WHO IS BLP KOSHER?
Among rappers currently in the game, BLP Kosher might just be the most unapologetically himself. Known for his clever, biting lyricism, love of weed and skateboarding, and frequent references to his Jewish heritage, the rapper born Benjamin Landy Pavlon is a truly unique presence in hip hop right now. During a time where the Kanye Wests of the world are spewing anti-Semitic rhetoric, the ascent of an artist like BLP Kosher to fame in the rap world is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
In 2021, BLP Kosher began uploading tracks to SoundCloud, not really considering a rap career as a viable option. Fast forward two years, and he’s amassed a dedicated following while using platforms like TikTok to build his brand. So how did this young twenty-something go from growing up in Broward County to becoming one of the most buzzed-about artists in rap?
BLP KOSHER’S RISE TO FAME
BLP Kosher first made a name for himself with three self-released mixtapes in 2021. Though the South Florida native enjoyed rap music as a fan, and would rap along to songs he liked, a career in the music industry wasn’t initially a goal of his despite having recorded a couple tracks here and there. His interest in rapping didn’t even start until the pandemic hit, after finding himself depressed and no longer wanting to pursue a skateboarding career.
Eventually, BLP Kosher linked up with fellow rapper Jew Sheisty, a partnership that would prove consequential for his career trajectory. After spontaneously recording a track and uploading it to SoundCloud, Sheisty not only encouraged Kosher to make rap into a serious endeavour, but they both even gave each other their respective monikers. BLP Kosher’s stage name was initially simply BLP (after his three initials), but he’d also been considering Luh Kosher as a moniker, so he settled on a hybrid of the two.
The decision to join forces paid off in spades, as the two would become frequent collaborators until Jew Sheisty’s untimely death earlier this year. BLP Kosher’s debut album, the hilariously-titled Bars Mitzvah, was released August 4 of this year via Dreidel Gang and Encore Recordings. Lead single “Special K” dropped about five weeks before its release, and is already his second-most viewed clip on YouTube. Across 19 tracks, the album is a snapshot of Kosher’s musical palette in his very young career. Though mostly influenced by rap and southern trap, he takes it on a full-blown pop-punk detour on “Another World” and toward indie rock on “Smoke to the Garden”, even singing on closing track “Gravity”.
HOW BLP KOSHER BROKE THROUGH
Though BLP Kosher’s rise to fame feels very sudden, it’s not hard to see why he’s blown up so quickly. Just as distinctive as his golden grills, kashket and wild Pippi Longstocking-esque hairstyle — two payot curls made into wicks sticking from the sides of his head, with the help of a crochet hook — is his deadpan and monotone flow, defined by Kosher’s wordplay, pop culture references and swaggering delivery. He also cites some of the biggest rap artists in recent memory as influences, including Eminem, Gang Starr, fellow Broward County native Kodak Black, Lil Wayne, and the late XXXTentacion.
His Jewish heritage is a frequent topic in his music, with his third mixtape being titled BLP Kosher and the Magic Dreidel. He also linked up with Detroit rapper BabyTron on the song “Mazel Tron”, which was followed by a Cole Bennett-directed music video that has become Kosher’s most popular one on YouTube to date (4.3 million views and counting). This was also one of Kosher’s first tracks to experience viral success, as was the 2022 track “Jew on the Canoe”. Kosher also continues to practice Judaism, and finds time to pray on occasion despite living “a non-religious lifestyle.” When asked about the importance of making his Jewishness a major part of his musical identity, Kosher had this to say:
“Everybody’s a walking contradiction, but when I was young, I would be out and about every day, and I wouldn’t really be Orthodox or observe Shabbat. I was just a typical jit from South Florida on his skateboard. That’s all I really cared about, but I would still pray and look out for little signs from God.”
His first song to gain traction on YouTube was 2022’s “Crash Bandicoot”, but it wouldn’t be until “Inferno” later that year that Kosher would see his view counts eclipse 900K. TikTok’s importance on BLP Kosher’s career thus far also cannot be understated, since he currently boasts more than 404,000 followers on the platform. He also has more than 2.6 million likes on TikTok, with his clip previewing recent single “Special K” being viewed more than 5.7 million times. Several of Kosher’s tracks have racked up major numbers on YouTube, including “Special K”, which has more than 4.1 million views and counting. Best of all, BLP Kosher has been gifted one of the biggest signs you’ve made it as an artist: a Nardwuar interview.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BLP KOSHER
With Bars Mitzvah having only just been released on August 4, expect BLP Kosher to ride its wave for the foreseeable future. He’s scored features in Complex and Rolling Stone this year, Kosher’s clout in the rap world has risen enough that the album even has a production credit from hip-hop legend DJ Premier, who’s featured on “Endless”. Fellow Florida rappers Trapland Pat and Luh Tyler — the latter of whom Xposure also recently profiled — both feature on the track “Quite Frankly” (Pat also features on “J’z & Z’s”).
BLP Kosher will be playing a string of shows within the United States from September 9 to October 28, including a Canadian date at the Axis Club in Toronto on October 17. His most recent single from Bars Mitzvah, “The Nac 3”, saw its music video release just a couple weeks ago, already accruing more than 951,000 views on YouTube. You can keep up with what BLP’s doing next by following him on his social media accounts — specifically on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and SoundCloud.
FAQS ABOUT BLP KOSHER
Where is BLP Kosher from?
BLP Kosher was born in Boca Raton, FL, and raised in neighbouring Deerfield Beach.
How old is BLP Kosher?
BLP Kosher is 23 years old, and was born on May 3, 2000.
What is BLP Kosher’s real name?
BLP Kosher’s real name is Benjamin Pavlon.
Who is BLP Kosher signed to?
BLP Kosher is signed to Dreidel Gang and Encore Recordings.
What was BLP Kosher’s breakout song?
- His first song to gain traction was “Crash Bandicoot”, though his career would really start to take off after the release of tracks like “HanukkahWeen”, “Inferno”, and “The Nac” (the first of a series of songs with that name).
Who influenced BLP Kosher’s music?
BLP Kosher has cited many influences within and outside of hip hop. He sources Kodak Black, 9lokkNine, XXXTentacion, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Gang Starr (specifically the late Guru) as inspiration, though he also is a fan of rock bands like AC/DC and Sum 41 and trap metal artist Ghostemane.
What’s next for BLP Kosher?
BLP Kosher will embark on a North American tour during the fall, which will see him stop in 14 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
How can I stay updated with BLP Kosher’s music?
- You can stay updated on BLP Kosher’s tunes by following his socials like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, as well as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud.
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