Local rapper at center of hip-hop world in KC

In the past few years Reach, known as one of the best rappers in the area and an avid hip-hop promoter, has tried to extend his reach beyond just Kansas City.

“At a certain point there is only so much you can accomplish here,” said Reach, who joined the national Warped Tour in 2007 and 2008. “It doesn’t serve you as an artist. You get jaded and burned out the longer you stay in a particular area. I’ve always strived for opportunities outside of Kansas City.”

Reach opens for Talib Kweli on Thursday at Crossroads KC, and it is not the first time Reach has opened for a national act.

“I try to represent myself as best I can,” Reach said. “I try to show the artist and promoters what all the hard work has built. All of this time and energy have been put into the stage show, to show I can stand on the stage and hold my own. I hope that yields itself to other opportunities down the line. The more you can show and prove to some of the other people in the area, the more clout, the more resources you get.”

In his rap, Reach said he strives to deliver realism as much as possible, which can often be a departure from what is popular in many rap songs.

“I try to represent very positive messages in my music and stay true to the life I live,” Reach said. “It’s one that can identify with most people in any position. It’s working class, making ends meet, raising a kid, being good people. Everyday life may be difficult but they manifest themselves in different ways.”

A perfect example of that appears in “Coming for You,” one of his most popular songs: “And if you’re drinkin’, I’m taking you from your keys.”

Reach acknowledges there is room for all types in the hip-hop genre.

“I enjoy artists that don’t have that wholesome message,” Reach said. “But I’ve always had a large helping of conscious artist.”

Reach said delivering a message in a song while trying to get people moving is difficult for any artist.

“It’s about finding a way to have both things agree,” Reach said. “To say something and make people dance is really accomplishing something. Some of my music is all dance and not a solid message. Some tracks are introspective. It’s more about the song’s message. And some I try to put the two together.”

As a promoter, Reach has done his best to find places to showcase hip-hop in Kansas City. He said fans’ tastes are often fickle, so finding the right artist and venue can be a challenge.

“The most difficult part is keeping a finger on the pulse of people that patronize rap shows,” Reach said. “Their tastes exceedingly change overnight. It’s very necessary to understand what people want in a live show or a party. I have to keep abreast of what makes people happy and what people might respond to.”

A hallmark of Reach’s career has been his work with different types of artists and his willingness to help other rappers find time to get on stage.

Whether he is working with younger rappers or trying to appeal to people of all ages, Reach said his goal is to not just push himself towards one age or demographic.

“I’m surprised when I work with kids, how many young people will approach me,” Reach said. “Some aren’t even able to get into the club. One young lady who was 19 or 20 told me I was one of her favorite MCs in town. That’s amazing to me, because she hasn’t gotten into a club to see me perform. … I strive to make my music palatable for a lot of different people, not just people may age. I want to make music that isn’t able to be put in a box.”

Reach opens for Talib Kweli at 8 p.m. Thursday at Crossroads KC, 417 E. 18th St. For more on Reach, visit www.myspace.com/reach or www.emceereach.com.

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Write comment