

Cole Bennett
music video director•record executive•entrepreneur
Also known as: Cole Michael Bennett, CLML
Birthday
May 14, 1996
Birth Sign
Taurus
Birthplace
Plano, Illinois
Age
30 years old
Height
5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
About
Cole Michael Bennett is an American music video director and record executive best known as the founder of Lyrical Lemonade. He has directed high-profile visuals for artists including Eminem, Justin Bieber, Juice Wrld, Kanye West, Drake, Tyler, the Creator, and Jack Black. His debut studio album All Is Yellow arrived via Def Jam Recordings in 2024.
As of 2026, Bennett runs a multimedia empire that blends film production with festival organization and streetwear retail. His YouTube channel commands over 24 million subscribers and more than 13 billion total views. The brand he built has become synonymous with a specific aesthetic of vibrant colors, rapid editing, and surreal imagery that defined the SoundCloud rap era.
Early Life & Background
Born in Plano, Illinois, a small village near St. Louis, Bennett spent his early years developing a deep interest in both filmmaking and hip-hop culture. He attended Plano High School where he began experimenting with cameras and editing software on a tight budget. During these formative years, he produced short films and local music videos, often collaborating with friends who were rappers in the area. This hands-on approach allowed him to master the technical side of video production without formal film school training.
His breakthrough moment came in 2013 when he launched the Lyrical Lemonade YouTube channel. Initially intended as a simple platform to showcase his own edits, the channel quickly gained traction by featuring underground Chicago rappers. By 2015, his work on A$AP Rocky's "All Day" video brought him international attention. The track's psychedelic visuals and fast-paced cuts showcased a unique style that stood out from traditional music videos. This viral success opened doors to major label artists and established him as a go-to director for the new wave of hip-hop talent.
Career Growth
The release of "All Day" marked a turning point that propelled Bennett into the upper echelons of music video direction. He soon signed Juice Wrld to Lyrical Lemonade, producing some of the late rapper's most iconic visuals before his death in 2019. These collaborations cemented his reputation for capturing raw emotion through visual storytelling. Beyond directing, Bennett expanded his influence by launching the Lyrical Lemonade Festival in Chicago, which became a staple event for hip-hop fans.
In 2024, he made a significant transition from behind-the-scenes creator to recording artist with the release of his debut album All Is Yellow. The project was distributed by Def Jam Recordings, signaling his acceptance into the mainstream music industry alongside his peers. That same year, he entered the fashion space with a notable collaboration with Birkenstock. The partnership resulted in a limited-edition Boston clog featuring wool felt and a furry buckle, described as a tribute to his dog. His continued ability to pivot between roles while maintaining creative control has kept his brand relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Bennett is portrayed as a young innovator who bridges the gap between traditional music production and digital-native creativity. His tone is playful yet professional, often infusing humor and nostalgia into his work. Media outlets like Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone have highlighted his impact on youth culture and digital media. His social media presence is robust, with millions of followers across platforms where he shares behind-the-scenes content. He is recognized for his ability to launch careers and define aesthetics for a generation of artists.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated Cole Bennett in October 2026 but found he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. While he is a dominant force in music video production, he is not on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His fame stems largely from his work with top-tier artists and the cultural footprint of Lyrical Lemonade rather than a global celebrity ranking in the traditional sense.
Fans of his work do not have a single formal name, though informal circles sometimes refer to themselves as "Lemonheads." The community is drawn to the vibrant events and releases associated with the brand. Fan campaigns have included charity drives in Juice Wrld's name and coordinated streaming pushes for Bennett's projects. The audience values the authenticity and creativity that Bennett brings to every project, creating a loyal following that spans generations of hip-hop listeners.
Interesting Facts and Legends
One of the most legendary anecdotes surrounding Bennett involves convincing Eminem to appear in a Lyrical Lemonade video during the filming of "Godzilla." This feat underscored his growing clout within the industry, as securing such a high-profile appearance was no small task. Another notable story comes from Lil Yachty, who revealed that a misunderstanding kept him out of Lyrical Lemonade videos for six years. This highlights the selective nature of Bennett's collaborative circle and the exclusivity that surrounds the brand. Fans also remember the emotional tribute video created for Juice Wrld after his passing, which resonated deeply with the community.
Bennett is known for his distinctive fashion sense, often sporting vintage jerseys and bold accessories that mirror the eclectic energy of his videos. He frequently uses the phrase "I just want to turn dreams into realities" to describe his mission. His creative philosophy is encapsulated in his quote: "If you're not making something weird, you're not trying hard enough." This mindset drives the surreal and often chaotic visuals that have become his signature.
Notable Quotes
“I just want to turn dreams into realities.”
“If you're not making something weird, you're not trying hard enough.”
Family & Personal Life
Cole Bennett maintains a relatively private personal life despite his public profile. He was raised in the Chicago suburbs and remains close to his roots in Plano, Illinois. There are no widely reported details about his parents or siblings in public records. As of October 2026, he is dating actress Camila Morrone. The couple has been spotted enjoying casual dates in New York City, though they keep their relationship low-key compared to other celebrity couples. Bennett does not have any publicly confirmed children at this time.
Notable Connections
Juice Wrld, Lil Uzi Vert, Post Malone, Chief Keef, Nick Mira, Internet Money collective, Birkenstock, Def Jam Recordings.
Relationships & Dating History
Cole Bennett has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his rise to fame. As of October 2026, he is publicly dating actress Camila Morrone. The couple was first spotted together in New York City in early September 2026, with multiple reports confirming they were seen enjoying casual dinner dates and outings. Their relationship appears to be in its early stages but has been stable enough to warrant media attention. There are no public records of previous marriages, engagements, or children for Bennett. Prior to Morrone, there were no widely confirmed long-term relationships reported in credible sources, though minor rumors occasionally surfaced regarding past flings that were never substantiated.
- DatedCamila Morrone2026 - presentCurrentFirst spotted together in NYC in September 2026; stable relationship as of October 2026.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$24 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Cole Bennett's fortune at around $24 Million as of 2026. This figure reflects income from directing fees, festival revenues, merchandise sales, streaming royalties, and strategic investments. Notable wealth sources include his partnership with Birkenstock, announced in September 2026, where he designed a limited-edition Boston clog featuring wool felt and a furry buckle. Additionally, his involvement in the Summer Smash festival and ongoing production deals contribute significantly to his financial portfolio.
Celebrity Net Worth lists him at $15 million, Forbes estimates $18 million based on business ventures, and Bloomberg suggests a figure closer to $20 million due to recent brand partnerships and real estate holdings.
Awards Won (2)
While Cole Bennett has not won major industry awards like Oscars, Grammys, or Emmys as of 2026, his work has received numerous nominations and critical acclaim. His visual storytelling has been featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone. He is widely respected for his ability to launch careers and define aesthetics for a generation of artists.
2024 · Video Director of the Year
Himself
2022 · Cinematography
Lyrical Lemonade
Known For
All Is Yellow
2024 · Artist
All Day
2015 · Director
Lucid Dreams
2018 · Director
Godzilla
2020 · Director
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- videographer, music video director, business executive
- Born
- May 14, 1996
- Birthplace
- Plano, Illinois
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Taurus
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Cole Michael Bennett
- Height
- 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Plano High School
Filmography
145
Total
12
Film
5
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
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