He was a renowned saxophonist and a member of the pioneering hip-hop band, the Robert Glasper Experiment.
Benjamin won two Grammy Awards and collaborated with notable hip-hop artists such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Nas. He was an integral part of the Robert Glasper Experiment.
Benjamin passed away on Monday, his management informed Huff Post. The immediate cause of death was not disclosed.
In a heartfelt social media post, bandmate Derrick Hodge expressed his sorrow over Benjamin’s passing. Hodge, along with pianist Robert Glasper and drummer Chris Dave, were all part of the Robert Glasper Experiment.
The cause of Benjamin’s death was later revealed to be a pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clot).
“Tonight, I honor a brother… Casey Benjamin, thank you for inspiring me, for being a light in my life, and for your unbelievable influence on the music world,” Hodge wrote. “And we will honor your memory and carry it with us.”
Struggling to find the right words, Hodge added, “I’m grateful for you and will always love you! King, rest well.”
Benjamin, born in Queens, New York, began playing the saxophone at the age of 8. He later attended the Harlem School of the Arts and the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, followed by The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.
Casey Benjamin (10/10/78 – 31/03/24) | Jazzwise
Throughout his career, Benjamin worked with many prominent artists, including John Legend, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
He won two Grammys with the Robert Glasper Experiment, earning Best R&B Album for “Black Radio” in 2013 and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children” in 2015.
Many artists and musicians who had worked with Benjamin over the years expressed their condolences on social media.
Casey Benjamin and Mark Colenburg with the Robert Glasper Experiment at Marcus Garvey Park” by Dave Kaufman – Jazz Photo
“Rest In Peace Casey Benjamin,” Lupe Fiasco wrote on Instagram. “I’m so grateful and respectful that I can’t even begin to say it. I’m very sorry for the family, fans, and friends’ loss.”
“Rest in peace Casey Benjamin,” singer-songwriter and composer Sinkane posted on X (formerly Twitter). “One of the best musicians of our time has died. My friend, I will always love and miss you.”
Questlove, drummer for The Roots, also praised Benjamin and the Robert Glasper Experiment, saying, “Seriously…..damn near every member of this squad was a god in their own right and I considered #CaseyBenjamin the Horace Grant of the squad.”
Questlove added, “Being there gave Glasper the time and space to do what I think Glasper does best, which is paint colors, which would have been hard for Glasper to do if he had to lead the mission with only one keyboard.”
He concluded with, “It was always my dream to work with Casey whose vocoder work & sax work was just friggin otherworldly,” later writing, “Rest in Melody Casey.”
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