NorthSideBenji

A Canadian rapper and musician, NorthsideBenji is known for his mellow, darkly futuristic brand of hip-hop. Benji broke through to wider recognition with his 2019 track "Levels" featuring the late Toronto rapper Houdini. The song was included on his debut EP Caviar Dreams, which was followed the same year by the Frienemy EP. All of this paved the way for NorthsideBenji's 2021 full-length, The Extravagant Collection.

Born Jaiden Watson in 1998, Benji grew up in Brampton, Ontario and started rapping and writing his own freestyle songs in his teens. He began posting tracks online around 2016 and eventually signed with the independent Music 4 Life, issuing the 2017 track "Confessions." In 2019, he released the single "Levels" featuring fellow Canadian rapper and longtime friend Dimarjio Jenkins (aka Houdini). The song caught on, eventually achieving gold certification status. Both "Levels" and "Confessions" were included on Benji's debut EP, Caviar Dreams, which found him working with producers BricksDaMane, Tahj Money, and others. A second EP, Frienemy, arrived in September 2019, as did several supporting singles including "Secret" with Neena Rose and "Too Soft" with Houdini. He also appeared alongside British rapper Nine's track "Don't Change" in 2020. Tragically, Houdini was shot and killed in May 2020 while walking in downtown Toronto. The following year, Benji released his full-length debut album, The Extravagant Collection, which he dedicated to Houdini. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi