Lyrics written performed and recorded by Ben Iota at A&H Studio.

Chorus co-written, performed and recorded by Taiaha at Lucky South Records.

Produced by Caper and co-produced by Ben Iota.

Mixed by Caper and Ben Iota at Lion Heart Nation.

Mastered by Dan the Underdog.

Taken from Hazy (EP), released July 1, 2022

linktr.ee/beniota?fbclid=IwAR1ZZiFBSZZY0m9LrIlJ0hHvUg-lbsRikD8bJUDN3MGtlR869TGbTBo3iMA

1. Hazy - Ben Iota

Lyrics Written and performed by Ben Iota
Beat produced and mixed by Realizm at the Dank Beat Spot
Lyrics recorded, mixed and song mastered by Social Change at Butterthief Studios
Artwork by Josephdemaria.com

It has been a hot minute since nomadic Hip Hop artist Ben Iota released the 2013 album, 'Born Free', through Butterthief. In the meantime, much has transpired, and after living in Sydney for almost 3 years (during which time Ben Iota was blessed with the birth of his first child) it is again time to move...on to the next. To  document this period, Ben Iota has collaborated with in-demand producer Realizm (Hyjak, Shotty Horroh, King Syze, Jake Biz) to create a song that reflects on several themes- surviving the rat race; contemplating the next stage in life; moving further away from the youth of yesteryear; and on the world that we bring our children into. This is Dad-Hop. Many distinguished (yet suspiciously anonymous) figures in music royalty have referred to 'On To The Next' as Ben Iota's finest work to date.

-‘It takes me years to put all the pieces into place to perfect just one song, so I hope you like it'- Ben Iota.

'On To The Next' is available for free download and streaming at Soundcloud, YouTube and (to hear Ben Iota on the radio) Triple J Unearthed. 

Ben Iota & The Empty Set EP coming soon.

www.beniota.com
www.facebook.com/beniota
www.facebook.com/butterthiefrecords
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/ben-iota

On To The Next (produced by Realizm)

Ben Iota 'Once the People Feel the Hunger' feat. Raven (Crate Cartel).

Lyrics written and performed by Ben Iota and Raven.
Beat produced and mixed by Ben Iota at Nubby's House.
Lyrics recorded by Social Change at Butterthief Studios and Raven at Darkwing Studios.
Lyrics mixed and song mastered by Social Change.
Artwork concept by Ben Iota, executed by Dan the Underdog.

History repeats itself. 

Around the year 100AD, during the reign of the Roman Empire, Roman writer Juvenal commented on the state of his society. In particular he articulated on how 'bread and circuses' were utilised by the ruling class to gain public approval by distracting and diverting attention away from societal injustices, and superficially satisfying the immediate requirements of the people. This is how discontent was stifled and repressive control was maintained. Never has this analogy seemed more applicable than right now.

Chorus:
'Its an uphill battle for whats true,
Too much information and our leaders in cahoots,
Gotta wonder if its all just a ruse,
Coz nobody cares for truth if they sell the right numbers

Too much information and our leaders in cahoots,
Gotta wonder if its all just a ruse,
But the giants always fall once the people feel the hunger'

Ben Iota is on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, JJJ Unearthed, YouTube and Facebook.

Online single

Once the People Feel the Hunger (Featuring Raven)

Download the full Ben Iota album, produced by Dan the Underdog, FREE here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByKlFhv1YXV_ZURtSVdRbFZxbTA?usp=sharing

Also available via Ben Iota Bandcamp.

'Do Dat' is track 2 from the Ben Iota album entitled 'Jazz', produced by Dan the Underdog. Released September 7, 2017.

Jazz

Do Dat

Download the full Ben Iota album, produced by Dan the Underdog, FREE here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByKlFhv1YXV_ZURtSVdRbFZxbTA?usp=sharing

Also available via Ben Iota Bandcamp.

'Anthropologists' is track 3 from the Ben Iota album entitled 'Jazz', produced by Dan the Underdog. Released September 7, 2017.

Anthropologists Feat. Tall Papi

Download the full Ben Iota album, produced by Dan the Underdog, FREE here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByKlFhv1YXV_ZURtSVdRbFZxbTA?usp=sharing

Also available via Ben Iota Bandcamp.

'By the Fear' is track 5 from the Ben Iota album entitled 'Jazz', produced by Dan the Underdog. Released September 7, 2017.

