Garren
Advisor, Music & Engineering Programs
Garren is a 3× Grammy‑nominated singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, and recording artist whose work has earned 3 Platinum and 2 Gold RIAA certifications, along with more than 15 million independent streams. A Los Angeles native, he has collaborated on projects with some of the most influential artists in contemporary music, including Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Nas, and the late Nipsey Hussle, appearing on the Grammy‑nominated track “Dedication” from Victory Lap.
Garren’s artistry spans R&B, hip‑hop, and soul, shaped by a distinctive vocal style and a multidisciplinary skill set that includes engineering, production, and full creative direction. His credits include contributions to Nas’s Grammy‑winning album King’s Disease II and J. Cole’s Platinum‑certified Revenge of the Dreamers III. His music has been praised for its emotional depth, detailed lyricism, and cinematic storytelling, reflecting both his technical mastery and lived experience.
His justice‑impacted journey is chronicled in the biographical documentary short Normal, which received Official Selection honors at the NYC Independent Film Festival, Los Angeles Movie Awards, St. Louis International Film Festival, and DBFF. This work underscores his commitment to using art as a vehicle for healing, reflection, and social transformation.
As Advisor for Music & Engineering Programs at Ben Free, Garren helps design and guide music‑based curricula that confront the carceral literacy gap and empower incarcerated creators through hands‑on tradecraft. He will deliver in‑person Subject Matter Expert sessions through Ben Free multimedia workshops, providing system‑impacted youth and adults with access to industry‑standard tools, culturally relevant hip‑hop instrumentation, and professional mentorship.