Benny Banks

Benny Banks

Benny Banks is a UK rapper from Islington in North London. He starts writing and performing music after developing a stronger interest in music around the age of twenty, following a night out with friends, when his rapping first draws attention.

Early recognition and online exposure

His profile grows through appearances on UK urban platforms and radio. In 2010 he appears on 1Xtra’s Fire in the Booth with Charlie Sloth, and he also records a Warm Up Session for SBTV, which helps establish him more widely in the UK urban scene. He also works with Grime Daily, debuts on ZEETVD and UK Overstood, and starts his own YouTube channel in January 2011. His solo videos on YouTube pass 2 million views.

Collaborations and media coverage

Banks works with several other artists, including UK rapper Roxanne, rappers Joe Black and Squeeks, and singer Hipman Junky. His music is also requested on BBC Radio and Choice FM, and he gives interviews to MTV Wrap Up and RWD Magazine.

Mixtape and other work

In 2011 he releases the mixtape Patiently Waiting vol.1, which is made available to fans before his first single. The mixtape gains more than 25,000 downloads. Outside music, he teams up with designer Simon Parchment to create a clothing line called Benny Banks as part of Parchment’s B-Original range.

Style and themes

He describes his approach as individual rather than imitative. His music is presented as meaningful and relatable, and he says his daughter is a major source of motivation. He is also described as an unsigned artist in the UK urban scene.