From playing local hot spots like Lola’s Saloon and the Granada Theater circa 2009, to beating alcohol addiction, Fort Worth hip-hopper Benny Smoke is back with a forthcoming EP and new single.
With “Wobble,” the 38-year-old tackles troubled times and real-life issues via a heavy old-school ’90s beat.
“ ‘Wobble’ is an anthem for those who want change in the world, away from those who ruin our environment and only seek to make this world habitable for them and their rich friends,” Smoke said. “With ‘Wobble,’ it’s something that gives back to the whole culture of hip-hop.”
Smoke grew up on the South Side surrounded by drug dealers, gangs, graffiti, and other aspiring rappers. By harking back to his influential past life on his new single, Smoke intends to motivate rather than denigrate: “Aim and pull, watch the world collide in two / Ride the wave that has swallowed away the view / Plug it in, see the visions coming true / Last transmission / Replace what is human under skin / Seek faith, there is nothing else to give / Sacrifice / You and I, we never win / Who are we kiddin’?”
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Smoke at his home studio and produced by Rice Master Yen from Germany, “Wobble,” Smoke said, was done all on his phone, giving the track a raw energy and vibe.
Art by Benny Smoke
Smoke’s yet-unnamed debut album should be out soon. After releasing nine singles and four EPs over the past couple of years, Smoke said, “I’m putting out beats [that other artists sample] and pushing my material, being able to do a concept album for the hip-hop culture and cannabis culture and working on how I rap now. The album is rattling around. I’m feeling good about it.”
Inspired by Erykah Badu, Wiz Khalifa, and Larry June, among others, Smoke is proud to inspire others with the same energy that influenced him as a young man. “When I perform, it feels good, and I see people respond to my stories. That gives them hope, and it catches a vibe, and knowing that something that has always influenced me as a kid that influences other people to do something that drives them — that’s all I do it for.”
All proceeds for Smoke’s upcoming show at Haltom Theater will go toward the family of Derek Jones, a close friend who recently took his own life.
Haunted Haltom Bash
7pm Fri, Oct 30, w/Benny Smoke, DJ Nox, Terry Johnson, Wreckless Harmony, Slug Dlo, and more at Haltom Theater, 5601 E Belknap St, Haltom City. $10.38. 682-250-567.