By The Fear

Download the full Ben Iota album, produced by Dan the Underdog, FREE here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByKlFhv1YXV_ZURtSVdRbFZxbTA?usp=sharing

Also available via Ben Iota Bandcamp.

'Peace of Mind' is track 11 from the Ben Iota album entitled 'Jazz', produced by Dan the Underdog. Released September 7, 2017.

Peace Of Mind

Download the full Ben Iota album, produced by Dan the Underdog, FREE here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByKlFhv1YXV_ZURtSVdRbFZxbTA?usp=sharing

Also available via Ben Iota Bandcamp.

'Beautiful Thing' is track 12 from the Ben Iota album entitled 'Jazz', produced by Dan the Underdog. Released September 7, 2017.

Beautiful Thing

'It Feels Like I'm on Top of the World' speaks on the triumph of raising children despite being in a strained relationship. 

Lyrics written and vocals performed by Ben Iota
Produced by Dan the Underdog and co-produced by Ben Iota
Additional guitar by Osker Linde
Additional vocals by Sandi Des
Recorded by Caper at Lion Heart Nation
Mixed by Caper and Ben Iota at Lion Heart Nation
Mastered by Caper at Lion Heart Nation

Song taken from the 'Letting Go EP' by Ben Iota

It Feels Like I'm On Top Of The World

'Letting Go' speaks on the battle with self to move on from the regrets of formative years. 

Lyrics written and vocals performed by Ben Iota
Produced by Dan the Underdog and co-produced by Ben Iota
Additional guitar by Osker Linde
Additional vocals by Caper
Recorded by Caper at Lion Heart Nation
Mixed by Caper and Ben Iota at Lion Heart Nation
Mastered by Caper at Lion Heart Nation

Song taken from the 'Letting Go EP' by Ben Iota

Letting Go

The first single from the EP Born ‘Free’ on Butterthief. Produced by Matchless Gift. 

CD EP available now at beniota.com and select music stores Australia-wide.
https://www.facebook.com/beniota

Song details
Lyrics written and performed by Ben Iota
Production by Matchless Gift
Cuts by DJ Snair
Recorded at The Boat
 
 
Lyrics

 (ChorusX2) Iota, just a component of something bigger
Big picture- we’re interconnected- no limits
No divisions in the living ecosystem
Ancient wisdom outlives the ego-driven human condition

(Verse) The individual is a myth, 
Don’t believe the hype, this 80s greed straight led us to shit
All life- one organism, united it lives
Go on- get jokey, get angry, then accept what it is
We’re so progressive, so clever we’re polluting our kids
We must hate what we are to put an end to this here, nah
In the endless pursuit of growth 
It’s artificial greed spawning artificial need- that’s why we do it so
We’ve been punked by the powers that be
The owners broke our spirit now we no longer believe
They capitalise on our fears, turn us against one another
Keep us distracted and cash-in while we fight with our peers
Raising a flag, misdirected hatred- it’s mad
Rupert pulling the strings, minorities get the axe
Clearly you’re whipped, that border you protect with a fist
Is an elaborate hoax- it doesn’t really exist
(DJ Snair Cuts Section- ‘realise that we are one regardless of our birthplace’- Immortal Technique)

(Verse) (and in light of that) you’re not sharing your things in the land of plenty
Where the native were forced to sacrifice so you could have everything
Your boat people rocked up in their galleys
And now your racism thrives in the subsequent damage
Divided and conquered we consume ignorance
Unfulfilled by the dream we are sold, turn on what’s different
And fit the mould like a militant
Humanity’s the enemy, the lines are imaginary
See I believe in something past the superficial divisions
The rampant greed and materialism
There’s more than this, the truth is we are one organism
Connected with all that is, I’m sure of it

(Chorus) Iota, just a component of something bigger
Big picture- we’re interconnected- no limits
No divisions in the living ecosystem
Ancient wisdom outlives the ego driven human condition

(Verse) Wise man said we’ve got more in common than not
Just different paths to the same destination we trot
Different beliefs, different cultures, different patches of dirt
Same goal of happiness before divisions occur
People really are the same in a round-about way
And if you step out your backyard you’ll see this at play
Or stay blind to the ways and not evolve to the age
They’ll say humanity sold out and found out too late
Logical conclusion, when the lust for power is the seed
When we’ve f#cked up the earth it’s the optimal solution
When we keep consuming and listening to the ego
And living in a bubble while the imminent is looming
I heard for every reaction is a reaction
And energy that you put out is gonna come back again
Cliché because it happens
We’re interconnected with each other in an ocean of waves clashing
And random acts of compassion
It’s in our nature to keep this world on its axis
Ancient wisdom beckons, we must adapt and evolve 
Before we bring a quick end and it goes black again

