What We Learned: Jarren Benton’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ Session On Reddit
Jarren Benton
Manager: Damien RitterCompany: Funk Volume
The Road To The XXL 2014 Freshmen Cover: We brought Jarren on [to Funk Volume] in 2012, and right when he came on he had a project that was pretty much already done in Freebasing With Kevin Bacon. So when that cycle ended, he started working on My Grandma's Basement, and that was the first project he released under Funk Volume last year. But then we had a bunch of tours—Dizzy Wright had the Smokeout Conversations Tour, and then the Funk Volume 2012 Tour—so with what he was releasing and then getting him out on the road, he was able to start building his own fan base. So that's how the initial momentum started.
And then with the release of his album and his own visuals under Funk Volume, it just got tighter and the vision got bigger. So eventually it caught the wind of you guys, and you guys were able to nominate him. And once the nomination and the votes get started, we have a pretty nice platform, and the fans are very supportive of the things that we do. So when it comes to voting and voting artists, our fans are super supportive, and they just stepped up to the plate and made it happen. The strategy is to let [the fans] all know through all the different touch points that we have. With the way things are these days, you have so many different platforms to touch fans—Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and all the guys have those—so when we're trying to get a message out, we make sure everybody knows and create a lot of momentum and energy. It's not a very complex strategy, it's just firing from all cylinders.
I think [what sets Funk Volume apart] is that we're a pretty tight-knit bunch, and we communicate relatively well. We've really taken advantage of that to build every project. I mean, it serves every artist well—whether we're trying to get votes or trying to push a project—it's just beneficial for everybody, when it's their turn to get exposure or to push a project, they get everybody supporting them. So it's just in everybody's best interests to be supportive so that the whole team can move forward and the momentum overall can get bigger.
I always tell the guys that it's constantly building on small wins. I look at everything as a small win; I try not to let my highs get me too high or my lows get me too low, you just keep moving. We build on every success that we have, so looking forward it's like, let's take this—let's not rest or lean on it—let's see how we can build on it to make whatever is in front of us bigger than the last thing that we did. —As told to Dan Rys
Next up on XXL Freshmen 2014 invasion of Reddit’s Ask Me Anything Session is Jarren Benton. Benton answered fans questions about Funk Volume, his album and his appreciation for FV fans.
Check out some selected Q&A’s from the AMA session.
Who do you think is the best, most talented rapper in Funk Volume? And what is it like working with them?
Me. And it's a pleasure
Hey Jarren, Freebasing is one of my favourite Mixtapes of all time, is your next release going to be another album or a Mixtapes? I saw you with Hopsin in Birmingham (UK) at the end of 2012 and you have one of the best live performances I have ever seen. Do you plan on coming to the UK again anytime soon? Also, do you have any plans for a solo tour?
Full album. Working on getting back to the UK soon. And yes after the album is done
Since XXL has allowed for fans to vote in a Freshman Funk Volume has taken the spot each year. What do you think is special about FV or their fans that makes them so dedicated?
Its y'all, the fans. You all ride for us real hard, I really owe a lot to of all of you
What artists/bands do you listen to that aren't hip hop? What is your favorite type of cereal?
1) Arcade Fire, David Bowie, Radiohead, Prince
2) Great question! Trix
Jarren! Love your music bro! I gotta ask, who do you think Funk Volume should add to the label next?
Kreayshawn
Did you know amazon doesn't have Skitzo on freebasing with Kevin Bacon? I only got that off of datpiff.
Yeah, unfortunately I don't even own the fucking rights to Skitzo. Whoops
This is more a question towards FV as a whole or Hopsin. On multiple occasions Hopsin has made fun of Tyler, The Creator. I was wanting to know if it is all just fun and games or is there any true dislike in FV towards Tyler? P.S. Thank you for doing the AMA, Rappers always make the best ones!
No dislike, it's all bullshit. I'd actually like to work with Tyler
What was the hardest part about getting to be where you are right now?
Trying to maintain consistency during all the bullshit life throws your way
What drugs haven't you done?
Crack, heroin, meth
How was your experience touring with Rittz? Also, does Rittz drink as much Crown as he says he does in his songs?
Rittz is the homie, thats family and yes, absolutely. he drinks a shitton of crown. its not bullshit
I've always wondered what's up with the coon hat?
Homage to 80s hip hop styles
Hey Jarren, Sativa or Indica?
Sativa
Man I met you in Baton Rouge with my wife and didn't really listen to you before that but now I'm a huge fan. Stage show was amazing!!! So my question is how was your life before all this? What job did you do? And man again bad ass stage show!!!
Pest control, dental assistant, euthanasia expert
Any artists you really want to work with?
Action Bronson, Kelly Clarkson
Hey Jarren,
Im here to ask the real questions.
1) Peaches or plums?
2) What is your middle name?
3) Chocolate milk or strawberry milk?
Thank you!
1) Peaches 2) Giovanni 3) Chocolate
What is your favorite song that you have made? And where do you think you'd be without funk volume?
On Def Jam, rich beyond my wildest dreams
Who do you hang out with the most in funk volume outside of rapping?
Dizzy& hoppa probably
Why is Kato always such a bitch?
It's in his bitch nature
Who would win a fight... The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers or Godzilla?
Power Rangers
If you could collaborate with any artist/band outside of the hip-hop genre who would it be?
Thom Yorke, David Bowie, Prince and Brett Favre
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