Introducing binki: A Rising Talent in Genre-Bending Music

Kylie Swain 

Music Journalist 

It really does take a unique kind of artist to build such an influential following off the strength of a few albums, but binki is one artist who is accomplishing just that at the moment.

Born on September 14th, 1997, in Pennsylvania, United States, binki (real name: Baraka Andrew Ongeri) grew up in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. Up until he was 18 years old, binki never considered himself a musician. He was pursuing acting and mostly listening to hip-hop, but discovering both old and new music ignited a spark in him, and a Jimi Hendrix documentary inspired him to take guitar lessons. He draws inspiration from incredible idols such as Childish Gambino, Tyler, The Creator, Will Smith, and Jamie Foxx. Sometimes an artist’s influences provide minimal insight into their music, however, in binki’s case, they speak volumes. 

 He studied to be an actor at UNC Greensboro, where he soon began to make music. Always identifying himself as an actor, he thought of music as a secondary passion even after first venturing into it. Things haven’t really stood still for binki since he left the University of North Carolina with a theater degree in the summer of 2018. Burnt out from the stressful demands of the acting world, he started producing demos to channel the emotional energy weighing him down after graduation. 

Raised in North Carolina and based in Brooklyn, he doesn’t object to being labeled a “rapper,” but his ambition goes way beyond that. binki has quickly turned heads for his innovative fusion of pop, funk, and classic rock swagger. Inspired by the essence of the late 2010s bedroom-pop wave, a movement that launched the careers of artists like Steve Lacy and Clairo, binki uploaded “Marco,” a loose but vibrant and catchy alt-pop track, released in October of 2018. “Marco” gained significant traction on streaming services, paving the way for his follow-up singles, the festival-friendly jam “Sea Sick,” which I first heard in 2019 and have been a fan of binki ever since, and the uplifting “Heybb!,” which is also personal favorite. These tracks gathered the attention of industry insiders, notably renowned producer Justin Raisen (known for his work with artists like Charli XCX and Joji) and the FADER label, under which he is currently signed. The buzz intensified after “Heybb!” was featured in an iPad advertisement in early 2020, and it gained popularity, going viral on TikTok alongside “Sea Sick.” Binki’s genre-bending feels so natural and effortless that you can’t help but nod along. In August 2019, he was featured in Pigeons & Planes as one of their “best new artists” of that month. A third song, “Landline,” was featured on the soundtrack of FIFA 22. With articulate emotional clarity and skillful wordplay, he captivates listeners while elevating the energy of any venue where his music resonates.

  After months of upset and disruption, working hard delivery jobs, enduring bad auditions, and facing rejections from casting agencies, it finally gave him the push to take his music seriously. This clear and optimistic outlook has shaped binki’s musical journey, resulting in his debut EP, ‘Motor Function,’ released on August 13th, 2021. A blend of multi-genre songs that resonate long after listening, this four-track EP is an exhilarating collage of rap and indie-rock influences, drawing inspiration from artists like BROCKHAMPTON. A personal favorite would be his second EP, ‘Antennae,’ released in 2023, featuring songs like “Freakin” and “Doomsday,” setting a tone of euphoria with an alt-pop melody. binki is refreshing and lighthearted, combining indie guitar rhythms with hip-hop elements and moments of distorted vocals and delivery that match the maturity of the instrumental for a unique sound you’ll want to listen to repeatedly.

I find binki’s music incredibly captivating due to his ability to create fresh and innovative sounds that can fit into any genre of music. Songs like “Marco,” “Sea Sick,” and “Heybb!” showcase his unique combination of pop, funk, and classic rock elements that stands out in the current music landscape. Moreover, binki has made a significant impact on the music industry by empowering artists to create and share their work independently. Whether its demos released from his bedroom or signing with The FADER label, he inspires the new generation of artists to dive deep in their creative outlook, breaking down genre boundaries in music.