News: Jarren Benton Named XXL Fan-Favorite Freshman for Class of 2014

Funk Volume is the Only Record Label to Have Artists Selected as Freshmen for Three Consecutive Years in the History of XXL’s Freshmen List

04.5.2014

Critical Praise for Jarren Benton:

“Benton has an extraordinarily nimble flow and sense of rhythm.” – HipHopDX

“…already creating his own lane and plans to turn a lot of heads.” – XXL

“As [My Grandmas Basement] unfolds, one thing becomes clear: [Jarren Benton] can handle himself just fine.” – Creative Loafing, 4/5 review

News:

Joining his labelmates Hopsin (Class of 2012,) Dizzy Wright (Class of 2013,) is Funk Volume‘s Atlanta/Decatur-based rapper Jarren Benton, making him the third XXL Freshmen from their roster and making Funk Volume the only label to have an artist named for three consecutive years. Even more impressive is the size of the label: Funk Volume has only four rappers, the fourth being SwizZz who has been quietly working on solo material for the past two years.

After releasing two successful mixtapes, Freebasing with Kevin Bacon and Huffin’ Glue with Hasselhoff, a debut album, My Grandmas Basement, and a video that is fast-approaching 2 million views on YouTube, Jarren knows that the best way to people into believers is by touring. No stranger to touring, Jarren spends a lot of his energy connecting directly with fans by continuously hitting the road. Last year alone, Jarren toured for almost 40 dates with Rittz on the Life & Times Tour, toured Australia with Hopsin for one week, and spearheaded his first headlining tour, a 2o-date run named after his debut album, which debuted at #4 on the iTunes Hip-Hop Charts and #4 on Billboard Magazine’s Heatseekers Album chart.

The son of an indie record store manager, Jarren grew up studying the anything-goes showmanship of Prince, Marilyn Manson and Method Man and believes, “The essence of giving of a good show is not givin’ a fuck,” he says, while pointing to stage-diving, beer-chugging and more depending on the night’s particular vibe. This type of authenticity, balanced with intricate, golden ear-informed lyricism attracted attention from Erick Sermon (EPMD, Redman) to No I.D. (Common, Kanye West) in courting Jarren to potential major label deals over the course of his career. Funk Volume offered what Def Jam and the others weren’t and the decision to sign with the powerhouse indie label has paid off.

Says Jarren about being the People’s Choice winner for 2014, “After a lot of trials and tribulations, this honor shows the dedication, determination, and prayer I kept.” Continuing with a laugh he says, “Thank God I didn’t off myself whenI wanted to. Being on the cover is a huge blessing. I’ve still got a long ways to go.”

Jarren is currently working on his next project and is on a 70-date tour with Tech N9ne and Freddie Gibbs. Tickets available here: http://myfunkvolume.com/artist/jarren-benton/

Watch Jarren’s lastest video “Gimmie The Loot” video here: http://youtu.be/4RQtj1MK-Fw

Stream Jarren’s latest album, My Grandmas Basement here.

Read interviews with Funk Volume’s Co-Founder Damien Ritter on Hypebot, HuffingtonPost, HipHopDX, and the LA Weekly

Purchase stream or download of Funk Volume’s documentary, Independent Living here

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Jarren Benton or getting a promo code to view the documentary.

Jarren Benton Background:

For an artist with serious mainstream aspirations, Decatur, Georgia’s Jarren Benton has spent his career going against the grain. One of Funk Volume’s premiere acts, Jarren admits, “I love the music I do now. I do it in the safe-mode.” That’s rather shocking for an artist whose last album, Freebasing With Kevin Bacon lived up to its name, at least in attitude and style, evident on single “Skitzo.” He continues, “I want to take it a lil’ further. I just haven’t had the balls to go all the way there yet, ‘cause I presently want to keep a foot in the mainstream too.” After two successful digital releases and a video with over one million YouTube plays, Jarren is currently promoting his Funk Volume debut album, My Grandmas Basement, which debuted at #4 on the iTunes Hip Hop Chart. In 2013, Jarren went on the My Grandma’s Basement Tour, his first ever headline U.S. tour and joined Rittz on his The Life And Times Tour. Benton is currently on tour with Tech N9ne on his Independent Grind Tour and was recently named a XXL Magazine Freshmen for 2014.

Funk Volume Background:

Funk Volume is a Los Angeles-based record label, marketing, and production company that been cited as a leader among independent rap labels with nearly 60 million YouTube views, over 400,000 Facebook likes, consistent Top 10 chart placements on Billboard and iTunes and high profile write-ups in media outlets such as Hypebot, Billboard, Huffington Post, SPIN, LA Weekly, and many more. Founded in 2008 by internationally recognized rap artist Hopsin and Stanford MBA grad Damien “Dame” Ritter, the label was created with one thing in mind: protecting the integrity of the artist’s vision. Currently home to rappers Hopsin, SwizZz, Dizzy Wright, and Jarren Benton and more recently, DJ’s and producers Hoppa, Kato, and Rikia, the label has quickly transformed into being a label to watch by fans and industry insiders alike. Funk Volume recently released their first documentary, Independent Living, which captures the artists’ swift rise during their 44-date national tour in 2012. The latest release from the Funk Volume label is marquee artist Hopsin’s Knock Madness. For more info: www.myfunkvolume.com