Benjamin David Goldberg (born September 24, 1998) was born in Salem, Massachusetts, United States. He is an American rapper. He is professionally known as Token. Token has made a significant impact in the music industry with his unique style and thought-provoking lyrics. He gained early recognition when he appeared on Sway's Friday's Fire Cipher, showcasing his exceptional rap skills.
Token's journey into the world of music began under the moniker BDG, using his initials as his stage name. Encouraged by a childhood friend who stumbled upon some of his recorded music, Token took the leap and created a YouTube channel to showcase his talent. His initial foray into the music scene started with a freestyle to Miley Cyrus' hit track, "Party in the USA." While faced with negative reactions from his peers at school, Token persevered and gradually built a dedicated online fanbase.
During his sixth-grade years, Token embarked on a collaborative project with his friend Colin Mitchell, known as C-Mitch, who was also an aspiring local emcee. Together, they released their first project, titled "Lethal Combination." Although the public response was initially lukewarm, fate intervened when one of their CDs reached the hands of producer Jon Glass. Recognizing their potential, Glass became a mentor to the duo, offering guidance and support.
In an effort to embrace his unique identity as a white Jewish kid from Salem, Token eventually adopted the stage name Token. At the young age of 14, he began uploading his music videos to YouTube, utilizing the platform to showcase his evolving artistry. Token's breakthrough arrived in February 2014 with the release of his debut mixtape, "The Mindstate."
In 2020, Token took a significant step in his career by establishing his own record label, Never Too Different. He subsequently inked a distribution deal with Atlantic Records, solidifying his position in the industry. August 2020 marked the release of his first single under his new label, titled "30 People." Building upon this momentum, Token's highly anticipated debut studio album, "Pink Is Better," was unveiled on January 14, 2022. Preceded by four impactful singles including "Chit Chat," "Sip," "High Heels" featuring Rico Nasty, and "IOD" featuring Lil Skies, the album showcased Token's growth as an artist and further cemented his place in the rap scene.
Token's artistry transcends boundaries, captivating listeners with his exceptional lyrical prowess and introspective storytelling. With a steadfast determination and a genuine passion for his craft, Token continues to make waves in the music industry, solidifying his position as a rising star.
