Rep, is a CHH artist from Virginia, who has recently released a track called 'Even If He Doesn't'. Louder Than The Music chatted to Rep to find out how the song was inspired by a tragic consequence of the Covid pandemic, his views on making music, and what he has planned next.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up with a love for creating, and music just seemed to run in the family. My mom and sister both sang in the... Read MoreRep, is a CHH artist from Virginia, who has recently released a track called 'Even If He Doesn't'. Louder Than The Music chatted to Rep to find out how the song was inspired by a tragic consequence of the Covid pandemic, his views on making music, and what he has planned next.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up with a love for creating, and music just seemed to run in the family. My mom and sister both sang in the church. I truly didn't start making music until several years ago when I was working as a family life instructor in public schools. I began making music for the kids just because there wasn't anything positive on the radio for them to really listen to. Rapping and singing became a hobby for me and a way to connect, collaborate, and create content that expressed what a lot of people were feeling. I began to work with Christian and non-Christian artists and producers, I began to play shows around the U.S., and most of the time, I performed in bars, clubs, and venues where most Christians didn't go. That became my mission. Bring Light to the Dark till the Dirt. Along with the music, I have written several books. I have a wonderful family. I'm always ready to see what I can create next.
Tell us about your new single 'Even If He Doesn't' and what the inspiration behind it was?
This song was unexpected, and that's probably a good thing. In August, a friend of mine got Covid and died. Her husband, also a friend of mine, and her daughter were left behind. Up until this point, I had been aware of the craziness and chaos of the past couple of years including my own dad's death from dementia and some other health issues earlier in 2021. Pressures from vaccines to fear from a pandemic to uncertainty politically and racially all played into utter exhaustion from life. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego has always been a favorite Bible story of mine, and for one big thing. It wasn't the fiery furnace rescue. It was the fact that the three of them were okay if God decided not to save them. There is this whole speech they give the king saying that God will come through, but even if He doesn't, they still won't bow. I've envied that faith for a long time, and I want to make it a reality. I also want to encourage others to have that mindset, too. God is God. God is good. Even if He doesn't.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
Always. I am always collaborating and ready to create. Right now, there is a collaboration in the mix between myself, Young Parker (from Virginia), and True Justice/ Dirty Beaz (from Sweden). We've got several songs out which you should look into. I don't want to spoil this song yet, but it does have to do with a certain recent popular Netflix series that came out called Squid Games.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Life is crazy. Life isn't easy. Life can be disappointing and frustrating. You are not perfect. You will fail. You will be weak. All of that is okay. God is still God. God is still Good. The best is yet to come.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I really don't know how to describe my style. I have influences all the way from Trip Lee to Ludacris-- Bizzle to Nas - NF to Eminem. I love music that inspires and invokes curiosity so, my lyrics are always going to have a deeper meaning no matter how simple they seem.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Sam Ock. If you haven't heard of him, you should. He is a musical genius and his music is so inspirational, hype, and chill all at the same time. I just admire the creativity and every instrumental he has, I can see myself writing, too. I'm also a big fan of IMRSQD right now...so, if he is reading this...
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I always say that the stage doesn't matter. If one person is impacted by your music, then that is a success. You never know what that one person will go on to do or impact because of you.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I can never pick one... haha... I think I'm having a stroke just thinking about it.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
North by Sleeping At Last
What does the next year hold for you?
Oh, man.... well, I'm working on a children's fantasy book and a thriller at the same time. I'm also going to be moving to a different state where I hope to do more live music and collaborate with new talent. I'm really excited.
Rep, a CHH artist from Virginia, had recently released a track called "Even If He Doesn't". "Back in August, a friend of mine died from a battle with covid leaving her husband and four-year-old daughter behind", explains Rep…
