Malcolm Benjamin, better known as Benji Stacks, isn’t your typical Washington DC rapper. In a genre often dominated by manufactured personas, Stacks brings something increasingly rare to the table: unfiltered authenticity.
“Every song I make, it’s like my life is on the line—like I’m not going to see tomorrow,” Stacks says, his voice carrying the weight of someone who’s seen both struggle and triumph. This isn’t just artistic hyperbole; it’s the foundation of his entire approach to music.
Rising from the streets of DC, Benji Stacks has transformed personal hardship into musical momentum. His recent mixtapes have garnered increasing attention, with one of his music videos surpassing 13,000 views. But numbers only tell part of the story. The real narrative lies in his growing presence across Maryland’s college circuit, with performances at Bowie State, Eastern Shore, Baltimore, and College Park that have helped build his grassroots following.
“When you read about me, I want people to know that my life wasn’t perfect,” Stacks reflects. “But it was something that will make you understand that you can have nothing and still make that nothing into the best version of yourself.” This philosophy permeates his latest project, “Hear Me Out,” a raw examination of survival and perseverance.
The path to his current success wasn’t laid out in gold. Inspired by his older brothers who were already in the rap game, Stacks found his voice through loss. “I have lost a few good people who wanted to see me shine,” he shares, “so I keep pushing.” It’s this combination of personal loss and familial inspiration that gives his music its distinctive emotional depth.
Survival—both literal and artistic—has been Stacks’ biggest challenge. In an industry where support often comes with strings attached, he’s chosen to maintain his independence, building his career brick by brick. “It don’t cost to support,” he emphasizes, speaking about the importance of genuine backing in an artist’s journey. “That need a little support to get to where we need to be.”
Looking ahead, Stacks’ ambitions extend far beyond personal success. “I see me moving my family out from their living situations,” he says, painting a picture of success measured not in platinum records, but in positive impact. His ultimate dream? “Being on tour, seeing everyone in the crowd hearing and singing my songs—that’s a crying moment to see, showing my pops I made something with my life.”
In a genre where authenticity is often preached but rarely practiced, Benji Stacks represents something different: a voice that speaks not just to the streets, but to anyone who’s ever fought to transform nothing into something. His message is clear—stay down, keep working, and your time will come.
For Benji Stacks, every verse is a testament to survival, every song a step closer to proving that with enough determination, nothing truly means nothing at all.
