King Reign was more of the people than a ruler of people.

Sadly, we unexpectedly lost the prolific MC in the summer of 2016. He was a celebrated and driving force in the hip-hop community not only for his exceptional talents, but for his character.

A thoughtful storyteller wise beyond both his years and genre, it’s no surprise to learn that Reign—an acronym for Rhyme Energy in God’s Nature—was always enthralled with the arts. He had a gift for painting moving pictures through his carefully crafted narrative rhymes, which are as soulful in lyrical content as they are in sound.

Like street narrators Slick Rick and Nas before him, Reign’s raps bristle with a sharp sense of detail and attack from a fresh, smart perspective. If every story has two sides, Reign digs deeper and uncovers a third. If Reign doesn’t make you see things differently, he’ll articulate what you’ve been trying for years to describe.

A Toronto-born son of Trinidadian and Guyanese parents and father of two children himself, Reign fearlessly wrote about twisted love, drug abuse, and racial stereotypes - and he did so in a conversational manner, like a brother taking you aside.

King Reign’s music spans over 2 decades of work, which expressed his surroundings and experiences. Juno nominated as a member of Brassmunk, he also excelled as a solo artist with projects such as his critically acclaimed album, Sincere. He also had collaborated with now prevalent names such as Drake, Pharoahe Monch, Saukrates, Kardinal Offishall and Boi1da. Reign certainly made a resounding impact that was recognized and acknowledged by influential peers, media and industry.

Reign’s unique style was born out of a home that spilled with the diverse sounds of jazz, calypso, reggae and R&B; he’d follow his parents to festivals, breathe in the spices of island dishes and begin pounding on African drums. With a father for a DJ, Reign was turned on to music from jump, performing in his high school band and writing Rakim-inspired raps on the low. Reign’s melody is ours.

Thoughtful lyrics, meaningful hooks, diverse beats, plus the vision to direct his own videos—King Reign’s stories were executed with purpose and honesty.

Although his untimely passing continues to be a strain on the hearts of his family and fans, Reign’s memory will be honored through the release of unreleased tracks throughout 2017. By continuing to celebrate and share his legacy, we wish to maintain the positive impact he had. In addition to commercial success, the effect his music has had on people was paramount and still felt. Long live the King.