Benny Blanco: Multifaceted Music Producer and His Must-Have Cookbook

My dear friend Minda from our sister station The Bounce brought up super producer Benny Blanco, asking what I thought about him dating Selena Gomez. Honestly, I had no clue about the relationship and was struggling to remember who Benny Blanco was. So, I did my research, and guess what? His Open Wide cookbook is now on my must-have list. I mean, his cooking videos on social media are gold, and the book comes with a playlist. Playlists matter, especially when you're reading or cooking!

Let's dive into the rabbit hole of Benny Blanco's life—no joke, this guy's fascinating! Born Benjamin Joseph Levin on March 8, 1988, he's a major force in the music industry, especially in Hip Hop. Blanco's rise to fame started with his talent for mixing unique sounds and creating chart-topping hits. He’s behind some of the biggest tracks, writing and producing bangers for Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, and Rihanna. For Hip Hop fans, Blanco's influence is huge. He co-wrote and produced the massive hit "Diamonds" for Rihanna and has made several tracks that define the genre.

Blanco isn't just a whiz in the studio; he's also ventured into solo artistry, dropping songs that flaunt his all-around talent. Collaborations with artists like Halsey and Khalid on tracks such as "Eastside" have not only topped charts but also solidified his rep as a versatile producer and artist. Hip Hop culture lovers know Blanco's knack for blending genres and creating memorable beats makes him someone to watch.

But it's not just about his talent. Blanco's personality and interests make him even more intriguing. From his love for cooking to his tight-knit friendships with Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, he adds a unique flavor to the music scene. His cookbook Open Wide isn’t just about recipes; it gives us a peek into his life, especially with that cool playlist. It shows how music and his creative process are deeply intertwined.

In so many ways, Benny Blanco embodies Hip Hop—always evolving, pushing limits, and blending different elements to create something amazing. As he keeps dominating the music world with his hits and collabs, we can expect more exciting stuff from this talented and charming producer. But what’s really admirable about Benny is his humble nature and genuine passion. He’s not in it for fame; he just loves creating and sharing his talent. That’s a lesson we can all take to heart.

Benny's culinary adventures, especially his Open Wide cookbook, highlight his varied interests and skills, showing there's more to him than music. Including a playlist in his cookbook shows his belief in the perfect mix of good food and good tunes, something many of us music lovers can relate to. In sum, Benny Blanco isn't just another name in the industry; he's a multifaceted creator shaping the music scene. And now, I totally get how he charmed Selena Gomez. It takes talent, passion, and a great playlist to win hearts. Benny Blanco's got it all. So here's to you, Benny: keep making awesome music, whipping up tasty meals, and inspiring us with your creativity.

I was blessed with a magical experience this year at Dreamville when I had the pleasure of meeting my favorite artist Rapsody. Although the title of her latest project, "Please Don't Cry," seems like it was meant for me, she had planned this release long before our paths crossed. Nonetheless, the title felt incredibly fitting as I had to hold back tears. I even cried the first time I listened to her "Eve" album. Rapsody is more than a rapper; she embodies the true artistry of hip hop.

Meeting Rapsody, born Marlanna Evans, you'd never expect such a modest, soulful, petite woman to create such monumental art Like "Please Don't Cry." Her work is profound and will likely be celebrated long after both of us have left this world. Yet, this year, I boldly accused my shero of "breadcrumbing" her fans. Audacious, indeed. But she understands that we crave a complete body of work to fully immerse ourselves in.

Rapsody didn't disapoint with "Please Don't Cry" and I am grateful that she dropped it on Friday because I needed a weekend minimum to sit with her music. I had to take a couple of longs drives with with. I needed to play some tracks on repeat late night in the car during those me and God moments. I'm currently reading the autobiogrphy of a Yogi and I fee like Ms. Evans gave me the soundtrack.

This album showcases Rapsody embracing her identity as an artist, a woman, and a beautifully flawed human being. There's depth, beauty, and moments of spiritual introspection. Rapsody never disappoints, and I had to share a few of my favorite tracks with you,  my luvs!