(Chorus) Iota, just a component of something bigger
Big picture- we’re interconnected- no limits
No divisions in the living ecosystem
Ancient wisdom outlives the ego driven human condition

(spoken word) Big picture, bigger than Hip Hop
It is a chip off, it’s a channel, don’t get it twisted
Your petty people judgements, insignificant
I wouldn’t sweat it too much, it’s all subjective, but I admire your diligence
The mind is the miracle, 
One that’ll never reach the pinnacle, it doesn’t exist
The journey is the miracle, creation spiritual
Just enjoy the ride, give what you can and don’t be a prick, 
You’re an iota


Iota

The second single from the EP Born ‘Free’ on Butterthief. Produced by Matchless Gift. 

CD EP available now at beniota.com and select music stores Australia-wide.
https://www.facebook.com/beniota

Song Details
Lyrics written and performed by Ben Iota and Janey Housego
Production by Matchless Gift
Recorded at The Boat

Lyrics

(Verse) The winds reveal, done the knowledge digging in the field
Swallowed the bitter pill, zeitgeist, it isn’t real
Freedom infinite, space and time traversed with simple choice
GO! Flow like water, eastern philosophy is in the voice
Done the deal with free-thinkers, lost my religion
And put that tradies’ dream to the back- it wasn’t mine- too busy thinking
Linking colonialism, with what we have before us
Identified with minorities in the alienation I as enduring
Guts pouring, purging indoctrination, 
like not celebrating Jan 26 because you recognised the caper
but it’s clearer than ever, found alternative ways of thinking 
both endearing and clever, and like they say ‘Eff the Haters’
Don’t own any land that’s why I’m free and life is what you make it
Long live Sagan, Noam, Pilger, Zinn and Carlin
Darwin, Marx and even Rogan, who took these pieces and rearranged em
Paving roads so we can take em
I’m feeling so-an-so, kinda spacey, like the basics, nice and blazey
Don’t smoke but I’m annihilating acres
Born Free! In this elaborate matrix, some say crazy
Reserve judgement; stay meditating, 2012 elevating, Born Free

(Bridge sung by Janey Housego) 
Free, free, free
Born Free
Free, free, free
Born Free

(verse) So if knowledge is power then education, liberation
Know from experience, switched positions, made the infiltration
It took a lick of patience, transcend this fight or flight
Had to sit with paper, create and new view from this frustration
To the next stage, sh#t has changed, check the name
I shed my skin, breath of fresh, I let it in, levitated
They said I’d changed, like it’s strange, little man I lived and learnt
To get where I am, where are you? Behind the fame, good luck with that
I ride the flame, run like hell, get my vitamins, jump my girl
Embrace the pain, divorced the drudgery, can be ugly, but love the world
Breathing in the hate and the love, travelling unrestrained- give a WHUT
Destination unknown, gung-ho, keep moving with that pain in the gut
Now I’ve got the taste and the buzz, can’t be stopped, it’s opening up
Life is crazier than any movie, it’s tough, but it’s a labour of love
Anarchy in the DNA, seizing the day, free in the frame
Competing for the claim just to remember what it’s like to be, born free

(Chorus sung by Janey Housego) In my life
I’ve travelled far, I’ve travelled wide and I
I’m in this new state of mind
I tried, to forget my past, leave it behind
I, I am born free, this is the ride





Born 'Free' (featuring Janey Housego)

Taken from the Born ‘Free’ album on Butterthief. Song produced by Matchless Gift and Funkwig.

CD EP available now at beniota.com and select music stores Australia-wide.
https://www.facebook.com/beniota

Song Details
Lyrics written and performed by Ben Iota, Visionz, Motion, Mesha and Social Change
Production by Matchless Gift and Funkwig
Recorded at The Boat

Ben Iota is part of the Butterthief label, home to Social Change, Funkwig, DJ Snair, Matchless Gift, Taylor Made Tactix and Everyday.


More Than Just Words (featuring Visionz, Motion, Mesha and Social Change)

Ben Iota is Hip Hop music, with Jazz and Soul in the DNA. Made locally, while keeping a wide-view lens. Beats for the lounge, words for noggin. 

Ben Iota is on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, JJJ Unearthed, YouTube and Facebook.

https://beniota.bandcamp.com/album/letting-go-ep
www.facebook.com/beniota
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/ben-iota

Ben Iota

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