Midnight Spotlight Artist: Reem

Each week, 889@Night will recognize local unsigned talent and promote their music on air as well as on our website. We highlight the talented few who got that “fire”. By the end of the week, we let our listeners choose whether they want these artists to be added to constant rotation or not. This week starting today, June 18, 2012, we are highlighting Reem and playing his music at midnight and 12:30 am.

Reem is a nineteen year old artist from Boston, MA who plans to bring a new sound into hip-hop, not only locally, but globally. A member of the collectives The Gentleman’s Club and @BuyHappinessClothing, Reem knows how to stand out and grab his own shine amongst a crowd. In February of 2012, Reem released his first mixtape entitled HYPE. After listening to Reem’s mixtape, it’s easy to see that he has talent. I was instantly a fan after I listened to his tape, but when I saw him trade bars with Bad Boy artist Los, I knew he had something special. He was able to hold his own and show people that he deserves to be signed and recognized as the talented MC that he is.

There are a lot of elements that go into being a talented MC. Lyrics, flow, cadence, and most importantly consistency. Consistency is so important for a rising MC because sometimes you only get one shot to impress people, but Reem consistently impresses new audiences. Not only is he consistent, but Reem is versatile. A problem with a lot of new MCs is that they can freestyle but don’t know how to make a song (and vice versa). Reem does both at a high level and it’s a beautiful thing to see. It is going to be great to see him realize his full potential.

This HYPE mixtape features great tracks like “Trippy”, “Black Dahlia”, “Misfit”, and “Stupid Crazy Dumb Ass Love”. My favorite track off the mixtape is “Misfit”. This song is basically an ode to being young, enjoying life, and trying to live out your dreams. The guitar strumming in the background of the beat helps makes this song really smooth and easy to listen to. Another song to look out for is the upbeat, party track “Trippy.” This song is so damn catchy. After the first time I listened to it, I found myself randomly saying “I got that hype, whoa, whoa” at random inappropriate times of the day.

Reem is still promoting the HYPE mixtape and is part of an elite group of MC’s called #12for12 that were put together by Tim Larew of the The Fresh Heir. These MCs are super talented and on the rise, so make sure you look out for them. Tune in to 889@Night on Monday night to hear a live interview featuring Reem and definitely a live freestyle! Download his mixtape HYPE here. Check out his freestyle session with Bad Boy artist Los at Laced! Reem can be found on Twitter or Facebook.

By Malcolm J. Gray