For Fans Of: Little Simz, Wiley, Loyle Carner
Using his ADHD and anxiety to fuel his fire, London rapper Benny Mails is full of restless creativity that has captivated the very best UK tastemakers.
He was brought up in the midst of London’s grime scene while also discovering his family’s funk and jazz records, yet Mails’ early experiences of playing live weren’t that of a typical MC. He performed contemporary dance from a young age, with surreal teenage encounters with the likes of breakdance legend Crazy Legs of Zulu Nation. It turned out to be a transferable skill as his flawless rhythm and groove is just as prominent in his hip hop beats.
Since his breakout track ‘I Blocked My Dealer’ and Aware, The Mixtape. in 2017 and subsequent singles ‘Buried Alive’ and ‘BEDLUCK’, Benny has appeared in music campaigns for brands including Adidas and Champion and received widespread support from key tastemakers such as i-D, Wonderland, DIY, The Line of Best Fit and more. With fans on the airwaves too in 1Xtra, Radio 1 and 6Music’s DJ Target, Huw Stephens, Phil Taggart and Mary Anne Hobbs plus Beats 1’s Charlie Sloth, Julie Adenuga and Lily Mercer, he’s a firm one to watch this year.
A true creative, since his return earlier this year with the energetic ‘Marathon’, the wavy and anthemic ‘These Days ft. Kasien’ and emotive, social pertinent ‘Too Many’ – which also featured on the Rinse FM playlist. Last month, he released his most potent single to date: ‘High On Stress’, which premiered on 1Xtra on 19th September by DJ Target. Along with it, he announced the release date for the highly anticipated forthcoming mixtape Malice out 18th October (tomorrow).
Speaking on the single, he says “‘High On Stress’ is the tipping point for breaking out of the anxious mindset. It’s my daily affirmation living in the city – the cold sense of clarity you get moving past all the envy, frustration and malice involved.”
Not only has Mails been tearing up the airwaves, but he’s also been all over the UK live rap scene. After a road-block sold out date at Bermondsey Social Club late last year, he’s also supported Loyle Carner, Yellow Days, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon and Princess Nokia, and has just opened for breakthrough British group Easy Life.
Facebook – /BennyMails
Twitter – @BENNYMAILS