Raps

Absurd as it may seem, I'm also an occasional rapper.  What started out as a ridiculous hobby has turned into an increasingly involved pursuit.  I began writing and creating simple rap videos as a clever way to invite people to my birthday party.  As the rhymes and videos grew in their intricacy each year, people outside my circle of friends took notice.  I've since been commissioned to write and perform raps for different events and become a freelance mercenary rapper of sorts.  I've had the great pleasure of performing for artists like Jack O'Brien, Judith Light, and Julie Taymor; and at great NYC venues like Ars Nova, 92Y Tribeca, the Hammerstein Ballroom, and Joe's Pub.  

I do not purport to be the next great hip hop star.  But as an admirer of language, poetry, and wit; I strive for "literate rap" that is smart, unexpected, and funny.  

photo by Robert Libetti

photo by Robert Libetti

Audio Recordings

These are audio recordings of various raps I've done for different events.  All lyrics are written and performed entirely by me.

Written and performed live by John Behlmann at the Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC. for MCC Theater's Annual Miscast Gala March 4, 2013 Honoring Judith Light. Track recut from RJD2's "F.H.H."

Written and performed live by John Behlmann at the 92Y Tribeca, NYC. for Sonnet Repertory Theater's Annual Gala November, 2012 Honoring Julie Taymor. Track by matthew mattew Remixed from "Circle of Life"

A rap about Shakespeare. And Jack O'Brien. Written and Performed by John Behlmann For Sonnet Repertory Theater's Gala Honoring Jack O'Brien Recorded Live at Joe's Pub in New York City Nov 2010

A rap about the impending Mayan Apocalypse. And another bigger tragedy. Written and Performed by John Behlmann Recorded Live at Ars Nova in New York City for SLANT Theater Project's "On This Island" Series December 2012

Rap written and performed by John Behlmann For the opening night of "Wild Animals You Should Know" Off-Broadway for MCC Theater Performed live at 49 Grove, NYC October, 2011

Birthday Raps

I had knee surgery in 2008.  With extra time on my hands, I decided I would invite my friends to my birthday party by creating a rap music video.  It was a hit and for many years, the tradition continued.  These are those videos.  Each was written, recorded, shot, and edited exclusively by me over the course of a few days in January.

2012

Produced hastily over the course of a couple days. Huge thanks to D Slav for holding the camera for an hour. And a massive thank you to Matthew Matthew for producing this kickass music track.

2010

2010: Slower jam... Deeper thoughts... Older man. My 3rd annual birthday rap music video invitation. Created entirely over the span of 4 days in January 2010. The most ambitious one yet. Everything you see was done by me. I engaged the help of a trusty tripod and a basic instrumental track stolen from a famous rapper. But otherwise, I shot, edited, recorded, wrote, mixed, and published this whole jam myself. Even the parts where I'm walking down the street or spinning in a circle were recorded by me. It was a sight to behold.

2009

2009: Recession Edition Following on the success of the 2008 birthday rap, I went for it again. The 2009 rap and production values are a little more sophisticated (my first time using Final Cut), but the ideas remain the same. Everything you see was done by me in less than 3 days. I engaged the help of a trusty tripod and a basic instrumental track stolen from a famous rapper. But otherwise, I shot, edited, recorded, wrote, mixed, and published this whole jam myself.

2008

2008: The video that started it all. In late 2007 I had knee surgery to repair my torn ACL. I was laid up for a few months with lots of time on my hands. Finally healed and able to walk by January 2008, I decided to make my birthday a special social re-entry event. What better way than by making a rap music video invitation? I started writing it on a Friday night at 7pm. I recorded the audio Saturday morning when I woke up. And by Sunday morning at 10am, the completed video had been released onto the world. Everything you see was done by me. I engaged the help of a trusty tripod and a basic instrumental track stolen from a famous rapper. But otherwise, I shot, edited, recorded, wrote, mixed, and published this whole jam myself. Little did I know, the Behlmann birthday rap would become a yearly tradition.