Lakecia Benjamin Signs to Artwork Records & Earns Sixth Career GRAMMY® Nomination for “Noble Rise” (Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield)
Renowned alto saxophonist-composer Lakecia Benjamin has officially signed to Artwork Records, marking a major new chapter in her artistic trajectory. The announcement arrives alongside the news of her sixth career GRAMMY® nomination for her single “Noble Rise,” featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield, in the Best Jazz Performance category. Released on June 27, 2025, the single “Noble Rise” signals the beginning of a bold era for Benjamin, and one that builds on the acclaimed Phoenix period that cemented her place as one of jazz’s most vital, visionary voices.
The 68th GRAMMY® Awards will take place on February 1, 2026.
“A GRAMMY® nomination is never something I take for granted. After everything I’ve lived through these past few years, this recognition feels especially meaningful. I’m thankful to the Recording Academy, my incredible collaborators, and everyone who continues to lift me up on this path,” Benjamin said. “I look forward to building on this with Artwork Records, and am so excited to join the family.”
Artwork Records A&R Sebastian Vidal expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting: “We are so happy to welcome Lakecia Benjamin into the Artwork Records family. She personifies the modernity of the real jazz scene. She embodies everything that we love about jazz. We are thrilled to start working providing to her, with Artwork Records, the best environment possible for her art to fully flourish and pursue worldwide exposure.”
“Noble Rise” is a simmering collaboration with fellow alto voyager Immanuel Wilkins, also earned a separate GRAMMY® nomination for his album Blues Blood. Less a saxophone battle than a meeting of the minds, the track features Benjamin’s core band as well as guitarist Mark Whitfield. “I was looking to showcase where Immanuel and I are at in our careers—some of the similarities, some of the differences,” Benjamin shared. “And to highlight getting knocked down, but striving, trying to get through.”
The Phoenix era, encompassing the 2023 album Phoenix and its 2024 live counterpart Phoenix Reimagined (Live), has been transformative for Benjamin. Stemming from a car accident that nearly claimed her life, Phoenix netted three GRAMMY® nominations for Best Instrumental Composition “Amerikkan Skin”, Best Jazz Instrumental Album, and Best Jazz Performance “Basquiat”. Phoenix Reimagined (Live) matched it with nominations in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Jazz Performance categories. None other than Stephen Colbert announced Phoenix Reimagined live on air, with Benjamin herself guesting in the Late Show Band.
Her next album, which will be released in the summer of 2026, will be her debut for Artwork Records. Artwork Records, a division of [PIAS], was founded in 2022 by the late Jean-Philippe Allard. Based in Paris, the label is home to an impressive catalogue of recordings by Kenny Barron, Sullivan Fortner, Jesse Harris, Tyreek McDole, Micah Thomas, and more.