An entire decade at Ruin Your Day has literally changed my life. What started as a small group of friends with backpacks full of cameras and a love for battle rap gradually developed into an internationally recognizable brand based on quality, consistency, and community. It’s humbling to reflect on all we’ve created together.

I remember starting as a fan that simply wanted to contribute in my own way to two of my passions: Video production and hip-hop. After a cold email and an opportunity, this 19 year old kid stepped into a creative world that would become part of his daily lifestyle from that point on. Carrying bags at events evolved into filming marquee live events, editing powerful stories of legendary performers, and exploding countless marketing campaigns for some of the largest companies in the niche. It’s been a blur of hard work that never felt like work.

While professional skills established credibility, what I am proudest of is the positive community culture that we continue to build. The #RYDerz are a tight group of hundreds of thousands of global fans that have been welcomed at the table since day one. The authenticity behind everything we create attracts an audience that money can’t buy. The sincere relationships we cultivate with each individual subscriber, celebrity artist, and expert contributor remains the pulse behind why we do what we do.

I have to thank my mentor and best friend, Kyle “Avocado” Gray. He and I have been around the world and experienced many chapters of life alongside each other (personally and professionally). Countless projects and a decade of wisdom shared is secondary to the unconditional support and memories we’ve made. Pushing me to lead our content, music, and merch departments while teaching me everything he knows without hesitation was energized by the faith he had. The skills learned set me up for success. The friendship tho… Forever grateful would be an understatement.

Here’s to being Ruin Your Day til I’m blue in the face! 💪

RIP Ben Hammerton

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