficult to work 10 hours a day and still be motivated to get into the studio late at night, knowing you have to be up for work early the next day. One of the biggest struggles in Los Angeles is the cost of living. Much of my money goes to paying bills and I don’t always have a budget for studio time, photoshoots, music videos, etc…I much rather be in the studio creating new sounds all day but I have to work a regular job in order to pay the bills. Catch 22. Another struggle I have faced is having the right people in my corner. Coming from an entirely different coast, I didn’t know anyone when I moved out here. Sure, I have made some good connections, but in a city like L.A., it is hard to decipher sometimes who is being genuine. I feel like if I had a solid team of like-minded individuals around me, I would be more motivated to work on my craft and chase my passions. I feel like a one man band sometimes and the only person I have for advice is the voice in my head. That can be dangerous.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a hip hop artist. I have a website which allows my audience to listen to all of my content, connect with me on social media and follow all the latest news regarding my performances, tours, etc.. I am proud of myself for building the brand that I have and distinguishing myself as a dope emcee. What sets me apart from others is my passion and dedication to my craft. I am constantly trying to grow as an artist and give my audience something different. I am a storyteller with raw lyrics and a deep message that is sure to make you listen over and over,
What were you like growing up?
I have always been the loudest one in the room. My parents have videos of me with a broom as a guitar, singing songs like a natural born rock star at an early age. I have always been goofy, a true jokester who loves making people laugh. Growing up, I played all sports, demonstrating a natural athletic ability. I have always been very easy going, going with the flow. I have never taken life too serious because I know any day could be your last.
Contact Info:
- Website: benjihiphop.com
- Phone: 617-794-2556
- Email: bencollotta@gmail.com
- Instagram: benjihiphop
- Facebook: facebook.com/benji_hiphop
- Twitter: @benji_hiphop
- Other: youtube.com/benjihiphop
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