“I Should Be Dead”, Benjamin Lerner on Addiction, Relapse & Redemption

Primary Purpose with Pej · May 28, 2026 · 1h 11m

Today on Primary Purpose with Pej, we sit down with Benjamin Lerner, rapper, composer, recovery advocate, and the great-grandson of legendary songwriter Irving Berlin. Behind the music, talent, and family legacy was a devastating battle with fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine that nearly cost Benjamin his life.Now sober since 2016, Benjamin has turned his pain into purpose. Through a unique blend of classical piano and hip-hop, he’s built an audience of hundreds of millions by speaking openly about addiction, relapse, shame, recovery, and redemption. This conversation dives deep into…