Rezzi

Canadian rapper and songwriter Rezzi (Brandon Phillips Reyes) knows a thing or two about hardship. From humble beginnings, the 16-year-old used music as outlet to convey his thoughts and emotions. Today his poetic lyrics resonate with thousands and the young artist has been compared to the likes of Drake, K'naan and Kardinal Offishall.

Rezzi also recently shared his story on anti-bullying web site BullyVille making headlines for his anti-bullying stance.

Taking time out of his busy schedule, Rezzi had a chat with Music News about his single Home of The Brave and his current project, a mix-tape which is due to be released later this year.


Music News - When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?

I realized it when I was inspired by my idols to make music. Seeing them create a life around something they enjoyed doing and working their hearts out is something I definitely strive for. Changing culture with music is a cornerstone for the art. My craft in particular.


Music News - You just released your latest single Home of The Brave; can you tell me about that? What inspired the song?

Home of The Brave was built around the idea of self-crafted ambition. In today’s society there is a lot more competition, in all fields, making a lot of milestones seem harder and harder to achieve. Home of The Brave, I believe serves as an anthem for the masses who have the capability to create something of themselves, even though they are surrounded by many things that could potentially hold them back.

Music News - Which artists have influenced you?

They really stretch from all ends of Hip Hop. Though I originally began listening to a lot of 50 Cent and the group of death row when they thrived. Rappers like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre Etc.

Music News - You’re currently in the studio working of your debut mix-tape. What can you tell me about that?

I wouldn’t want to ruin the anticipation of the tape by exposing it until it comes out. But, I can say that there will be a lot of unexpected sounds with the mix-tape and it’s definitely something people should look out for.

Music News - What hurdles have you had to overcome, to get to where you are today?

I can honestly say age is a hurdle. At the beginning it was harder to get my foot in the door, speaking in terms of working with people. Being 16, people aren’t going to take you as seriously. I’ve come across a lot of frustration due to being young in the Hip Hop genre. More so when people hear my music, telling me that I’m not on a level to speak of or even relate to the content I write about. It’s a hurdle I got over well into the process of making music; sometimes you got to understand that ignorance is the reason why others will brush you off. Though I overcame that by just being me, one-day people will bare witness to both sides of a coin, and that is the honest truth.

Music News - I understand that you were bullied growing up, what can you tell me about that? How did it affect you?

Well the whole bulling fraction of my life ran along the lines of the story I wrote about on BullyVille.com. The only way it really affected me was just putting me in perspective of what weakness is. I wasn’t much of a tough kid or anything of that sort. It gave me a better understanding about being a victim; kind of like being eaten instead of eating.

Music News - You have shared your story on BullyVille.com and I applaud you for that!! What advice would you give to bully victims?

Everything happens for a reason. This means that the ones who will push you around will have some sort of problem with themselves. Whether it is someone who thirsts for attention or an individual who does not know how to react in situations, either at home or wherever, in turn, turning you into a target.

Bullying in my opinion is short lived. And it will never last as long as you think it would. Something to go along with that is “Mind over matter”. Think of your reactions and outcome.

Music News - Anything you would like to share, from upcoming shows to albums?

Nothing more, I just would like to say thanks for the talk. Always a pleasure. I hope to hear from you all soon!

(You're welcome Rezzi - thanks for the chat - C)


Check out Rezzi's story on BullyVille http://www.bullyville.com/?page=story&id=7087&sid=10884