How a high schooler's blog became a hip-hop visual empire
In short: Starting as a simple internet blog in Plano, Illinois, Lyrical Lemonade transformed the hip-hop landscape. From filming local Chicago rappers to directing multi-platinum videos for superstars like Eminem and Juice Wrld, Cole Bennett has turned a passion for videography into a massive media and lifestyle brand.
Cole Bennett's journey began in high school, fueled by a video camera gifted by his mother and a name she helped him create. What started as a platform for local Chicago artists like Vic Mensa and King Louie eventually expanded to define the visual language of the SoundCloud rap era. By the late 2010s, Bennett was working with major figures like Lil Pump and Lil Xan, the latter of whom saw his 'Betrayed' video achieve RIAA Platinum certification in 2018.
The scale of Bennett's influence is most visible in his massive digital reach and mainstream collaborations. His direction for Juice Wrld's 'Lucid Dreams' became a global phenomenon, surpassing 1 billion YouTube views by August 2024. He has since moved into the mainstream, directing high-profile hits for legends like Eminem—including the 'Godzilla' video, which amassed 13 million views in just 24 hours—and Kanye West.
Beyond the lens, Bennett has built a diversified empire. He hosts the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash, a three-day festival attracting over 40,000 people daily. His brand has expanded into merchandise, collaborations with Jordan Brand and FTP, and even creative projects for major film franchises like The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In 2024, Bennett transitioned his business model, stepping back from directing every video to sign new directors to the Lyrical Lemonade banner, signaling a shift toward long-term production and film projects.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cole Bennett
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-cole-bennett.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
