Q). Hows things with you?

All is well, thank you! You can’t complain too much when you’re living in Hawaii. Beaches and seeing the ocean always puts me in a great mood.

 

Q). Where did the whole Memphis Reigns journey all begin?

I was a big rap fan while growing up in the 80s; however, writing raps didn’t happen until the early 90s. I recorded my first “song” using an instrumental from a 3X Krazy cassette single. We used one boom box to record the vocals and another boom box to play the beat. No room for mistakes. Haha. I probably listened to that song 50 times that night.

I started rapping more seriously in 1997 after meeting a bunch of guys with similar music interests in Santa Cruz, California. I honed my rapping over the next few years through all the writing, recording and performing I did with my friends.

 

Q). Your single ‘Counterpoint’ with Yesoul & Krohme is available now. Tell us more about that?

I met Yesoul while living overseas. I was introduced to her music while working on an album with some of her friends on an independent label in South Korea. We exchanged the idea of working together and this song was a result of that discussion.

Concurrently, Krohme was working on a project that would showcase folks rapping in their mother tongues. I pulled Yesoul in and pitched the idea to Krohme. Krohme was kind enough to bless us with a record that would become Counterpoint.

DJ Wally Styles would go on to provide the track with a scratching hook, while Krohme worked his magic with mixing and mastering duties.

Q). Whats it like being in the studio with Memphis Reigns?

I enjoy talking story with other people and having a good time, so I try to make the experience a good one. I do like to write alone, but otherwise, it’s a pretty positive and light environment.

 

Q). How would you describe your sound?

I compare it to a Filipino drink called “halo-halo”. It translates into “mix-mix” and it refers to all the motley crew of ingredients used to make the drink.

I say that because I was exposed to rap music overseas growing up on different military bases. Friends I met from all over the U.S. would introduce me to their favorite music from their part of the country. This is where I would pick, pull and integrate things I heard while trying to develop my own style.

Since I was always moving around in the 80-90s, my exposure wasn’t centralized on just “west coast” or “east coast” music. I had the fortune of learning about different artist through the people I grew up with.

 

Q). Is there anybody who you would love to do a track with?

Canibus. Always amazed with what he writes.

Q). Who is your biggest influence?

Wutang Clan all the way. I loved everything about them. Raps, production and style was amazing.

Memphis Reigns was originally supposed to be an alias. Wutang was really big on having aliases using identities of Marvel super heroes (Johnny Blaze, Tony Starks, etc.) and I wanted to do something like that. In my earlier years, I was going by a different name and stumbled on the Memphis Reigns name while watching a movie. I would use that as an alter ego, but then it eventually became the single name I would use when making music.

 

Q). Why did you choose to get into the music industry?

Music has always been fun and a good stress release for me. Since everything is done independently, I have the luxury of doing it at my own pace and schedule.

Q). What would you say is your biggest achievement in music so far?

In general, I value the relationships I’ve made during this journey. Everyone has an interesting story and I’m honored when people choose to share it or allow me to be part of their story.

 

Q). What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

Other than the release of the “Track Record” EP with Indiana producer, Kid Forever earlier this month, I plan on closing out 2022 with one single/music video.

At the moment, I have a few things in motion that will see light in 2023/2024, but there is definitely something with me, Yesoul and Krohme in the works.

The album closest to completion is a full length album with long time friend/producer D-Mitch. We first connected after my deployment to Afghanistan in 2008 and shortly after we released our first project together the “Skeleton Crew Diaries”. This project is our follow up to the first, where D-Mitch plays everything on every beat. Really excited to the share this project.

Q). Do you have any social media for new fans to follow you?

You can catch up with me at IG @memphreez or at www.memphisreigns.com