Queens native Ben Bacardi is having a breakout year. The hip hop artist has officially landed a Song of the Year – Hip Hop nomination at the 2025 Josie Music Awards for his track “Life Again,” a deeply personal record about renewal and overcoming adversity. It’s a milestone moment that recognizes not just his lyricism, but the resilience behind his story.

But Bacardi isn’t slowing down to celebrate. He’s pushing forward with new music that shows just how versatile his voice really is.

New Single: Take Me Down to the Water

Hot on the heels of his nomination, Bacardi just dropped his latest single “Take Me Down to the Water.” The track leans into a more cinematic, mood-driven sound—something raw and atmospheric, with grit in the verses and a haunting hook built for late-night drives. It’s a step forward that proves he’s not content to stay in one lane.

🎥 Watch the official music video here: 

Full Album: 1986 Drops September 23, 2025

All roads lead to 1986, Bacardi’s full-length debut album arriving September 23, 2025. The project promises to connect the dots between the golden-era Queens hip hop that raised him and the battles he’s faced personally—mental health struggles, running a business in New York City, and carving out his own lane in a crowded industry. If the early singles are any indication, 1986 will be equal parts homage and evolution: nodding to the past while pushing the sound into something entirely his own.

Why It Matters

In a moment when hip hop is often about speed—chasing trends, feeding algorithms—Ben Bacardi is playing the long game. His Josie Awards nod validates the work he’s already done, while “Take Me Down to the Water” and 1986 prove he’s got plenty more to say. This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan career move. It’s a foundation.