Midnight Spotlight: Mark Merren

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, July 23rd, 2012, we are highlighting local rapper Mark Merren and playing his music at midnight and 12:30 am every night this week.

Mark Merren is of that rare breed of rappers that seamlessly sew together style and substance, creating a patchwork of stories and messages that push people to make the most of life. Reflecting on everyday experiences and emotions, his rhymes are as realistic and relatable as much as they are encouraging and entertaining.

Writing rhymes, recording, and performing since the age of nine, Merren’s talent was apparent even at an early age. He frequently performed at talent shows throughout Boston as part of a group helmed by his older cousin. The group effortlessly won over audiences and even peaked the interest of execs at an indie label distributed through industry monolith Sony Music.

Though a record deal never materialized, Merren’s deep love of music propelled him to continue rapping and producing music with or without a deal, and over time, age and maturity refined his rhyme skills and ultimately unveiled the purpose behind his desire to make music: to pen rap poetics that truly reflect his life as a young man coming of age trying to overcome obstacles and embrace opportunities. He also hoped to spread love to his listeners through lyrics that would motivate and inspire them to put God first and strive to exceed their potential.

As he perfected his blend of cool cadences and conscious rhymes, he continued to be a persistent presence on the New England music scene, his energetic, engaging stage presence and versatile vocal stylings effortlessly conveying the essence of his musical expressions and easily capturing the attention of audiences and other artists. One group that took notice was a collective of Boston and Tokyo-based musical and visual artists by the name of Agari Crew. They were taken by Merren’s witty wordplay and distinctly down-to-earth lyricism, and as he got to know its members, Merren grew to appreciate the spirit of creativity and collaboration inherent in the crew. He joined the group in 2007, and by 2009, Agari Crew dropped its self-titled debut album and toured both the US and Japan in support of the release.

In addition to collaborating with Agari Crew and performing regularly at venues throughout New England, Merren also plans, produces and hosts music events through his company Authentic Lifestyle, an entrepreneurial endeavor that’s created outlets and inroads for him and his fellow musicians to connect with listeners and each other, and for Merren to distribute his music independently. With his solo debut slated to drop this spring, Merren is poised to push play on a music career where his songs motivate the masses to rewind to the times that meant the most to them and fast forward to a future full of promise and possibility.

For more on Mark Merren, follow him on Twitter. Check out his video for “Last to Know” too.

By Malcolm Gray

If you liked this, check out:
Midnight Spotlight: Real P
Midnight Spotlight: Ross Maq