Big Ben is a second generation South African refugee, born and raised in Finsbury Park, North London. Already a budding poet at age 9, by 11 Big Ben was writing his own verses and making songs with his friends Supar Novar and DRC. It was at this time they formed the rap group Flip tha Skript.

At school, Big Ben developed his craft, getting a name for himself in various groups including C4C (featuring Akala and Dj Brass Foot). Still making music with Flip tha Skript, Big Ben and fellow members began making cassette tapes - one tape got to UK Hip Hop veteran SkinnyMan who regularly invited Big Ben and Supar Novar to open for his shows and spit on radio. At this time Big Ben was still building his name and continued to work with Flip tha Skript and featured on Foreign Beggars first album Asylum Speakers in 2003 on a song called Getaway.