Reks:Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme

7.3/10 dropps

When we think of the best hip-hop hailing from the Northeast, generally New York and Philly are the only candidates to supply talent. However, Boston has a handful of hidden hip-hop talent, and none seem more impressive than Massachusetts native Reks. While Reks has been in the game for nearly a decade now, he is not a well-known name amongst the regular rap circuit. With his latest release and third studio album, Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme (his name is actually an acronym) is putting not only his city on the rap map, but also capturing the attention of many listeners.

R.E.K.S. (Ryhthmatic Eternal King Supreme) is the impressive offering of a rapper with a huge dedication to his craft and a passion for creating quality music. At first glance, this album is covered in phenomenal production from some of the best hip-hop pioneers in the game. You’ve got a solid mix of DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek, The Alchemist, Nottz, and more. While the collaborations and features are kept to a minimum the additions of Freeway, Styles P, and Boston comrade Termanology add some great chemistry to this intimidating (yet introspective) album. It’s evident that Reks is from a city of low temperatures, for he has managed to present a vibe and energy across the record that gives off a cold, chilly feel, and you can’t help but find yourself thinking that this is something for gray days.

The record starts off with the recent single that DJ Premier produced, “25th Hour”. It’s easily another absolute classic by Premo, and Reks rhymes rapidly over disgustingly eerie, piercing piano keys and airtight drumbeats, mixed in with Nas’ Illmatic samples. Next, the raw and hard energy is continued with “Thin Line” with a little help from Pete Rock. The track has instant qualities of archetypal ‘90s rap reminiscent of Big L, or M.O.P. For a more intellectual and retrospective look at Reks, “This Is Me” dives into a struggle of dark hours, describing how the rapper had to cope with the death of his father at a young age. “Mr. Nobody” takes listeners into another dark corner, illustrating the days when poverty and family financial stability were Reks’ day-to-day. The two Hi-Tek-produced beats on R.E.K.S. are rather impressive, with a great chemistry formulated on “U Know,” a track featuring Philadelphia big-bearded hustler Freeway. “The Wonder Years” has a solid horn-driven beat, although the chorus comes across a bit rushed and repetitive. “Limelight” tries to lighten the dark mood of the record with it’s silly and clashing beat, however it comes across as more of a throwaway track if anything. Any Alchemist fan will be more than impressed with “Why Cry,” featuring another underrated and extremely impressive emcee, Styles P.

From front to back, R.E.K.S. demonstrates memoirs of a rapper who has yet to really break through into the limelight – but one who possesses the drive and passion to get him there. Although he might never gain mention alongside many of the mainstream rappers, this Boston brother has delivered a record to which any true hip-hop head will find themselves rocking constantly and discussing for a long time coming.

-Jay Wolman