Sophia Michaels
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Benny Blanco might be widely recognized for his connection to Selena Gomez, but his impact on the music industry extends far beyond his personal life. Rising to fame in the late 2000s, this highly accomplished songwriter and producer has established himself as a powerhouse in the music world. Billboard even recognized his talent in 2021, naming him one of the greatest producers of the 21st century, alongside his collaborations with major artists such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Maroon 5.
Despite his remarkable triumphs, Blanco attributes his success largely to luck. “People always ask me, ‘What’s the secret, man?’ I wish I knew,” he expressed in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald. Beyond his production work, he also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut single “Eastside” in 2018 with Halsey and Khalid, which soared to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album “Friends Keep Secrets” also enjoyed great success, staying on the Billboard 200 chart for 34 weeks. “I wanted to do something different. I wanted to challenge myself,” he explained about venturing into the spotlight as a recording artist.
While much about Blanco’s journey is public, there are still intriguing aspects of his life and career that fans remain unaware of, such as his past aspirations in rap and a brief rivalry with Charlie Puth. Here’s an exploration of the lesser-known facts about Benny Blanco.
Benny Blanco’s musical journey began early
With his passion for music fueled by his parents’ encouragement, Benny Blanco embarked on his musical journey at a very young age, mastering multiple instruments by the time he was four. At six, he discovered his true love for music upon hearing Nas’ “The World is Yours.” “I was instantly hooked… There was just something about it,” Blanco recalled in an interview with Vibe.
After witnessing a friend craft some beats, Blanco, at just 15, decided to give music production a shot. “I didn’t really have any gear, and I just started making beats here and there. They were so bad; very elementary,” he recounted during an interview with Reuters. Unbeknownst to him, this pursuit was the start of a spectacular career path.
A few years later, Blanco seized an invaluable opportunity as an intern with Disco D, which further honed his skills in music production. Although it was a challenging learning experience, Blanco valued his time with Disco D, who dedicated an hour daily to teach him essential techniques like layering drums and structuring songs, instilling in him that his beats should provide a musical journey.
Benny Blanco’s unexpected journey to success
Initially, Benny Blanco aspired to be a rapper, inspired by artists like Nas. However, he later abandoned this dream when Eminem rose to fame. “He came out, and I was like, ‘See? He’s a white rapper, and I can be a white rapper. But then I thought, ‘Except I suck, and I’m short and Jewish, with curly hair,'” he told Reuters.
Despite not breaking into the scene as a rapper, Blanco eventually found success as a producer. In 2008, he co-wrote and produced major hits like Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot n Cold,” as well as Britney Spears’ “Circus.” His collaboration with Perry on her album “Teenage Dream” in 2010 brought more significant achievements, with the title track and “California Gurls” both landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. That year, he also co-wrote and produced hits for Kesha and Taio Cruz, “Tik Tok” and “Dynamite,” respectively, which also reached the top spot.
In 2012, Blanco’s career took another leap as he collaborated with Stargate and Sia on some notable projects, expanding his repertoire even further.
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The Impact of “Diamonds”
An iconic track, “Diamonds” served as the leading single for Rihanna’s album “Unapologetic” and quickly achieved worldwide acclaim. Benny Blanco, who contributed to the song, expressed his amazement at its success. He credited Rihanna’s talent for elevating the song beyond his expectations, remarking on the unexpected global reception it received. While Blanco has attained significant success in his music career, it reflects a departure from his childhood aspirations.
Culinary Ventures with Chef Matty Matheson
In March 2020, Benny Blanco and Chef Matty Matheson launched a YouTube cooking series titled “Matty and Benny Eat Out America.” This show reflects their mutual passion for food. Blanco shared that becoming a chef was a dream he nurtured alongside his music career, humorously dubbing it “the greatest worst food show on YouTube.” The duo’s friendship started at Matheson’s restaurant in Toronto, where they hit it off despite their differing musical tastes.
The engaging cooking show featured celebrity guests like Lil Dicky, Diplo, and Mia Khalifa, quickly gaining millions of views over its two seasons. Following this success, they launched a second series, “Stupid F***ing Cooking Show,” which embraced a humorous approach to home cooking and was equally well-received.
Benny Blanco’s Cookbook Success
In April 2024, Blanco collaborated with recipe developer Jess Damuck to publish a cookbook titled “Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends.” This book showcases Blanco’s cherished recipes while offering insights on hosting memorable gatherings.
During an interview, Blanco recounted how cooking strengthened his relationships with loved ones. He views hosting and creating experiences—whether in food or music—as central to his life. To promote “Open Wide,” he visited NYU, where he often serves as a guest lecturer, highlighting the connections between his cooking and musical passions, which inspired him to pursue this culinary venture.
A Brief Feud with Charlie Puth
In 2021, a playful back-and-forth began between Benny Blanco and Charlie Puth on social media, starting speculation of a feud. This was sparked after Blanco made several teasing comments aimed at Puth, especially after Puth started sharing insights into his creative process on TikTok. In one of these videos, Blanco jokingly suggested that Puth should quit music and delete his accounts, highlighting their lighthearted rivalry.
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