Chinese rapper and creative force BENZO has made a striking comeback with his latest full-length album “MAMA, I’M BACK”. This 14-track project not only showcases this Chinese rapper’s artistic evolution but also stands as a deeply personal declaration, reflecting his journey through hardship and self-discovery.
Having previously made significant waves in China under his original name 李大奔, BENZO now sets his sights on an international audience, reintroducing himself with a renewed sense of purpose and global ambition. Following the album’s release, this Chinese hip-hop star dropped two music videos—“MAMA” and “HERO”—with the former arriving days later as the official lead single and the latter being the same song as the first track on the album, “HOMETOWN HERO”. The album drop acts as the follow-up to his feature on VAVA’s single “Mine” alongside GALI.
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Breaking Down BENZO’s “MAMA, I’M BACK” Journey
Reclaiming Identity Through Sound and Struggle
“MAMA, I’M BACK” finds BENZO exploring a wide range of sonic textures, fusing Mandarin rap with cinematic beats and melodic layers that create a compelling listening experience. The album emerges from a difficult period in his life, as the hip-hop star reveals he was grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty about his place in the music world. Yet from this struggle, a renewed creative spirit was born, driving him to reclaim his voice and artistic identity.
“I was going through one of the lowest points in my life,” BENZO shares. “I feared no one looked forward to my music anymore… but from that rock bottom came the instinct to bounce back.”
Diving Deep Into “MAMA, I’M BACK”: The Track-by-Track Transformation
BENZO’s Bilingual Brilliance and Confident Comeback in “MAMA”
Known as the “Album Intro”, according to the official YouTube music video, “MAMA” is an addictive hip-hop track that flawlessly blends Mandarin and English rap. This rising hip-hop star effortlessly showcases his bilingual delivery, rapping with conviction and charisma in both languages while crafting a hook that’s undeniably catchy—it’s the kind of chorus that embeds itself in your head after a single listen. Lyrically, the song exudes self-assurance as BENZO name-drops fashion and tech brands, weaving in icon-level confidence as he declares his return—not just to his mother, but to the entire world. He’s back, and he’s making it clear that he’s here to dominate.
“MAMA” Music Video: A Cinematic Visual Story of Family, Fashion, Success, and Reinvention
The accompanying music video, directed by Bruce “Puyu” Wang, brings this message to life with stylish and emotive visuals. It opens with BENZO being woken up by a trumpeter (played by Brandyn Phillips), setting the tone for a day centred around his mother (played by Christine Liao). As the first verse begins, BENZO is seen sitting at a dining table while she tops up his tea—an intimate moment suggesting familial care and tradition, and we can presume she also served him his meal.
From there, the video unfolds with a blend of artistry and fashion-forward flair. He paints the eye on a dragon—a symbolic act often associated with awakening or new beginnings—perhaps reflecting his return to music, his reinvention, and the launch of a bold new chapter aimed at the international stage. She later helps him pick out outfits—at one point dressing him in a sleek grey suit—showing their close-knit bond. In a hallway scene, she holds out his jacket as a boxer (Edmund Kwan) slips a tie over his neck, and the trumpeter hands him a DSquared2 snapback. Fashion clearly plays a big role here, mirrored in the lyrics as he name-drops brands like Ray-Ban.
The visuals continue to layer in personal and aspirational imagery: BENZO is seen chilling by the pool with his mother, followed by a solo scene where he arrives home with armfuls of shopping bags—a nod once more to his growing success, before returning to a tender moment of him and his mother casually playing catch with a baseball and Rawlings glove. The camera often lingers on his 2020 McLaren 720S parked in the driveway—another not-so-subtle symbol of success. Altogether, the music video radiates self-empowerment, reinforcing that BENZO isn’t just making a comeback—he’s ushering in a bold new era, with ambitions firmly set on the international stage.
Opening Track: “HOMETOWN HERO” Sets the Tone
The album opens with “HOMETOWN HERO”—a striking introduction not only to the project but also to BENZO as an artist. Fusing sharp Mandarin rap verses with catchy English-language pop choruses, he immediately draws the listener in with his seamless delivery and genre-blending artistry. Stripped back and relying on his vocals, BENZO showcases his versatility by being both vulnerable and heartfelt within this ballad track.
“HOMETOWN HERO” is a powerful anthem that manages to put BENZO back on the map and in doing so, he makes sure that we know he is back, putting his dark times behind him and focusing on his future. The track seamlessly bridges Eastern and Western influences, with a mellow backing track, resulting in a globally resonant sound that makes an immediate statement and sets the tone for what’s to come.
