From St. Louis, Missouri, Benji Kellz is one of the city’s most talented up-and-coming artists, standing out with an authentic feel, versatile style and music rooted in real-life experiences. His sound blends melodic pain rap with storytelling, giving listeners a closer look into the life behind the artist.
Benji’s story started with loss at a young age. He lost his mother on April 30, 2012, at just 11 years old. Growing up without his mother became one of the experiences that helped shape the person and artist he would eventually become.
As he got older, music became an important part of his life. Benji Kellz was originally known by that name before becoming one half of the widely known rap duo Benji Brothers, alongside his longtime friend and brother, Benji Bam. Together, they built a name around melodic records, pain-filled music and authentic storytelling.
Records such as “Crocodile Tears” and “Legendary,” along with the Acres of Diamonds EP, helped showcase Benji’s ability to turn his experiences into music people could connect with.
Then came another major chapter.
In 2018, Benji Kellz was shot 10 times, surviving an experience that could have ended his life. The following year, in 2019, he beat a shooting charge, continuing to navigate a difficult period in his life.
But one of the biggest losses Benji would ever experience was still ahead.
His close friend, longtime musical partner and brother, Benji Bam, was killed in a shooting following a car accident. His death changed Benji Kellz on a personal level and also changed the direction of his identity as an artist. Following the death of his brother, Benji changed his name back to his original name, Benji Kellz, carrying the name and memories with him into the next chapter of his life.
Benji would later face another difficult chapter when he was incarcerated again in 2023, serving 48 months on a weapons violation.
Even behind prison walls, the music never stopped.
During his incarceration, Benji’s jailhouse freestyles began making serious noise online. Multiple freestyles went viral and reached millions of views, inspiring other artists to create remixes and reach out for features. Despite being away from home, his music continued connecting with people and building momentum.
Now back home, Benji Kellz is focused on turning everything he has lived through into something bigger.
His music comes from a place that can’t be manufactured. The pain, the losses, the survival, the time away and the relationships that shaped him are all part of the story. You can hear the authenticity in his records because he’s speaking from experience.
Benji Kellz is entering a new chapter with a lot behind him and even more ahead of him.
His latest single, “My Brother’s Keeper,” featuring Long Beach star DW Flame, is currently available on all streaming platforms. The record represents more than just another release. It’s another piece of Benji’s story and a reminder of the people and experiences that continue to influence his music.
