BEN (song)

For the original Michael Jackson song, see Ben (song).
"BEN"
Single by Adair Lion
from the album Michael & Me
ReleasedMay 1, 2012 (2012-05-01)
GenreHip hop
Length3:49
LabelAbove the Notes
Songwriter(s)Adair Lion
Producer(s)Adair Lion
Adair Lion singles chronology
"Mr. Blue Sky"
(2012) 		"BEN"
(2012)

"BEN" ("Better Everything Now") is a hip hop song written by rapper, producer, and director Adair Lion (Adair Fragoso), a native of El Paso, Texas.[1][2] The song samples Michael Jackson's 1972 song of the same name and gives a pro-LGBT message.[3][4] One report described it as a message to the rap world, and a stance against gay discrimination.[5] Towleroad called it a "beautifully-spun message about doing away with homophobia in hip-hop and Christianity, and accepting gay parents".[6] Originally titled "It Gets Benner" in homage to the It Gets Better Project, Lion decided to use "Ben" with the name also serving as an acronym for "Better Everything Now".[7]

The single was intended to be part of Lion's 2012 tribute album Michael & Me, which was to be released on June 25, 2012, the anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson.[1] Lion's intention was to bring focus to how homophobic expressions, common in the hip-hop community, are part of a larger problem, and that leading voices of hip hop should not turn their backs on their LGBT friends and family.[7][8] One of the often quoted lyrics is "'Gay is OK' may be the No. 1 thing a rapper shouldn't say."[9]

Equality Texas named Lion an Ally Award winner, recognizing people and businesses that advanced "equality for all Texans", as well as 'Miss West Texas' Kaylee Anne Keith, his former fiancée, who took her platform of "bullying awareness and prevention" to schools across the state.[10]

The popular culture reaction to "BEN" has been surprisingly supportive in the traditionally and notoriously homophobic hip-hop music industry, which, for example, uses "no homo" in lyrics.[11] "BEN" went viral, racking up "tens of thousands of hits" on YouTube, and Lion's songs have increased exposure on "taste-making radio stations and websites".[11] Lion is also doing more live shows including gay pride festivals in Memphis (Mid-South Pride) and his hometown of El Paso.[11]

  1. ^ a b An El Paso Native's Controversial Music Video Goes Viral, May 7, 2012, KTSM Chanel 9 News.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference AmarilloGlobe was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Adair Lion Calls Lil' Wayne & Kanye West To Action! Makes Pro-LGBT Rap Song!!! PerezHilton.com, May 4, 2012.
  4. ^ "Gay Is Okay": Amarillo Rapper Adair Lion's New Video For "Ben", By Audra Schroeder Tue., May 1, 2012, Dallas Observer.
  5. ^ Rapper uses MJ song to tell hip-hop world that 'gay is OK' Archived 2012-05-05 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 4 May 2012
  6. ^ Rapper Adair Lion Offers Up Awesome 'Gay is Okay' Video, MAY. 1,2012 Andy Towle,Towleroad
  7. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference How was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference DallasVoice was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference AmarilloGlobeNews was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ "J.C. Penney, Adair Lion to receive Ally Awards from Equality Texas". Dallas Voice. June 1, 2012. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  11. ^ a b c Gold, Scott (August 18, 2012). "For hip-hop and gay rights, a transformative moment: The notoriously homophobic music scene is having a change of heart. In song or in interviews, headliners are showing support for the gay community". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 August 2012.