But before Benjamin could mutate into an overly aggressive rap icon, he embarked on a different journey, one that would have him searching for the perfect tweed in London’s fashion district. Frequent trips to London find him trawling Portobello market for vintage tweed, cords and old shoes. After recently being announced Designer of the Year by GQ magazine, Benjamin readies himself for a career after music.
EBM: You’re regarded by many of your peers as one of the best rappers alive. How do you respond to such a compliment?
Andre Benjamin: Humbly, though honestly I don’t get into those labels. I mean, I appreciate the recognition, but for me it’s more about the passion than anything else. I enjoy being creative.
EBM: Who are your favorite M.C.’s?
Andre Benjamin: UGK, Mos Def, Common, Jay, the list goes on. There are a number of underground cats that I’m digging also, but for the most part I’m listening to a wide range of music that would be considered eclectic by the so called “critics.”
EBM: Is that why we don’t hear you on many tracks or featured on other artist albums as much, is it because the excitement in hip-hop has changed?
Andre Benjamin: No, that’s not it. In any form of music you have high-low moments and hip hop is no different. I’m speaking purely from a creative standpoint; I have to be moved by the experience. Sometimes you can hear too much of something and it grows old. For me it’s more about the quality of the material than it is quantity. Music comes to me naturally. It’s not something I can force; therefore it seems to be a delay as to when I put out new music, but in actuality I’m always creating.
EBM: It’s widely reported that you’re back in the studio working on new material for a 2009 release. What can we expect?
Andre Benjamin: Yeah, Big Boi and I are working on solo projects then we’ll do an Outkast album shortly thereafter. I’m not sure of the direction of our albums just yet, but it’s all coming together quite nicely.
EBM: John Singleton gave you a huge compliment; “he said as good of a rapper as you are, you’ll be an even better actor.” How did you come to know him?
Andre Benjamin: He pinned me for the movie Four Brothers and he made the experience so comfortable that I have to credit him with me getting the acting bug. And although he’s really demanding on set, you quickly realize its all in his pursuit of the perfect film. He’s a talented artist and his ability to capture the moment is unique.
EBM: With the number of film projects you have coming up, some are fearful that you may leave music for good?
Andre Benjamin: Music is a big part of me, and nothing can replace it, and as far as movies go I’m just expanding my creative side. But I will always be doing music or involved in it some way.
EBM: Your style is so original, so much so that it pushes fashion to brazen new heights. Is that the motivation behind your new clothing line?
Andre Benjamin: Benjamin Bixby is a response to the stagnation of what is considered urban wear. I don’t like the idea of being boxed in and told what is cool and what isn’t. My style embodies a number of influences, from Cary Grant to Beau Brummell. We really took our time with the designs and detail of each item; each stitch was counted and made for the perfect fit. I became a student of fashion, and took the time to learn fashion at length. ……I think it’s a great look for gentlemen.
EBM: You’re much more subdued than one would expect, considering your stage persona. Do you do that intentionally?
Andre Benjamin: That’s just who I am, but then there’s this other side of me that comes out on stage, my alter ego I guess. When I’m performing I’m unleashing this kid in me that is able to express himself freely through music and to some extent clothing, which has also been a part of my expression.
EBM: So where can we find your (Benjamin Bixby) line?
Andre Benjamin: Harrods, Online, and other major stores. We’ve made it rightly accessible to the public. And I think they will be pleased with the quality.
EBM: Thank you for your time.
