Category: Song of the Year – Hip Hop
Emerging from the vibrant streets of Fresh Meadows, Queens, and now nominated on the national stage, Ben Bacardi is turning heads with a story of resilience, creativity, and lyrical depth. His breakout single, “Life Again”, earned him a coveted nomination at the 2025 Josie Music Awards—an iconic moment of recognition in the independent music world.
The Song: “Life Again”
Released February 18, 2025 via Tribeca Records, “Life Again” features compelling verses by Queens artists Pelle and H, weaving together streetwise grit with raw emotional honesty. It’s a journey of renewal—grappling with depression, finding hope, and rising from the ashes—with a soundscape that blends the spirit of Jay‑Z, Nas, and Wu-Tang.
The accompanying music video elevates the track to cinematic heights, visually echoing Ben’s personal rebirth—hard-fought, heartfelt, and undeniably powerful.
Roots & Resilience
Born and raised in Fresh Meadows, Queens, Ben is more than an artist—he’s also a successful entrepreneur with a thriving home inspection business in NYC. After confronting anxiety and depression, he turned to music as therapy and storytelling. To date, he’s dropped an EP (Prescription to Rap), over 100 tracks, and collaborated with Queens legends like Royal Flush and Pelle.
Why This Nomination Matters
Being nominated for Song of the Year – Hip Hop isn’t just personal validation—it’s a stamp of cultural relevance. The category is ultra-competitive; in 2024, only one artist took home the trophy. Ben’s work is being honored for its authenticity, depth, and lyrical courage.
The Road Ahead
With the Josie Music Awards taking place November 1–2, 2025 at the Grand Ole Opry House, Ben’s standing tall among independent music’s elite. This nomination signals not only industry respect, but the start of a broader narrative: a Queens-born artist with grit, heart, and a mission to inspire.
Keep an eye on @ben_bacardi (100K+ Spotify streams and growing) as he rides this moment to new heights—and be sure to stream “Life Again” in full. With its emotional honesty and raw lyricism, it’s a track that’s truly deserving of its place in this year’s spotlight.
Watch the Ben Bacardi “Life Again” music video on Youtube here: