Rising hip hop artist Ben Bacardi has officially landed a nomination for Song of the Year – Hip Hopat the 2025 Josie Music Awards for his powerful breakout single, “Life Again.”
A Song Born from Struggle and Strength
Released on February 18, 2025 via Tribeca Records, “Life Again” features fellow Queens emcees Pelle and H, and taps deep into the roots of classic NYC hip hop—think Nas, Wu Tang, Jay Z, and Mobb Deep—while weaving in a deeply personal narrative of resilience, renewal, and survival.
The music video, which dropped in early April, adds another layer of storytelling, visually chronicling Bacardi’s emotional and artistic rebirth.
The Man Behind the Mic
Ben Bacardi isn’t your typical rapper chasing clout. Born and raised in Fresh Meadows, Queens, he’s built a name for himself as much in the music world as in New York’s home inspection game. But behind the scenes, Bacardi has fought a quiet battle—grappling with depression and anxiety. Music became more than just a passion—it became a prescription.
That personal transformation led to his debut EP, Prescription to Rap, and a studio streak that’s resulted in over 100 tracks—with collabs featuring Queens royalty like Royal Flush, Boots, and Pelle.
What the Josie Music Awards Mean
Founded in 2015, the Josie Music Awards are the largest independent music awards show in the world, honoring excellence across genres including rock, country, pop, hip hop, and R&B. Nominees are selected by a respected panel of industry pros and celebrated annually in Nashville.
The 2025 ceremony will take place November 1–2 at the Belle Air Mansion and Grand Ole Opry House—a weekend that promises to be a who’s-who of indie music’s brightest stars.
Why This Nomination Matters
The “Song of the Year – Hip Hop” category is stacked with talent. In 2024, Nige B took home the award for “Hold Your Heart (remix),” setting a high bar. Bacardi’s nomination now places him in the conversation as a rising voice in hip hop—an artist whose story is as real as his bars.
Stream the Song
Ben Bacardi’s “Life Again” is available now on all streaming platforms. The official video is live on YouTube:
🔗 Watch it here
Ben Bacardi’s nomination is more than an accolade—it’s a signal. A signal that his voice, his story, and his sound are making real noise in the indie scene. With November fast approaching, one thing’s for sure: “Life Again” didn’t just mark his return to music—it redefined what comeback stories in hip hop can look like.