Visual Storytelling: The “HOMETOWN HERO” Music Video
The official music video complements the track perfectly, delivering a visually expressive narrative. This introspective rapper is seen gazing out over snow-covered landscapes, his subtle expressions conveying emotion as the camera sweeps through the serene setting.
When the second rap verse drops, the visuals shift to black and white, placing him inside a log cabin wrapped in a faux-fur blanket — a powerful metaphor for introspection and recovery. As the English-language chorus hits, we watch this awesome Chinese hip-hop artist steps out into the snow, symbolising rebirth and resilience. The concept mirrors what he’s shared about overcoming a low point in his life and rediscovering his purpose.
It’s clever, cinematic, and deeply personal—and BENZO serves a smouldering look in every frame; hot and sultry in a way that’s both captivating and quietly powerful, his on-screen presence impossible to ignore.
“FIREWORKs” and “NEWs” Highlight BENZO’s Vocal Range and Hip-Hop Edge
Flowing from the ethereal tones of the intro, track two, titled “FIREWORKs”, continues with a ballad-style instrumental, slowing the pace of BENZO’s rap to let his vocals take centre stage. This track highlights his vocal versatility—he reaches into falsetto with ease before pulling back, injecting raw emotion into the performance. It’s a standout moment that truly allows this Chinese hip-hop artist to shine, especially when the track shifts with a punchy drumbeat and a deeper vocal register. He weaves between these highs and lows with finesse, creating dynamic peaks and valleys that speak to his skill as a musician.
Track three, titled “NEWs”, pivots into a grittier, alternative hip-hop sound. Here, this rising Chinese rapper leans into sharp-edged lyrics delivered in both Mandarin and English—once again merging his cultural influences with genre innovation. The result is a confident, stylistic statement that echoes the cadence and edge of global rap heavyweights, positioning BENZO as a rising force to watch on the international stage.
“GHOST Town” and “BABY, I’M GONE”: Grit, Grime, and Multilingual Mastery
Dark and dank is the only way to describe “GHOST Town”, where BENZO delivers rapid-fire bars in both Mandarin and English. His addictive flow ties the track together, with sharp, memorable lines that continue to showcase his strength as a songwriter. A switch-up halfway through adds depth and grit, making this a standout moment on the project. The track is followed by “BABY, I’M GONE”, which carries a grime influence, clearly inspired by British rap. This Chinese music artist proves he’s just as comfortable spitting in English, delivering hard-hitting lines with confidence and edge—he doesn’t hold back.
“JNSY” and “SOUTHSIDE Shawty”: Classical Clashes and Haunting Hooks
Track six, “JNSY”, opens with classical instrumentation—only to be obliterated as BENZO launches into his signature dark hip-hop energy. Rhythmic and relentless, he spits his bars effortlessly over a driving beat that builds momentum before easing into a brooding, instantly catchy chorus. Next comes “SOUTHSIDE Shawty”, a track driven by a haunting melody and a solid hip-hop rhythm. BENZO commands the beat, delivering fiery rap verses and a hypnotic, beat-heavy chorus that reinforces his ability to balance aggression with catchiness.
“15 Minutes” and “MAYI”: Emotional Depth and Sonic Versatility
“15 Minutes” is track eight on the album and sees BENZO bring more versatility to the table as the production is stripped back to a mellow, soft-sounding backing track. In doing so, it gives his voice a more acoustic-like sound, and this Chinese rapper continues to deliver strong and passionate vocals as a crashing drum rhythm enters the beat. The flow is intense but in a good way, making this a unique track that stands out for all the right reasons.
Following that one is “MAYI”, which opens with glossy piano chords that evolve into a sentimental hip-hop ballad laced with subtle pop influences. Brimming with raw emotion, BENZO leans into sincerity, crafting a moving performance that reinforces his range—not only as a rapper but as a storyteller unafraid to show vulnerability.
“FIJI Freestyle” and “WYA”: A Moment of Reflection Followed by Global Fire
Next up is track 10, “FIJI Freestyle”, which takes a unique approach compared to the rest of the album, consisting mainly of two verses separated by a production segment. The track features soulful beats that elevate BENZO’s vocals as he raps in both English and Mandarin with a heartfelt emotional edge. His words hit hard and feel purposeful—exactly what you’d expect from a freestyle. While it’s not the most monumental track on the album, it offers a refreshing break in the tracklist.
