Empowering New Single, “Keep Breathing,” Out Now
Download High-Resolution Album Art HERE
Pre-Save The Underdawg HERE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 14, 2026) – Multi-genre independent musician and viral social media personality Lil Man J announces his highly-anticipated new album, The Underdawg. Titled for his grit and tenacity, the raw, 11-track project will be released October 16.
Pre-Save The Underdawg HERE.
Lil Man J (formally Jackson Benfield) entered the music scene in 2022 at 16 years old, and has since skyrocketed to stardom with high-energy country, hip-hop tracks including “Cap Freestyle,” “Sippin Country,” “Stuck in the Middle,” and “Life Is Good.” Amassing over 250 million streams to date, he’s known for his eternal optimism and playful antics that keep audiences coming back for more.
The Underdawg honors where he’s been and where he’s going. Despite his physical health challenges, Lil Man J has used them for a greater purpose, advocating for disabled communities through his platform.With vulnerable new songs, the relatable project shows “J” in a new light, embracing the obstacles he’s overcome with gratitude. See the full tracklist below.
The Underdawg Tracklist
1. “I Plead The 5th” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Ryan Larkins, Jeff Fenster)
2. “Working On Me” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Sebastian Garcia, KTLN)
3. “Black Dirt Red” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, James Slater, Sam James)
4. “Strangers” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Sebastian Garcia, Kendall Goodman, Alex Grant, Bobby Simmons Jr, Christine Dominguez, Jeremy Dussoillet, Justin Franks, Tim Sommers)
5. “Bad & Ugly” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Autumn Buysse)
6. “Who’s Laughing Now (feat. Taela)” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Taylor Mae LaCour, Kendall Goodman)
7. “Too Far Down” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, James McNair)
8. “Keep Breathing” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Autumn Buysse)
9. “Barefoot Running (Hallelujah)” (Lil Man J, Aaron Barnhart)
10. “I Can’t Help” (Lil Man J, Carlo Colasacco, Levon Gray)
11. “Comin In Hot (feat. DJ Paul)” (Lil Man J, Paul Beauregard)
“This album is the epitome of who I am as an artist and a person, as I’ve always felt misunderstood and out of place at times in my life. I know a lot of people have those feelings, too, and I hope this music inspires them to keep going, without letting anybody dictate what they’re capable of.” says Lil Man J.
Today, he releases motivational single, “Keep Breathing,” written alongside Autumn Buysse and Carlo Colassaco. Describing the toll depression and anxiety can have on us all, Lil Man J opens up about the darkness he’s endured while striving to achieve his goals. The honest anthem shows his depth as a songwriter and sacrifices he’s made to get here, but how he’s persevered through the difficult times.
Listen to “Keep Breathing” HERE.
Watch the official music video for “Keep Breathing” HERE.
The South Carolina native toured with Dax on the sold-out, North American Lonely Dirt Road tour last fall, and recently debuted at CMA Fest on the Wrangler stage earlier this summer to a packed crowd. Additionally, Lil Man J has earned recognition from XXL Magazine, All Country News, MusicRow, Taste of Country, and more.
Download High-Resolution Single Art HERE
About Lil Man J
Independent Country, Hip-Hop, and Pop artist Lil Man J (Jackson Benfield) is a 21-year-old viral musician and social media personality from Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Since emerging on the scene with his breakout debut “It’s Just The Beginning” (2020), he’s grown into one of the most popular artists in today’s entertainment scene. With over 250 million streams to date across platforms, Lil Man J is resonating with audiences worldwide and capturing the attention of today’s musical giants: J Balvin, Jelly Roll, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone and Teddy Swims. He debuted at CMA Fest 2026 on the Wrangler stage and performed on the sold-out, national Lonely Dirt Road tour with fellow collaborator Dax last winter. In addition to his larger-than-life presence and optimistic personality, “J” is a prominent advocate for the disabled community as he’s struggled with major physical disabilities throughout his own life. His career is an inspiration to others, proving that no obstacle is too great to overcome. “J” has defied the odds and continues to grow stronger through adversity. With notable press mentions from XXL Magazine, MusicRow, and Taste of Country, he’s living a life that cannot be replicated. Lil Man J will release his debut album this fall, featuring cross-genre bangers and his signature charisma.
###
