Born Ian Benjamin Welch, Benji. hails from the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, where he grew up in a musically inclined family. Always surrounding himself with music, Benj. is a self-taught producer, artist and impassioned live performer — having once opened for the likes of Kid Cudi and Snoop Dogg. One of the most boldly original artists to break out of the Pittsburgh rap scene, Benji. brings pure energy and unlimited imagination to everything he creates. With his extraordinary musicianship—he plays drums, guitar, bass, keys, organ, and flute—the rapper/singer/songwriter/producer draws inspiration from soul and hip-hop and psych-rock and funk, molding those eclectic influences into a hyper-inventive but timeless sound. Recently featured on NPR’s “20 Artists To Watch In 2019” list, Benji. now makes his full-length debut with Smile, You’re Alive!, a project that reveals his rare power to transform even the most painful emotions into joyfully uplifting music.