Rap virtuosos Asum Garvey and Dr. Reign pick their stance on their latest collaborative effort, Awesum Reign.

Rap virtuosos Asum Garvey and Dr. Reign pick their stance on their latest collaborative effort. [Courtesy]

Reign, you mentioned that the album was made by accident. Can you elaborate on how the initial concept evolved into a full album?

Accidental because I engaged Asum Garvey to work with him as a sound engineer. I have a studio setup at home and needed help with recording and mixing vocals. We started recording for a single I was to release but I could see Asum ‘vibing’ and writing as he was recording me. I told him to bring the smoke and we ended up with the first collaboration. That went to three songs, to EP to album.

Asum, how did your artistic visions align to shape this project?

Fight the powers that be. Highlight government ills and speak on our stand on various social topical issues of life.

How were the themes chosen and what message do you aim to convey through them?

Reign: We decided to speak about societal ills and what every African is going through. We have a leadership that lives large off the backs of the people who can’t catch a break. We are both socially conscious and hip-hop has always been the voice of the oppressed and forgotten.

Given that hip-hop has evolved significantly over its 50-year history, what elements do you believe are essential to maintain its authenticity?

Reign:The element of knowledge is key because the eye sees what the brain knows. We must teach and educate in some form on hip-hop records. The skill of freestyle and off the top raps is dying in this generation of MCs. It’s like the exercise one must do as any MC. Same way you exercise to get stronger.

Can you share some specific ideas or messages within the album that you feel are particularly impactful?

Asum: We met up at first for a single feature but after having in depth conversations we had like minded opinions on what was going on in the news and society so we thought, let’s put it in the music.

As two artistes committed to using hip-hop as a tool for social change, what social issues do you address in the album?

Asum: With hip-hop at 50 as a theme as well as the political landscape in the country, there was a need to speak on something important to share hip-hop’s voice to the national conversation.

Rapper Asum Garvey. [Courtesy]

How did you choose the collaborators for this project, and what unique contributions did they bring to the album?

Reign: We only worked with artistes and producers that we have a great respect for but it was also reciprocated. Most came over to the home studio some had already sent either me and Asum beat packs to choose from. We went with artistes that we revere from a hip-hop stand point. 

Asum: Every collaboration was in the studio or in person. People who were like minded and going somewhat through what we were on about.

The album is described as a statement from both of you. What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Awesome Reign: The Stance,’ both culturally and personally?

Asum: Don’t go with what trends just to be accepted in the society. The message can still be put on those bopping beats. Being authentically yourself is the niche. Change is scary but without fear there’s no growth.

Where is the Kenyan hip-hop scene heading in light of your work and the work of other artistes in the industry?

Reign: I think Kenya would be proud of the album because it’s captured hip-hop perfectly. The mix of Swahili, Sheng and English gives it the identity of East African Hip Hop export but fusing it with the urban culture of Hip Hop. It’s been a good year for Kenyan hip-hop. I’m glad to be waving and pushing the Hip Hop scene once again. 

Dr. Reign. [courtesy]

Since the album’s release, what has been the most surprising response you’ve received from fans or critics?

Reign: Haven’t received anything negative and I’m surprised of how many really listen to hip-hop. I was really managing my expectations with this project but pleasantly surprised. Hip Hop is alive.

What are your plans after the release of this album? Can we expect more music together, or are there individual projects on the horizon?

Asum: More individual and more Awesum Reign is on the menu and we are here to eat.