El Benzo talks of emotional luggage on new single
US-based dancehall rapper El Benzo is using his latest single, Travel With Pain, to encourage people to practise self-care, to better manage the internal trauma and pain he believes everyone carries around like designer luggage.
“All of us travel with pain, downloaded in our cells from previous generations from our ancestors, our parents. We all have baggage and this luggage, Gucci or otherwise, affects our future decisions and, ultimately, our happiness. We have to learn how to navigate the world and travel with this pain,” he said. The single was released in May, and he posted the song to his Instagram page.
“I didn’t even know that this song would resonate with so many people. As human beings, we all share that common experience, pain,” he said.
Born in the US, El Benzo grew up in New Jersey. He returned to Jamaica during summer holidays and fell in love with the island’s vibrant music and culture. After graduating high school, he attended trade school, where he studied business management and entrepreneurship. However, music remained his first love.
“Music was always a talent for me since I was a kid. Everybody around me always noticed it and encouraged it, so I couldn’t stray away from music, even if I tried,” he said.
Fresh out of high school, he started out with a group, experimenting with music and releasing singles for fun. He was influenced by rappers Young Dolph and Lil Wayne, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, and roots rock legend Beres Hammond. El Benzo has now dedicated his life to his craft.
“My future plans are to never stop. Every day I’m thinking of ways to become a better artiste and embrace my purpose. My EP is definitely in the works,” he said.