BENJAMIN A.D unveils the third installment in a series of monthly singles, Escapism. It is the next slice of self-examining, poetic hip-hop akin to the likes of musical heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Ghostpoet, and which has earned Benjamin praise from The 405 and Clash, among others.
Following on from his last track, Mandatory Mantra, the South Londoner has once again collaborated with critically acclaimed Canadian producer Junia T, who worked with the artist on his previous releases Monster’s Ball and Come My Way, and who is best known for his work with Little Simz.
BENJAMIN AD once more brings his unique brand of rhythmic philosophy to his latest track Escapism, which he explains focuses on ‘…looking at things under a microscope rather than skimming in our busy lives’, perfectly hypothesizing on human weaknesses and mental health.
He beautifully pairs frenetic drum beats with melancholy jazz to tap into his thoughts on trying to escape reality by any means. As Benjamin reveals, ‘the track is just an elaboration on us all being escapists, some more than others but whatever your vice(s) is/are, from a TV show, to films, to video games, to drugs, booze, books, whatever…They’re all your escape from reality for whatever reason.’
Accompanying Escapism is a video directed by Jonathan Gilbert – the creative director behind Panomatics, the leading Virtual Tour supplier in the world. Shot in both South London & Koh Phangan, Thailand using drone cameras, Gilbert states that they were ‘inspired by Prodigy videos from our childhood and films like Project X’ to create the feeling that ‘wherever you look, Ben is struggling with his own thoughts’. Coupling bleak shots of Benjamin in turmoil in a London flat with lush panoramic footage of Thailand, it is a thought-provoking exploration of struggle and escape.
Having already garnered support from The Source and RWD to name but a few, the conscious hip-hopper looks set to impress again with his latest track. Perfecting his craft with each new release, it is his ability to consistently create emotionally charged, revelatory hip-hop that makes him a standout talent for 2016.
Go on, check out Escapism.
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