Who knew Benjamin Landy Pavlon, better known as the rap sensation BLP Kosher, was literally shredding before he started spitting insane bars? Known for his genius-level wordplay and killer flow, few are aware that his passion for the beats was only sparked after he had already fallen in love with another rhythm—the rhythm of skateboarding.
BLP Kosher is a product of the skateboarding world first, crafting his stitches on the streets before he moved them to beats. In this deep dive, we will skate through his early life and the role skateboarding played in it, his profound shift from street to studio, and the influences that shaped him as unique as his hair, music, and style.
How did BLP Kosher’s love for skateboarding begin?
Growing up in the vibrant bustle of Deerfield, Broward County, Florida, a place that has birthed other rap stars like Kodak Black and XXXTentacion, Benjamin Landy Pavlon, aka BLP Kosher, developed a solid connection with his skateboard at the early age of about seven.
Not just a fleeting hobby, this love became an enduring passion. His childhood was filled with the soundtrack of wheels grinding on concrete, the percussive slap of boards on pavement, and the melody of a successful trick that landed with just the right balance of power and finesse.
“The skate park became his sanctuary, his place of solace away from the restrictions of the senior home.”
It wasn’t a cushy upbringing, as some would have you believe. He resided with his grandmother and mother at the Pine Tree Apartments, which doubled as a sort of senior living home. As he grew, so did his obsession with skateboarding.
The skate park became his sanctuary, his place of solace away from the restrictions of the senior home. Hours turned into days, and days into years, so much so that by the time he was around 10 or 11, BLP released his first skateboarding video ‘Sponsor me’ at the Boca Skatepark, barely four miles from his home.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
What’s the significance of BLP Kosher’s skateboarding videos?
The early videos of BLP show a young boy skating with a passion that one would consider quite remarkable for such a young age. These videos serve as a testament to his journey, a chronicle of his growth not just as a skater but also as a person. Let’s just say that when it comes to shredding, BLP didn’t just dabble; he immersed himself.
In what could be called a coup de maître, one of the earliest videos dating back to 2011 shows BLP, or Benny as he was known then, pulling off stunts and tricks with an uncanny mastery. He even mentions in one of his interviews how frequently he visited Boca, highlighting his familiarity with and affection for the skate park. From his ‘sponsor me’ video to the ones featuring him in 2013 at a drop-in skate park, we started to get a feel of BLP’s style—confident, embracing, and unpretentious.
How did BLP Kosher leverage his skateboarding videos?
Being the savvy kid that he was, BLP didn’t just skate to kill time. He was on a mission from the get-go. Uploading videos as he honed his craft, he soon started attracting considerable attention. Marking a significant milestone in his journey, he dropped multiple video parts that showcased his sick kickflips, gnarly grinds, and killer ollies. `
One of his most consequential skate video parts came with the significant move from a local park shredder to a serious skater. By the end of 2017, he took his game to the streets, showcasing this evolution with his video part, 10 Toes Down. Let’s be clear here: These weren’t any child’s play, half-assed stunts. BLP was nailing switch tricks, something that even seasoned skaters often struggle with. This was an insane display of skill and dedication to the craft, marking him as a true skateboarder to the bone.
What is BLP Kosher’s impact on the skateboarding and music world?
BLP Kosher’s journey is a testament to the fact that he was “born to shred.” His swift switch from skateboarding to producing beats provides a myriad of insights into understanding his musical style. His skateboarding prowess is mirrored in his ingenious wordplay and his remarkable ability to craft engaging flows. Not just a rapper who could skateboard or a skateboarder turned rapper, our man, BLP Kosher, qualifies as an absolute shredder in both fields.
BLP blends these two worlds in his music, contributing to the relatively scarce genre of skate rap. His songs are replete with references to skateboarding culture and his personal experiences from the skate parks, making his music resonate with people who come from similar backgrounds.
How can you learn from BLP Kosher’s journey?
BLP Kosher’s story is inspiring, to say the least. He embodies the idea that if you’ve got a passion for something, there isn’t much that can stop you from pursuing it, regardless of your circumstances. His foray into the music industry while keeping skateboarding close to his heart shows a seamless fusion of passion and talent.
Having started skateboarding at an early age, BLP has demonstrated that with enough determination and practice, anyone, irrespective of their background, can nurture their passion and succeed in it. BLP Kosher is living proof that if you pursue your passion with all your heart, you can achieve something far greater than fame—you can make a difference.
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If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As with any topic that attracts attention and warrants discussion, there are always a few questions that rise to the surface more often than not. To aid your understanding, here we tackle a few such frequently asked questions about BLP Kosher’s skateboarding journey and his transition into music.
Why is BLP Kosher known for his skateboarding bars?
BLP Kosher is notably recognized for his unique “skateboarding bars,” a term that refers to the specific lyric lines in his rap songs that use skateboarding metaphors or references. His passion for skateboarding has intricately threaded itself into his music. This distinct fusion of his two passions has further distinguished him in an industry where standing out can be quite a task.
How did skateboarding impact BLP Kosher’s music?
Skateboarding, more than just physically influencing BLP Kosher’s music, provided a mental framework for his art. The rhythm and flow required to execute a skating trick mimic the rhythm and flow found in a song. He often communicates his experiences as a skateboarder through his rap music, infusing his verses with elements known to any skater and creating anthems with a solidly relatable touch.
What’s BLP Kosher’s signature skateboarding trick?
BLP Kosher has shown exceptional skill in executing ‘Switch Tricks.’ Skating ‘switch’ is akin to writing with the non-dominant hand. It involves reversing the foot that leads the skateboard, essentially making it an ‘opposite stance’ trick. If you’re new to skateboarding, trying to learn switch tricks might sound daunting, but once mastered, it can create a more dynamic and versatile skating style.
Where can I find more information about skateboarding?
If the story of BLP Kosher has sparked an interest in skateboarding in you, or you’re looking to enhance your knowledge further, there are a bunch of resources available to help you learn more. You can check out articles about the best beginner skateboard trucks or guides on how to navigate through common mistakes new skaters make, among other resources. Happy learning and happy skating!
Final thoughts
BLP Kosher’s journey from the skate park to the recording studio stands as a testament to the power of passion. His story demonstrates how a love for a sport can seamlessly transition into a love for an entirely different artistic expression. His music resonates with skateboarders globally, and his unique blend of skateboarding culture into his music is genuinely remarkable.
Have you listened to BLP Kosher’s music or watched his skateboarding videos? What are your takes on his unique fusion of the two worlds? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend and explore my full blog for more insights into the mightily intriguing and exhilarating world of skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
Having delved into the intriguing journey of rap sensation BLP Kosher from a skateboarder to a rapper with a unique style, here are some noteworthy takeaways from this article:
- BLP Kosher began skateboarding at a young age and maintained his passion despite a modest upbringing.
- His early skateboarding videos showcasing his switch tricks garnered considerable attention.
- The street became BLP’s canvas as he transitioned his skateboard tricks to the roads, marking a significant phase in his skateboard journey.
- BLP’s dedication to skateboarding directly influenced his music, giving birth to skateboarding bars, a blend of rap and skateboarding terminologies.
- BLP redefined success by demonstrating that with enough determination and passion, you can turn your hobby into a flourishing career.
