Urban Vault caught up with Newark, New Jersey-based emcee Beneficence to ask him some questions about his highly anticipated new album STELLAR MIND, & more…

After dropping two serious bangers with Keith Murray ‘Illest Mic Pros‘ and Masta Ace & Phantasm ‘My Way‘. ‘Jerz To The Jugular’ featuring El Da Sensei & DJ Kaos (of The Artifacts) is the third single/visual by Beneficence & Confidence taken off their highly anticipated new album ‘Stellar Mind’.

Ill Adrenaline Records co-founder and Brick City native Beneficence drops his seventh album entitled ‘Stellar Mind‘, entirely produced by longtime collaborator and Boston producer Confidence (of Rashad & Confidence). ‘Stellar Mind’ is the follow up to Benef’s underground smash hit album ‘Basement Chemistry’ (2016) that included an array of bangers with high caliber guest appearances by Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Ace, MC Eiht, and many more.

What is your name?

Beneficence

Where are you from?

Newark, New Jersey

Tell us about your highly anticipated new album ‘Stellar Mind’?

‘Stellar Mind’ is an album of high caliber rhyming and beats produced by a single producer named Confidence out of Boston. It’s 16 tracks of boom-bap, samples, concepts, inspiring street lyrics, and thought-provoking anthems that move the soul.

The entire album is produced by Confidence. How did you link up with him?

I linked up with Confidence from my partner and label co-owner Benny. We released Confidence and Rashad’s album in 2011, then Confidence produced a few joints on my Concrete Soul album in 2012 and my Basement Chemistry album in 2016. We’ve discussed working on an album together and finally found time to do it.

How would you describe Conf’s production style?

Confidence’s style is sample-based and jazzy. He uses heavy drums and it’s always soulful and street. I don’t
feel out of my element over his tracks. My voice and cadence is serious and intense. Conf’s beats are a good
fit.

What’s the main difference between working with just one producer on an album compared to have an arsenal of different beatmakers behind the boards?

I think having one producer pushes the emcee and producer to come up with something dope. I think the producer’s job is more challenging because most beatmakers can come up with one fire beat. But to make a full album and keep the consistency is a tough job. A single-produced album is very special. I’ve always paid closer attention to those kinds of albums. A producer can take their time and deliver some quality gems. It took you 4 years to finish the album. Tell us about the production process. We really took our time to get these songs right. I don’t rush songs. I meditate to the beats first then think of concepts I think would sound dope for an album. Also, I took some time off for the birth of my son in between my last album and this one. We shot videos during the recording process. I also wrote a memoir which drops May 07th called Concrete Soul: The Memoir & Making of Ill Adrenaline Records. Linking up with the guest features can take time also. Like most labels, there are other releases the are slated to drop first so we had a specific time that we wanted everything to drop.

The video singles released so far feature Masta Ace, Keith Murray, and Phantasm of the Cella Dwellas,
will there be even more features on the project?

Yeah, The third single and video features my homies El Da Sensei & DJ Kaos (Rip) of Aritifacts. The other features include Ras Kass, Masta Ace, AG (D.I.T.C), Keith Murray, Phantasm (Cella Dwellas), Craig G, Lord Tariq, Ali Vegas, Chubb Rock, Wordsworth, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Melinda Camille, Truth Enola, and Queen Herawin (of Juggaknots). I wanted to create something special that I think hip-hop fans would appreciate.

‘Stellar Mind’ will not only be available through digital platforms but also on CD and double vinyl.
How important is a physical release for you in 2021?

Through the years physical releases have continued to climb into heavy demand again especially
with vinyl lovers. The sound is so unique and captures the essence of hip-hop. Also this 2LP
comes with an insert of credits and photos with all of the details about the album. Music lovers love
to learn more about the records they love while reading the credits.

As the co-founder of Ill Adrenaline Records let me know about the label and why you started your own record company?

As a teenager I spent a lot of time at an independent label called Big House records in Newark, NJ, I learned the ins and outs in the early 90’s and always had a love for the independent route. I’ve dropped 2 singles on vinyl and 3 albums on CD before I started Ill Adrenaline records with my partner Benny in 2010. Since then we’ve dropped 54 dope releases and have support worldwide. We just wanted to carry the tradition of the artists and labels that we grew up tuning into. It’s more rewarding when you’ve worked your way up independently from start to finish on a project.

What inspires you when you make your music?

I’m inspired by growing up in New Jersey, I’m inspired by living a productive life. I get inspired by old-school rappers that I grew up listening to like T-La Rock, and Spoonie G. I’m inspired by the Rakim’s, Black Thoughts, and Commons of the game. I try to make music that’s going to out-live me. I’m spired by street dudes that I grew up with as well as intellectuals who I’ve studied. I’m inspired by the injustices that I’ve lived through, witnessed, and watch on tv. Everything helps to shape my writing. I want to inspire people to move to action.

What do you do when you’re not making music?

I’m just spending time with family, I still soak up wisdom from my parents. I’m usually exercising and reading as much as possible. I watch a ton of biographies and documentaries. With this pandemic, I’ve just been trying to stay as healthy as possible physically and mentally.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

I think Urban Vault is a platform that gives artists who are not mainstream a place to shine and connect with people who may not be familiar with them.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

Beneficence & Confidence – Stellar Mind via iTunes/Spotify

Purchase ‘Stellar Mind’ on CD/2LP HERE

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