Family Ties

3.2.21

Benzino

When it comes to families in the industry, we typically understand when an artist has a parent who came before them in the same profession. T.I.’s children want to follow in his footsteps, Remy Ma’s children are both artists themselves. Nas, E-40 and Common all have father’s that came before them in the industry. A family tree that many do not know about, or just found about recently, is that Benzino is the father of female hip-hop artist, Coi Leray. As Coi has been really peaking in her career thus far, things seem to be getting a bit tense in their relationship.

Coi Leray has been making music for the past few years. Her name became big from a previous relationship wit Trippie Redd, but has been doing her own thing for a couple of years now, and the music seems to finally be picking up for Coi. Not only has she been landing features with top artists in the game currently like Lil Durk and Pooh Shiesty, but she also has her first Billboard Hot 100 hit, with her new single No More Parties. While this is certainly something to celebrate, it comes with some uneasy feelings.

The song, No More Parties, is essentially about finding her own path and doing things her way, from now on. The first full verse of the track gets a bit detailed into the family business, which seems to be where the issue arises.

I'm too busy getting this money
Counting this cheddar
My daddy let me down
But I promise you I won't let up
I wanna say f*** that man
But this shit won't make me better
Me and my brother still beefin' right now
'Cause he ain't get that letter
Numb to the pain
Yeah, and I'm like yeah
F*** everybody, I can't trust nobody
I ain't even really tryna party
Don't invite me to no party

There is no indication of what went down between Coi and her family, but she expresses disappointment in her father, which can be the most hurtful comment at times.

Benzino ended up going on Instagram Live in which he states was to “defend his honor.” He stated that Coi lived in a mansion and had everything she needed. While this was with her mother, he flew her out to him for every holiday, and feels that her mother is the reason when Coi feels resentment towards him. Finally, what I think the biggest takeaway from this Live was, is that he said “She has recorded hundreds of songs. I knew this would be the one to blow up.” So, it is evident that Benzino recognizes the success that Coi has been giving due to a song that does slightly call out his questionable skills as a father.

If there is one thing about Benzino, it is that he is going to get into trouble. Whether he is bringing up issues with Eminem from two decades ago, or posting pictures for Funk Flex on his Instagram threatening him for something that he has nothing to do with (though still, horrible). It is no surprise that Benzino speaks out to stir drama or clear his name, whatever his intensions may be. It is sad, though. I have heard him stand up for his daughter in the past, calling her a strong woman, stronger than most men, whom can do whatever she wants. You never like to see a family at odds, but feelings were clearly hurt on both ends of the situation.

Coi Leray ended up catching wind of this, and went on her own Instagram Live. There was a lot of name calling, but mostly hurt that there was any commotion other than a celebration. Since this has happened, each party have been in the comments sections of the blogs sharing their story. Coi seems apologetic, and explains she was just going through some difficult feelings at the time.

Hopefully they talked it and out and everything is cool now. After all, family is family. Not to mention, Coi Leray is on fire lately.