Benny Blanco, American rapper and producer

Born Benjamin Joseph Levin on March 8, 1988, the music world knows him better as the powerhouse producer, songwriter, DJ, and record executive, Benny Blanco. While his professional moniker is often stylized in all lowercase, his impact on contemporary music has been anything but small, shaping the soundscapes for countless global hits across diverse genres.

Benny Blanco's extraordinary talent was formally recognized early in his career, an undeniable testament to his influence. In 2013, the Songwriters Hall of Fame bestowed upon him the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award, celebrating young songwriters already making a significant mark. His consistent excellence also earned him the BMI Songwriter of the Year award an impressive five times, and in 2017, he was honored as the iHeartRadio Producer of the Year, solidifying his status as a multifaceted hitmaker.

The Making of a Hitmaker: Early Career and Mentorship

Blanco's journey into the upper echelons of the music industry began under the crucial mentorship of acclaimed songwriter and producer Dr. Luke. This formative period saw Dr. Luke sign Blanco to his formidable production company, Kasz Money Productions, a move that would prove instrumental in launching Blanco's career. Under Dr. Luke's tutelage, Benny Blanco immersed himself in the craft, co-producing and co-writing a multitude of hit singles that dominated the charts in the late 2000s and well into the subsequent decade. This experience honed his unique ability to craft catchy melodies and innovative productions, laying the groundwork for his future independent success.

A Midas Touch: Producing and Songwriting Prowess

Benny Blanco possesses an almost unparalleled ability to create records that resonate globally, having contributed to the sale of an astonishing over 500 million albums worldwide. His extensive discography reads like a who's who of music industry giants, showcasing his incredible versatility and adaptability. Blanco has lent his distinctive touch to tracks for a staggering array of artists, including pop sensations like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Halsey, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Kesha, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Sia, The Weeknd, and Selena Gomez. Beyond pop, his work spans electronic music with Avicii, rock-infused pop with Adam Lambert, heartfelt pop with Charlie Puth, country with Keith Urban, and hip-hop/R&B with Tory Lanez, Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, J Balvin, and the late Juice Wrld. This expansive portfolio underscores not just his technical skill but his innate understanding of diverse musical landscapes and artist visions, making him one of the most sought-after collaborators in the business.

Stepping into the Spotlight: The Artist's Journey

While primarily known for his behind-the-scenes magic, Benny Blanco took a significant step into the foreground in July 2018, releasing his debut single as a lead artist. Titled "Eastside," this captivating collaboration with singer-songwriters Halsey and Khalid showcased a more personal, introspective side of Blanco's artistry. The track was an immediate sensation, climbing to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement was particularly notable as it marked Blanco's first top ten song credited as an artist, while simultaneously becoming his 27th top ten song as a writer—a testament to his consistent songwriting prowess, which already included seven number-one hits. "Eastside" was not just a domestic triumph; it became a global phenomenon, topping the charts in New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, and securing top ten positions in numerous other countries like Australia, Canada, Denmark, and Norway.

"Eastside" paved the way for more artistic endeavors, including further singles like "I Found You" with Calvin Harris, "Better to Lie" featuring Jesse and Swae Lee, and two poignant collaborations with Juice Wrld, "Roses" (which also featured Brendon Urie) and "Graduation." These tracks culminated in the release of his much-anticipated debut album later in 2018, aptly titled Friends Keep Secrets. The album, which captured his signature blend of emotional honesty and melodic craftsmanship, was later re-released as a deluxe version, Friends Keep Secrets 2, in March 2021, and impressively achieved RIAA platinum certification on its release day, cementing his success not just as a producer but as a recording artist in his own right.

Beyond the Studio: Record Executive and Label Founder

Benny Blanco's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his creative roles. He is also the visionary founder of two influential record labels: Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets. Both labels operate in collaboration with Interscope Records, a major player in the music industry. Through these ventures, Blanco actively nurtures new talent, providing a platform for emerging artists and further shaping the future sound of popular music. This role as a record executive demonstrates his commitment to the broader ecosystem of the music industry, solidifying his legacy as not just a hitmaker, but a true industry titan.

FAQs About Benny Blanco

Who is Benny Blanco?

Benny Blanco, whose birth name is Benjamin Joseph Levin, is an acclaimed American record producer, songwriter, DJ, and record executive. He is one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, known for crafting hit songs for a wide array of global superstars and for his own artistic releases.

When did Benny Blanco debut as an artist?

Benny Blanco made his debut as a lead artist in July 2018 with the critically and commercially successful single "Eastside," a collaboration with Halsey and Khalid.

What songs is Benny Blanco famous for?

As a producer and songwriter, Benny Blanco has contributed to hundreds of famous songs for artists like Ed Sheeran ("Castle on the Hill," "Perfect"), Justin Bieber ("Love Yourself"), Katy Perry ("Teenage Dream," "California Gurls"), Rihanna ("Diamonds"), Kesha ("Tik Tok"), and Maroon 5 ("Moves Like Jagger"). As an artist, he is best known for his debut hit "Eastside," as well as "I Found You" with Calvin Harris, and tracks like "Roses" and "Graduation" with Juice Wrld.

What awards has Benny Blanco won?

Benny Blanco is a highly decorated professional, having received the 2013 Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, five BMI Songwriter of the Year awards, and the 2017 iHeartRadio Producer of the Year award, among many others.

What record labels is Benny Blanco involved with?

Benny Blanco is the founder of two record labels, Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets, both of which operate in partnership with Interscope Records.