Black Rein interview

BLACK REIN FROM BOW, EAST LONDON

East London is a place where stars are definitely born. From urban stars like Kano down to Hip-hop giant Klashnekoff East London has always had an indefinite part of the UK Hip-hop scene. Now comes a new cat by the name of Black Rein who is set to storm the charts and the UK with his mixture of street and urban tales. So what's been happening Black Rein.

You've just dropped the excellent 'Planet Of The Chimps' Mixtape/DVD. What was the motive behind the name of the Mixtape/DVD?
Originally the name for the mixtape was a chorus from a previous track I did which grew on me, it made me picture the way the Youth behave in Bow. The actual sample we used was Monkey sound effects done in the booth by me and Double J another mc on the Chimps project. The sample became very catchy when played on radio and was also thrown into the DVD…

Who did the production of 'Planet of the Chimps'?
A Lot of the beats were supplied by my management & Production Company Ice- PR Ltd and the rest were instrumentals from established American artists. Fatz, an old friend, produced WAR, Smooth Operators & Game of Life. Sin City & Remain Soldiers were produced by Brooklyn's Nicky Diamonds, who has also provided beats for my forthcoming Album. I Even threw one of my own beats on the Mix CD HOW LOW don't watch it I've got Beats as well Holla!

You're from East London. Apart from you who is making noise hip-hop wise?
Most Crews doing well around Bow are friends of mine from the roads for e.g. Roll Deep, Ruff Squad, Dizzee Rascal and a lot more up & coming mc's, which keeps me on point and with the benefits of some big collaborations in the future.

What Record Label are you signed to and how did you hook up with them?
I was scouted by Jason Price when I was 21 and for the last three years I have been in a production deal with ICE-PR Ltd's record label INNER CIRCLE UNIVERSAL (ICU RECORDS). In that time we have recorded a total of 70 tracks at the Funky Bunker recording studios, with a view to licensing the material to a major label.

You've come from a Jungle Background. Do you still spit Jungle from time to time?
Never, though I respect that that's where I first started spittin. To spit to Drum & Bass now would be for jokes in Bow; Drum & Bass seems ancient now the Grime scene has overshadowed the Jungle scene. Well that's just my opinion!

Word on the street is that you've recently had your music on the soundtrack of an award winning US Sitcom. What sitcom is it and how did you hook that up?
The show is actually a Hip Hop reality TV show, based the on the 'Apprentice.' It's called THE ULTIMATE HUSTLER and is presented by Damon Dash of Roc-A-Fella. It was an honour to provide music for a big show in America so early in my career, which I have to credit to my manager Jason Price, for he actually went to America promoting my music ONE BRUV!

You're working with producers in France & New York. Is the vibe still the same as UK producers?
The U.K production gets better and hungrier by the minute. Fatz never fails to surprise me, plus where the mix CD done well more local talent had faith in what I was doing and I've started to get beats from a lot Of UK producers. But as for the French and American beats Straight FIRE Nicky Diamonds from the U.S, is a professional no Doubt, and I'm traveling to France shortly to Work with Some Hot producers in Montpellier.

You're from Bow E3. Is it really as bad as they say?
I could say no but I'm from Bow. If you're not from Bow and in the wrong place at the wrong time you could easily get a bad impression, plus a lot of drama starts from music (radio beefs etc) and watch out for the mad chicks In the Clubs ha ha...

Is there gonna be a Black Rein album in the near future?
Definitely. My Album is going to drop shortly after my second mix CD, I haven't decided on the title 100 percent yet but I guarantee the tracks are fire R&B, Grime but mainly UK Hip Hop - Get Ready.

Any Shout outs?
Shouts to Ice –Pr, Trim Of Roll Deep, Fatz, DJ Zimbon Rinse F.M all the Airplay Fam, George from Touch F.M and all my Man dem. Look Out for the latest from Double J The D.O.N mixtape and Stinga B BLESS!!!

Any Last Words?
Black Rein is Reality Rap! Stories from The streets In Graphic detail Brace yourselves and get Ready - ONE!!!!

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