Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ben Kittler of Vinecity

Ben Kittler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Ben , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When was the last time you felt true joy?
Man, the last time I felt true joy was being in the studio with the whole crew— J3, Chief Maja, Fastlane Reno, NASCAR, Rello Obama, Noli, VISIONZ, Solo Beats, Sir William, DJ NF Raebo and me in the cut. The energy was pure electricity—beats knocking, verses bouncing around the room, everybody locked in like we were all chasing something bigger than ourselves.
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But you know, life be lifing. Every man got his own path, his own battles, and we all tryna make it through in our own way. Losing Ray G to that tragic situation hit different…that was my brother. It’s one of the main reasons I picked the mic back up for real—’cause this music is how I keep his spirit alive, how I honor what we started. That night in the studio wasn’t just about songs—it was about brotherhood, legacy, and turning pain into something powerful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Benogotti2k, an independent hip-hop recording artist and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in the historic Vine City community, a place that shaped my story and my sound. Coming up, I witnessed a lot—violence, crime, and police brutality—but instead of letting it break me, I used it as fuel to start writing about the world around me.

My style blends melodic flows with that southern comfort cadence, influenced by artists like T.I., Young Jeezy, and Kwony Cash. I’m not just making music to turn up to—I’m creating tracks with depth, messages that speak to real life, especially in today’s climate. My last project, Poetic Artz, hit nearly 100,000 Spotify streams and was all about authenticity, diversity in sound, and speaking from the heart.

I’m also an entrepreneur—I run my own label, Da Visionz LLC, with three artists on the roster, and I mentor up-and-coming talent on the business side of the industry. Right now, I’m working on dropping new music and building toward owning my own warehouse, showing that it’s possible to chase your passion while making strategic moves for the future.

It’s all about legacy, impact, and using my platform to inspire.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was Ben Kittler—a kid from the westside of Atlanta doing Westside things, but fully taking advantage of being from Vine City. I could hold conversations with professionals and still kick it with the local trap boys. I was hooping, excelling in football, and ended up going to college at Bethune-Cookman University and later Middle Georgia State University, majoring in Business Administration.

Growing up, I was always tapped into music and business. I saw both sides of it—the legit way and the illegal way—and that gave me a different kind of vision. I learned early how to navigate different worlds, and that mix of experiences shaped the artist, entrepreneur, and man I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah, there was a time I almost gave up. When my older brother Ray G died, it broke me to my core. At that point, I was starting to get a little buzz—hitting different cities, rocking shows, getting paid—things were really moving. Then he was gone, and I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. This was the man who took me in when life was rough, the one who taught me how to rap, who showed me the ropes. Losing him felt unreal. That was the moment I stepped away from it all. But now I’m back—focused, driven, and carrying out the vision we started together.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As Beno Gotti 2K, I’d say the cultural value I protect at all costs is peace. Growing up in Vine City, I saw the violence and chaos firsthand, and it taught me that keeping a clear mind is everything. That peace lets me think straight, create my music, and stay true to my message, especially when addressing the struggles we face. It’s my foundation.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m around my daughters, seeing them smile and feeling their comfort. That’s my calm in the storm.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Benogotti2k
• Twitter: @Benogotti2k
• Facebook: @Benogotti2k
• Youtube: @Benogotti2k