Ben Kenney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Kenney
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Ben Kenney performing live with Incubus in Madrid.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Benjamin Lee Kenney |
| Born | March 12, 1977 Brielle, New Jersey, US |
| Genres | Alternative rock, alternative hip hop |
| Instruments | Bass guitar, vocals, guitar, drums |
| Years active | 1994-present |
| Labels | Ghetto Crush Industries |
| Associated acts | Incubus, the Roots, Time Lapse Consortium |
Benjamin Lee Kenney (born March 12, 1977) is an American musician. He comes from Brielle, New Jersey. Ben is known for playing many instruments. From 2003 to 2023, he was the bassist for the band Incubus. Before that, he played guitar for the Roots. Ben also creates his own music as a solo artist. When he records his solo albums, he usually plays all the instruments himself. He also sings all the vocals.
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Ben Kenney's Music Career
Ben Kenney played guitar for the hip-hop group the Roots. He joined Incubus in 2003. This happened after their original bass player, Alex Katunich, left the band. Ben had already played with some Incubus members before. He worked with Mike Einziger and Jose Pasillas in a group called Time Lapse Consortium.
By the end of 2023, Ben left Incubus. He had been recovering from surgery for a brain tumor. This meant he could not join the band on their tours.
Ben's Musical Talents
Ben Kenney can play at least six different instruments. Sometimes, he even plays drum duets with Incubus' drummer, Jose Pasillas, during live shows.
He has also worked in the studio for many other artists. These include Justin Timberlake, Faith Evans, and Erykah Badu. He also worked with Blackalicious. Ben has also helped producers like Timbaland and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Ben has his own record company called Ghetto Crush Industries. He released many of his solo albums through this company. Some of these albums are 26, Maduro, and Must Be Nice. Ghetto Crush Industries has also released music for other artists. Ben also helped the band the Smyrk produce their EP, New Fiction.
Ben's Solo Music
In 1994, Ben Kenney started a band called Racecar. Later, in 1995, he began a project called Supergrub. Supergrub recorded three albums. These were Norma & Thurselle (1995), Communicator (1996), and Challenger (released in 2000).
Ben has released seven solo albums. His first, 26, came out on December 1, 2004. Other albums include Maduro (2006) and Distance and Comfort (2008). Burn the Tapes was released in 2010. Leave On Your Makeup came out in 2013. His album Must Be Nice was released on December 25, 2019.
His most recent solo album is Powerful .... It was released on March 3, 2025. He also released a new song called "Fires" around that time. On his solo records, Ben plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drums. He also sings and writes all the music. When he tours for his solo music, he plays guitar and sings. He is joined by Ashley Mendel on bass and vocals, and Sekou Lumumba on drums.
Ben's Musical Gear
Ben Kenney uses many different brands for his instruments. For guitars and basses, he uses Lakland, Serek, Strandberg, Music Man, Gibson, Fender, and Hofner. He uses Mesa Boogie amplifiers to make his sound louder.
His instruments often have special pickups. These are made by Seymour Duncan or JBE Pickups. Pickups help turn the string vibrations into sound. Ben uses Dunlop strings and other accessories. For drums, he uses Canopus and DW drums. He also uses Paiste cymbals.
Ben's Personal Life
In January 2023, Ben Kenney shared that he had surgery. He needed time to recover. While he was recovering, Tal Wilkenfeld played bass for Incubus. Later, it was announced that Ben had left the band for good. Nicole Row took his place. Ben personally chose both Tal and Nicole to play with the band.
Ben is in a relationship with Georgia Dolenz. She is the daughter of Micky Dolenz.
Ben Kenney's Discography
Music with Incubus
- A Crow Left of the Murder... (2004)
- Light Grenades (2006)
- If Not Now, When? (2011)
- Trust Fall (Side A) (2015)
- 8 (2017)
- Trust Fall (Side B) (2020)
Solo Albums
- 26 (2004)
- Maduro (2006)
- Distance and Comfort (2008)
- Burn the Tapes (2010)
- Leave On Your Makeup EP (2013)
- Must Be Nice (2019)
- Powerful ... (2025)
Music with The Roots
- Phrenology (2002)
Guest Appearances
- Justified - Justin Timberlake (played guitar on "Right For Me") (2002)
See also
In Spanish: Ben Kenney para niños
