Interview with Tjuan Benafactor
By Rob Wright for MyMusicMyLife.com- 8-28-13
Q: Give us some background info as to who you are.
I’m a connoisseur of life & knowledge. I’m a realist, a musician, emcee, producer, promoter and a lot more. I’m different things to different people…aren’t we all?
Q: What is the significance of your name?
I have always been called Tjuan (Twon) cuz my name’s Antjuan and I have been a benefactor for years now in different ways and situations. So once I got into music, Benafactor was just natural and like me. It’s 100% authentic and original. I’m the first Benafactor ever. I see emcees starting to come out with — Benefactor n benefactor and its dope to see how I have been spreading. Tjuan Benafactor
Q: Who is your target market?
My target market is everyone. All ages, races, sex, sexual preference etc. Not every song isn’t for every person. I create a wide range of music with all types of concepts. I’m just not one way all day every day in my life. So neither is my music, cuz it’s a direct reflection of my life and different times, events, etc. of me and my life so far.
Q: What is your USP? (Unique Selling Proposition) and what sets you apart from other artist?
Just rock wit a G. My music invokes emotion. Each song makes you feel different than the last but it’s always dope music. What sets me apart is I don’t follow trends. I create them, also my creativity and hustle. For better or worse I’ve been hustling since birth.
Q: What single or project are you currently pushing?
I just dropped my new album BEN-A-FACTOR (The Tjuan Benafactor Experience) it’s available just about everywhere online. Digital and hard copy.
Q: What is the philosophy by which you live by?
You get out of life what you put into it. Get up and go get it every day. Real G’s do real things #gogetta #benafactor
Q: Which artists have inspired you?
2Pac, Missy Elliot, Michael Jackson ,Scarface, Biggie, Jay Z, Jadakiss, Patsy Kline, Yo-Yo Ma,
Q: Who does your production?
Smokie Red City,Mizzybeatz, MCM (Middle Class Millionaires ) Studios, Glue Records, Twan Beatmaker, Out Cold Ent & of course I do a good bit of my production myself.
Q: What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?
I like the direction I see the industry heading. I see more concise music in the mix. Plus, because of the net it’s possible for Indies to make a bigger impact in the game as long as they work it right.
Q: If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?
What I would change is the myths about what hip hop is about what it takes to get in the game. A lot of cats watch videos and say “bang if I make a song and shoot a video and toss it on you tube I’ma be on like (insert your favorite rapper). Anything worth having you gotta work for.
Q: Are there any singers that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Most def! Lots of different artists.
What producer would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Dr.Dre of course. It would be crazy to get Eminem to produce a track for me too.
Q: What is your favorite movie and favorite book?
I don’t have one favorite book or movie. But I do have a few of each. Goodfellas, Blow, The meet the parents series, the hangover series. The book I just finished is Make the Impossible Possible by Bill Strickland. It’s a great read and he’s an inspirational guy.
Q: What are some major misconceptions that you think people have of you?
I don’t think there’s too many. I am how I am. What you see is what you get at all times
Q: What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?
My crowd interaction and the way the crowd interacts back with me and gives me their energy and love to feed off of. It’s come along way. I’m totally comfortable and in my element on stage. I like to jump off stage and turn up!
Q: What is your Album going to be like?
My album is like life. 1 day I might hoop the next day I might party and at the party one of my boys gets killed (R.I.P Kendall”Monster McCray & Jermaine”Maniac Loc”Drewery). Might wake up and decide enough of the Bullsh#$, secrets, and lies in my relationship so I leave her and find me a real woman who is #FirstClass & deserves first class ya feel me
Q: What is your website?
Q: Any final words for the people.
Be you and be comfortable with yourself and the rest will come. And of course go grab my new album BEN-A-FACTOR (The Tjuan Benafactor Experience) Stay G!
Follow me on Twitter @TjuanBenafactor