Vassal Gradington Benford III stands as a towering figure in the entertainment industry, renowned for his multifaceted roles as a Grammy-nominated music producer, record executive, film producer, and entertainment mogul. His career is a testament to his exceptional talent and visionary approach, leaving an indelible mark on both the music and film landscapes.
Musical Mastery and Chart-Topping Hits
Benford’s influence in the music industry is profound, with a production catalog that reads like a who’s who of music royalty. He has crafted platinum hits for global superstars, including Jennifer Lopez, Michael Bublé, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown. His recent successes include Jennifer Lopez’s “Rebound,” a platinum hit released on February 16, 2024, as part of her album “This Is Me… Now,” documenting her reunion with actor Ben Affleck.
In the same year, Benford produced Jason Derulo’s debut album “Nu King,” featuring the hit single “Spicy Margarita” with Michael Bublé. The single surpassed certified Gold status within the first 14 hours of release, showcasing Benford’s ability to create instant hits. The album also featured collaborations with artists like Adam Levine, Meghan Trainor, Quavo, French Montana, David Guetta, NBA YoungBoy, Gucci Mane, and Nicki Minaj.
April 2024 saw Benford delivering seven consecutive platinum recordings, including Chris Brown’s hit single “Bruce Lee,” inspired by the martial artist’s famous quote, “Empty your mind. Be formless. Shapeless. Like water.” Chris Brown’s album “11:11,” with over a billion streams, earned three Grammy nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, with Benford’s contributions being a significant factor in its success.
Benford’s versatility is further exemplified by his work in the EDM genre. He wrote and produced the massive hit “Be Right There” for two-time Grammy winner DJ Diplo. The song, performed by Marshmello and Major Lazer, surpassed 1 billion streams worldwide, cementing his reputation as a cross-genre hitmaker.
Film Production and Industry Leadership
Beyond music, Benford has made significant strides in the film industry. Between 2020 and 2023, he executive produced the hit film series “After,” “After We Collided,” and “After We Fell,” which collectively grossed over $600 million at the box office. These films have also become top streaming movies on Netflix, highlighting Benford’s prowess in film production.
Currently, Benford serves as Co-Chairman and CEO of Benford & Canton Studios, alongside partner Mark Canton, known for producing blockbusters like “300,” “Den of Thieves,” “Immortals,” and the hit TV show “Power.” Their studio focuses on film, music, innovative technologies, and digital media platforms, positioning Benford at the forefront of entertainment innovation.
A Thriving Legacy and Future Ahead
As Vassal Benford continues to redefine boundaries in music, film, and digital innovation, his influence resonates across the global entertainment stage. His creative genius and business acumen have not only crafted chart-topping hits and blockbuster films but also built an empire of immense value.
The Benford Companies, encompassing music production, film, and cutting-edge digital platforms, now generate an impressive $300 million in annual revenue. This monumental achievement underscores Benford’s place as a trailblazer and visionary in the entertainment industry.
With an unstoppable momentum, Vassal Benford’s journey promises to deliver even more excitement, innovation, and cultural impact in the years to come. Keep your eyes on this mogul—he’s just getting started.