Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Paul.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Benjamin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Nine years ago, I found myself gaining traction as an inspirational rap artist (a rapper who doesn’t promote sex, drugs or the love of money) performing at shows all over Atlanta. With no plan other than to follow my dreams, I pursued music with everything I had. However, the birth of my daughter (@harmonyslife) presented me with new priorities that took precedence over my own desires. My story is one of success through failure. On one side of the coin, I never really accomplished the goals I started with, but one the other end, I accomplished much more than I ever thought I could.
I was technically homeless at 21 years old when my daughter was born. I spent years couch surfing, renting efficiencies, and moving from city to city. My life was a mess, though I was trying my hardest to climb out of poverty with my morals intact. In a short amount of time, I experienced two burglaries at my apartment, and I wrecked two cars and two motorcycles. I spent many nights in studios with high-profile artists and producers who all shared a common goal – success. Eventually, I had to try another way.
At age 18, I was labeled a threat to society – a repeat offender destined for a life in prison. After a year of incarceration, I reentered society having vowed to never return to the lifestyle I’d live as a teenager. I was an adult with integrity, and wisdom… and a criminal record. Cyclical unemployment made it nearly impossible for me to secure any standard of living or even a minimum wage job for that matter. My daughter was around three years old when my time of working under the table and scraping the bottom of the barrel had run its course. I went to college.
Fast forward about six years, and in 2018, I earned a Masters Degree in Marketing from Florida International University. Statistically, this achievement pretty much made me an anomaly – a black male, single father, an ex-con and Masters degree-holding college graduate. After many difficult years, by the grace of God, I had significantly increased my earning potential and successfully succeeded in the poverty line. We moved to Atlanta.
You may recall a popular article in the AJC that shed light on the hardships I experienced after arriving in Atlanta in the summer of 2018. The greatest job offer of my life fell through after a background check led to the redaction of said offer. This was no new experience for me, in fact, it had happened countless times before. It just meant more this time because I had so much at stake, and I was coming into this opportunity with a much stronger resume of personal, professional and academic achievement. Thankfully, my faith in a job is not what brought me this far in life, and my future was never dependent on anything other than God Himself who was faithful to find me a better opportunity.
Now, a year into living in Atlanta, things have smoothed out for me like never before. My daughter, now nine-years-old, is going to a top school, competing in gymnastics at Xcel Gold level and sleeping in her own room. I’m working in corporate, expanding my photography/videography business in Metro Atlanta and finally tapping back into the aspiration I’ve had on hold for so long – my music. My newest single “Real Things” debuts September 13th on all streaming platforms. This is only the first of many releases soon to come.
I’m thankful for the many trials that molded me into the man I am today. I still have so much more to accomplish, but I’m confident I will see things through so their completion – soon enough.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all! I was unable to find employment due to my criminal record, I became a single father in my early 20’s, I survived college all while bringing a child to countless classes through an associate, bachelors and masters degree. I was homeless several times, totaled a few vehicles, had no family in the cities I lived in (Miami/Atlanta), and I had no handouts. The challenges were endless.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I currently work in eCommerce/Marketing 9-5. My personal endeavors are photography/videography, brand management, and music. I’m very active in the creative world and working to continue creating content that resonates with people in a very real and meaningful way.
I am most proud of my merch line – Believer Apparel. I started the LLC in college and won an award the year it launched. Believer Apparel has a bright future, and I’m still working to scale from the locally known and loved t-shirt line to a global brand. Keep me in your prayers.
https://midtownatlphotos.myportfolio.com
What were you like growing up?
I started off great but quickly became a problem during my teenage years. I was the daring son of a single mother finding my way like all of my neighborhood friends. I was actually rapping at that time too but my music was much more vulgar and in tune with those times. I gave my life to God in jail and got deeply involved in ministry shortly after. I’ve done my best to model a righteous lifestyle through most of my adult life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1133 Huff Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30318 - Website: www.threatmusic.com
- Phone: 4044020432
- Email: bpaul026@fiu.edu
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekingthreat
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekingthreat
- Other: www.lovegraceandmercy.com, https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/about-us/story-hub/student/a-fathers-commitment-to-his-only-daughter.php, https://www.ajc.com/news/local/torpy-large-when-old-crimes-kill-new-man-career-goals/0UVfHyn52XBAiHA2J33SuI/
Image Credit:
Benjamin Paul
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