Reks has long ago acquired a respectable reputation amongst Rap-fans. Since 2001, he has been busy releasing records, for which he had people from the producer-underground but also legends like DJ Premier or Pete Rock contribute the musical support. No too long ago, the common project of Reks and Statik Selektah, »Straight No Chaser«, was released, too. His latest record, »REBELutionary«, was produced by Numonics only, who shares the political and social views of Reks and therefore has not only supported him music-wise. The whole thing sounds like a mix between Boom Bap- and Synth-Rap. It’s a blend between melancholy and happy-go-lucky music that serves as a musical foundation for many critical statements about the US-American society: institutionalized racism, insincere establishments, violence, guns, civil disobedience, etc. There is also some storytelling and even the topic of love has found its way into use, both are delivered solidly. All in all, Reks has definitely some things to say without appearing to be preaching all the time. The term »Conscious Rap« would probably describe his style best. All in all, it’s a pleasantly entertaining record.
Rebelutionary
