Alec Benjamin Delivers a Moving Rendition of an Eminem Classic With "Stan"

image

Photo: Alex Currie

It is official; we here at Ones To Watch stan rising singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin. In the scope of under a year, Benjamin has gone from being dropped by his record label and playing parking lot shows outside Shawn Mendes and Troye Sivan concerts to releasing his acclaimed debut album and making his late-night television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden. So, what is next for Benjamin? A trip down memory lane, as the Los Angeles - based songwriter revisits one of his earliest inspirations.

Following the Alessia Cara - assisted remix of Benjamin's breakout hit, "Let Me Down Slowly," he returns with a cover of the Eminem classic "Stan," released as part of a Spotify Singles collection. Originally released 19 years ago on The Marshall Mathers LP, "Stan" has defined Eminem's discography as one of his signature works and has found new cultural life as a term signifying an over-obsessive fan. A hallmark in modern-day rap, "Stan" may at first seem like an odd cover choice for Benjamin but a single listen to his cover says otherwise.

Benjamin's unique lyrical intonation is a distinctive trait that has set him far apart from his peers and lends itself particularly well to complex, poignant bouts of songwriting genius. It is this idiosyncratic lyrical prowess that both Eminem and Benjamin flex in their respective versions of "Stan." Yet, what is arguably most impressive about this striking cover is Benjamin's fluid flexibility, drifting between the explosive manic energy of "Stan" and the ethereal soft-spoken grace of Dido's verse, originally taken from the opening of "Thank You." This is how you cover a modern-day classic.  

Listen to "Stan" below and catch Alec Benjamin on tour:

Related Articles

Kevin Atwater Puts His Spin on Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”

Kevin Atwater Puts His Spin on Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”

June 13, 2025 Paying tribute to one of the iconic male queer artists that came before him, Atwater accesses a different side of this beloved song.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
Dora Jar Lets Go of Feeling Lost in “The Explorer”

Dora Jar Lets Go of Feeling Lost in “The Explorer”

June 13, 2025 The track is both deeply personal and universally comforting, allowing Dora to effortlessly pull listeners into her ethereal universe of quiet introspection.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
pop
Leikeli47 Is Finally Taking Off the Mask in 'Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only'

Leikeli47 Is Finally Taking Off the Mask in 'Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only'

June 13, 2025 Leikeli47 is completely certain of who she is and the power that she holds.
Author: Jazmin Kylene
rap