The phrase is a major cultural touchstone that spans slang, hip-hop history, and cinema. It originated as a reference to the United States $100 bill , which features the face of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin . 1. The Slang: Why "Benjamins"?
Benjamin Franklin has appeared on every $100 bill since 1914. All About The Benjamins
This 1997 single by featuring The Notorious B.I.G. , Lil' Kim , and The LOX is considered one of the most iconic hip-hop collaborations of all time. The phrase is a major cultural touchstone that
The definitive "remix" added verses from Lil' Kim and Biggie, helping the song reach #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. The Slang: Why "Benjamins"
The track famously samples "I Did It For Love" by Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra.
While the slang existed in Black vernacular, it was officially cemented into the cultural lexicon and dictionaries by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs through his chart-topping hits.
The music video, directed by Paul Hunter , won a Viewer's Choice award at the 1998 MTV VMAs.