Although it may have been four years between his debut and his recently released debut album, Black Boys on the Radio: Part II, singer-songwriter Benjamin Carter has a longstanding relationship with music that he continually brings to all of his songs. Splitting his time between the US and the Cayman Islands growing up, the Tampa-born artist first encountered music through the church, where his father was a choir director.
While gospel music would leave its own impact on him, it was hip-hop that left a lasting impression on Carter and has since remained a realm he returns to time and time again. However, that’s not to say he limits himself to one sphere or corner of music. On Black Boys on the Radio: Part II, he disregards classifications in favor of pushing personal narratives through songs that combine genres in a seamless manner.
As the second part of a series that began with his 2022 EP, Carter expands his reach and glides from genre to genre without making the album sound disconnected on any measure. “m.m.s.l.g.g.g.h.,” an acronym for “Miss Me, Say Lеss, Get Gone, Go Home,” is an indie rock anthem made for the modern day. The track’s unbridled energy is punctuated by banshee screams during the pre-chorus, which is made even more frantic by the razor-sharp guitar and thundering drums.
His single “Sticks n’ Stones” is a vulnerable look into his psyche, showing off his singing and ability to craft a song equal parts radio-friendly and revealing in its songwriting. Carter details the struggle of being an independent artist miles and miles away from his family, making “Sticks n’ Stones” a shining example of how he always bares his soul for all to hear.
Carter goes into 2025 hot off the heels of his debut and a slew of other accomplishments to boost his name. Back in October, he performed at the Moroccan Lounge to celebrate the album’s release, which came as a full circle moment considering he used to be based in LA before moving to Brazil. But even then, he was gearing up for more music with “Mr. President,” originally titled “Mrs. President,” before being changed after the election results.
Benjamin Carter just kicked off on a U.S tour supporting The Wrecks. The tour will wrap in Los Angeles on May 31 with a show at The Wiltern
With singles to look forward to and the possibility of another part to the Black Boys on the Radio series coming in the near future, Carter’s steady upward trajectory is primed to take off sooner rather than later.
Words: David Sosa
Black Boys on the Radio: Part II by Benjamin Carter is out on streaming services. For more on new music and tour dates, follow him on Instagram.
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