Interview with Benjamin Elgar: On “HOE,” Queer Identity, and the Art of Performance
Benjamin Elgar’s story starts with a computer, The Sims, and a dream that never faded: becoming an artist. Before he had access to real cameras or dancers, this French-born, Romanian-raised performer was already creating homemade videos and imagining himself on stage. Fast-forward to today, and that dream takes form in “HOE,” his boldest single yet—complete with powerful choreography and a feature from Bhad Bhabie.
Listen HERE
In this honest conversation, Benjamin shares how that childhood vision grew into a strong artistic identity that blends theatrical flair with street energy, vulnerability with fierceness. “HOE” is a full-on performance, a statement, a ritual that flips every label and judgment he’s faced into something empowering. As he puts it, it’s “bold, camp, cinematic, and 100% me.”
But beyond the visuals and the message, there’s a deep emotional core in everything Benjamin does. He opens up about the nerves and excitement of his first time on stage, his natural connection with dance, and the surreal moment of seeing Bhad Bhabie transform in front of the camera.
You dreamed of becoming an artist from a very young age. How has that vision evolved from your early Sims videos to the release of “HOE”?
It’s wild to think about, honestly. Back then, I was using The Sims to recreate music videos (so embarrassing to say that publicly, lol; it was my little secret) because I didn’t have access to a camera, a budget, or even real dancers. Now, I’m on set with full crews, building worlds from scratch. “HOE” represents the freedom I’ve always wanted. It’s bold, camp, cinematic, and 100% me.
Do you remember what you felt the first time you stepped on stage?
I felt like I was home. Nervous, but more alive than I’d ever been. It was like my body already knew what to do.
You’ve described dreaming about making your debut album since you were 5. Do you remember a specific moment or scene that first sparked that desire to be an artist?
Yes, watching Britney’s “Toxic” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as a kid. The drama, the visuals, the movement. I didn’t want to just listen to music; I wanted to live inside it.
The song has a powerful, provocative energy. What message did you want to convey with “HOE”?
“HOE” is about reclaiming the word. It’s for anyone who’s been underestimated or labeled, turn it into power and dance through the judgment.
“HOE” is a collaboration with Bhad Bhabie. How did that connection come about, and what was the most interesting part of working with her?
I was in the car with friends listening to her music, after the clubs, and we were all saying, “You know what? Bhad Bhabie actually kills every verse she does.” I texted my team at 3 am like, “We need to send her this track right now.” She heard it, loved it, and just got it instantly. What stood out the most was how sweet she is in person, super kind, real, and grounded. But when the camera is on? She turns into this fierce, confident force. Watching her perform her verse was unreal. She’s got that thing you can’t fake: she’s a star, and it was such a fun, easy collab.
Dancing seems to come naturally to you. Tell us about the choreographic concept behind this video.
I worked closely with my choreographer Cameron to build a world that felt theatrical but street early 2000s. We wanted the movement to feel primal and powerful, like a ritual reclaiming identity.
Do you have an artistic or life mantra? A phrase you repeat to yourself to get through tough days?
“Make the impossible possible.” That’s been my filter for every creative decision.
What’s next for Benjamin Elgar—are you already dreaming up the next era?
Yes. The album is coming. Think heartbreak, survival, and fantasy. But bigger and different.
Find Benjamin Elgar on Instagram and “HOE” on all streaming platforms.
