James E. Hogan II was born in San Francisco, California in the Western Addition (Fillmore District). Inspired by all good music, James started rapping at the age of 15. During his 12th grade year of high school (age 17) he joined a group with Big Rich called BRP (Big Rich Production). At the age of 19 James then took rap more serious by signing his 1st contract with Cat Daddy Records in Houston Texas. After doing 2 albums with them he made his way back to Cali and joined a group call H.W.Y (High Wild & Young). After completing a Mix tape and an album things got a little shaky so he decided to pursue his career as a solo artist. Now James, aka Beneficial, has 2 EPs on itunes.com right now called:”Product of my Environment” and “Expect the Unexpected”. Be on the look-out for Beneficial’s EP “By Any Means Necessary”. He also has a project coming out with S.Kush called “Co-Defendants”, all released by Super Dudes Media Group.
Beneficial is currently working on his solo album “REALITY CHECK” which should be released the beginning of 2012 through Beneficial Records/Front Office Media Group/3 Story Muzik.
He tries to stay ahead of the game by keeping God 1st and hard work.