In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist Benicio and his brand new EP titled Sorry For The Late Replies.
British-Ghanaian hip-hop artist Benicio is back with a bang, dropping his brand-new EP Sorry For The Late Replies on June 6, 2025—a three-track offering that proves even his “throwaways” demand attention. Brimming with lyrical fire, emotional nuance, and sonic polish, the project is a bold teaser for his upcoming debut mixtape A Beautiful Day, and a reminder that Benicio isn’t here to play—he’s here to stay.
While these tracks were cut from the final mixtape tracklist, don’t mistake them for filler. Sorry For The Late Replies serves as a raw, unfiltered snapshot of an artist deep in the creative trenches. With his signature blend of introspection and bravado, Benicio weaves a narrative of ambition and grind, illuminating the highs and lows of chasing dreams in an unforgiving industry. From self-affirmation to vulnerable reflection, he captures the balancing act between passion and partnership—offering heartfelt bars to a lover caught in the crossfire of his dedication to the studio. It’s this duality that makes Benicio compelling: streetwise and sensitive, focused but still feeling.
The entire project was brought to life by SLO (George Amofah Afriyie), who not only engineered the EP—recording, mixing, and mastering the tracks—but also crafted its evocative cover art. The synergy between artist and producer is undeniable, with a sound that hits hard but leaves space for thought. It’s gritty, it’s polished, and it’s undeniably personal.
Born Benjamin Ekow Otoo in London and raised between Walthamstow and Ghana, Benicio’s cultural identity is baked into his sound. Highlife, Gospel, and UK grime meet HipLife, Azonto, and modern rap influences, resulting in an eclectic musical fingerprint that’s uniquely his own. His evolution from teenage battler Kiddfresh in Ghana to the multifaceted Benicio we hear today is a story of reinvention and relentless self-improvement.
Following his early releases—WHEN WE GET THERE: A Prelude To A Beautiful Day and Dreams Worth Fighting For with RUDEWRLD collective members T$G and FJace (a project that charted on Ghana’s Top Albums)—Benicio has only sharpened his edge. Now based back in the UK, he’s gearing up to unleash his most refined work yet with A Beautiful Day. The EP’s remastered lead single For Now already hinted at his sonic growth, but Sorry For The Late Replies makes it crystal clear: Benicio is building something bigger than just songs—he’s crafting a movement.
Influenced by lyrical powerhouses like J. Cole, Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, and Skepta, Benicio channels that energy into a voice that’s personal, poetic, and politically aware. With Sorry For The Late Replies, he shows he’s not just talking—he’s walking it.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tuning in, this EP is your formal introduction to a rising voice in UK hip-hop with global intentions.
Benicio may be late to reply, but his message is loud and clear. Don’t sleep.
Listen to the full project below: