Producer Lenoi Bentley Looks To Give Back To Young Artists
Before Lenoi Bentley would produce songs for Masicka’s Billboard-charting 438 album, he played music in church as the band’s drummer and made beats as a hobby to entertain schoolmates. It was then that Bentley knew that he wanted to pursue a career in music.
Lenoi’s composition techniques grew impressive. This led to his cousin, who worked on a sound system, introducing the aspirant to Dancehall star Laden. It didn’t take long for the St. Elizabeth native to work with Bentley, allowing him to produce his first track.
“I always got good feedback about my beat-making in high school, this was a motivator for me, but when Laden gave me my first track, Glory Came on one of my riddims was when I really pushed out to do production professionally.” Lenoi shared with DancehallMag.
Armed with confidence and the zeal to achieve in music, Bentley set his sights on reaching out to Dancehall heavy-hitters Bounty Killer, Masicka, Tommy Lee Sparta, and trending contemporary stars Chronic Law, Squash, and Intence.
On Masicka’s 438 album, he contributed to the tracks Suicide Note, Highlight, and Contract Killer.
“Masicka is very talented, he knows his sound and he understands it, working with him is a pleasure. I have always admired his work ethics, maintaining a professional approach during the recording process is something I do. He is open to new ideas and styles, therefore I always feel comfortable lending my ideas on the tracks,” he shared.
Prior to the 438 album, Bentley worked with Masicka on the productions Diplomat featuring Bounty Killer and Have It in 2019.
His production involvement nonetheless, has not stopped at Dancehall. He has collaborative projects with the respected producers Seanizzle and Di Genius.
“I was introduced to Seanizle through my blood brother DJ Asha D, an emcee in the UK. We are working on a soon-to-be released Reggae riddim featuring Ibahmar, Gappy Ranks, Ikaya, and others. Di Genius is a mentor and I got the opportunity to work with him on a project with Laden before his incarceration.”
The self-taught producer, who first honed his musical skills in piano and drums at church, isn’t reluctant to admit that he has learned from YouTube.
He shared, “I have utilized YouTube my whole career. I have learned mixing and mastering, vocal training, producer tips, the business side of music, how to market my brand, and I am still learning as I go.”
To pay it forward, Bentley hopes to create an opening for upcoming production talent.
“In the next five years I want to expand on my record label to help more young talented artists in their growth. I want to give them a platform to shine and educate them about the business side of music,” he continued, growing up, even though I had the talent, it was very hard because of the limited resources, and I wished I had someone to give me the opportunity I wanted. But now I’m in the position to give back so I’m working towards that.”
Currently, Lenoi Bentley, born Lenoi Bent is working with songstress Aisha Davis for the production of her 6-track album, a mix of Roots Rock Reggae, Dancehall, and RnB/Pop.