This is followed by “WYA”, which sees him return to an American-influenced hip-hop energy. It’s a rich fusion of sounds and influences, and it feels like BENZO has poured his all into it. The result wraps his lyrical strength into a polished, international sound.
“Mercedez Li”: A Love Letter Wrapped in Vulnerability and Vocal Brilliance
Diving into track 12, “Mercedez Li” sees BENZO at his most vulnerable and emotionally open. Rapping about a woman who clearly holds immense significance in his life, he uses this track to apologise for letting her down while also laying his heart bare.
The lyrics are filled with sincerity as he expresses how deeply he loves her—even going as far as to say he loves her as much as he loves his mother. He praises her for being the only person who has made him feel this kind of love and thanks her mother for bringing such a perfect woman into the world. This isn’t just a rap verse—it’s a love letter in lyrical form. Every word is packed with passion, creating a powerful emotional thread from start to finish.
Then comes a moment of unexpected brilliance past the halfway point—a singing segment that elevates this track to a whole new level. This Chinese hip-hop star strips away the harder hip-hop edge and allows his vocals to take centre stage, revealing a stunning pop vocal ability. The raw emotion in his voice is beyond real, as if he’s singing directly to this woman, and to us as witnesses to his vulnerability. In these lyrics, he devotes himself to her completely: “I risk my life for you, I can die for you. Even tell lies for you.” It’s a lyrical declaration of love and loyalty that hits like a gut punch—simple yet searing in its honesty.
This is a standout moment on the entire album—a moment of truth, sincerity, and pure emotional release. Surrounded by bilingual rap verses that seamlessly blend English and Mandarin, this heartfelt sung interlude feels like the beating heart of the record. It not only shows his vocal range but also cements “Mercedez Li” as the most powerful and emotionally resonant track on the album.
“DAMN SONG” Delivers a Soul-Searching Reflection
The penultimate track, “DAMN SONG”, is a stripped-back hip-hop ballad that places BENZO’s raw emotion and vocal strength front and centre. Carried by gentle piano chords, the song feels deeply reflective, with this incredible hip-hop artist turning inward as he raps about his life experiences. His delivery moves between soft, introspective verses and soaring vocal notes, creating a dynamic performance that blurs the lines between rapping and singing. The bilingual lyrics add an extra layer of depth, resonating with authenticity.
Midway through, the track subtly shifts—verse two brings in a more familiar rap rhythm, injecting renewed energy while maintaining the introspective tone. With subtle percussion and strings layered into the instrumental, “DAMN SONG” becomes a soulful and emotionally charged highlight that leaves a lasting impression.
“HomeCOMING” Wraps the Album with Anthemic Hip-Hop Energy
The final song on the album, “HomeCOMING”, brings a full circle theme fitting its title. It’s anthemic hip-hop at its best, with BENZO delivering Mandarin lyrics alongside rich vocals that showcase a range of rap flows and tones. This variety gives the track dynamic energy, wrapping up the album on a high note. The ending features layered chanting in Mandarin, creating a sound more reminiscent of a boy band or rap collective than a solo artist. This moment highlights this Chinese hip-hop artist’s craftsmanship and his ability to close the album with a powerful, cohesive finish.
BENZO’s Journey: From The Rap of China to International Star
Born in Jingzhou, Hubei, BENZO first gained widespread attention following his standout performance on the influential 2017 series The Rap of China, where he made it to the Top 9. Since then, he has steadily built his reputation as one of China’s most distinctive hip-hop voices, known for his sharp lyricism and genre-blurring sound. Over the years, four studio albums and numerous sold-out tours have cemented his influence on China’s music scene.
Beyond Music: BENZO’s Influence in Fashion and Culture
Beyond the music, BENZO’s impact extends into fashion and culture, where he combines art and style with his music career. His innovative approach has attracted collaborations with major luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Cartier, Hennessy, and Mercedes Benz, reflecting his status as a cultural icon for China’s new generation.
Bridging East and West: The Global Ambition of “MAMA, I’M BACK”
With “MAMA, I’M BACK”, BENZO is not only reaffirming his place in the industry but also bridging Chinese hip-hop with global audiences. The album offers a window into the richness and diversity of contemporary Chinese music, inviting listeners worldwide to experience the passion and creativity at its heart. C-pop is ready to dominate in the coming years, spreading across the world just like K-pop, Afrobeats, J-pop, and Latin pop.
“MAMA, I’M BACK”, by BENZO, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Warner Music Beijing.