Published: Sunday - November 27, 2005
Words by Willow
Reef The Lost Cauze (Photo: Eastern Conference Records)
It's been a topic discussed frequently by many in the hip-hop industry: is the current state of hip-hop in trouble? With subpar or even mediocre music flooding the mainstream and rappers quick to copy what's hot, this question is being raised very often.
Catchy hooks and the use of repetitive subject matter in today's chart topping hip-hop tracks leave the priority of true emceeing very low on the totem pole. Although a track that gets the party started is very much welcomed on occasion, balance is required to keep the roots of emceeing intact, instead of it becoming an ancient artifact. Has emceeing become a "Lost Cauze."
That's exactly how Philadelphia native, Reef the Lost Cauze, feels. He is a throwback emcee of sorts, who wishes to preserve what's left of hip-hop music and bring it back to when everything you heard wasn't "garbage." BallerStatus.com chatted with Reef, as we discussed the current state of hip-hop, why he's referred to as an "emcee" and not a "rapper" and various other industry politics.
Ballerstatus.com: How did you come up with your moniker?
Reef: My name is Sharif and when I used to tag, it was the name I used. The Lost Cauze came about because it's as is if that's what emceeing has become. I am one of the last ones (emcees) alive, so it stuck.
Ballerstatus.com: How long have you been emceeing?
Reef: Three or four years, and I put out my first full length album out in 2002.
Ballerstatus.com: How would you describe the current state of hip-hop?
Reef: It is what it is. A lot of what's out right now is garbage because we are being dictated to what's hot. Cats are following trends and don't seem to care about making dope music.
Ballerstatus.com: What is your take on the ever changing trends in the music?
Reef: There is no knowledge of how the legends set the foundation and the example being set for those coming up is a loss of the grind. Those who came up before us wanted nice living, but weren't controlled by it.
Ballerstatus.com: What has happened to the long standing relationship between the artists and the fan?
Reef: When the artists' objective became money and the corporate types set the bar, maintaining fans was no longer the focus. We all know ignorance and violence sells, but am I not accomplished if I only have gold sells?
Ballerstatus.com: In all of my research on you, I noticed no one described you as a "rapper," only has an "emcee." Did you make it a point to only be recognized as such?
Reef: I am a lover of the art of music first and like everyone else, I want to take care of my family. But, I will not be a cartoon, or as Little Brother has pointed out, I will not be touring with the Minstrel Show. Rappers are in this to make money, an emcee wants to make art and that is what I do.
Ballerstatus.com: Hip-hop is so driven by age and the youthful look, it would seem as though if you are not "on" by 25, you should just hang it up. Do you feel a sense of urgency to get on?
Reef: From a buzz stand point yes. When your buzz is up, it's like a ball rolling down a hill, as it picks up momentum, you got to do it and do it fast.
Ballerstatus.com: There are so many independent/underground artists who may not be what the world deems as "on," but these artists are eating and eating quite well. Do you need the nod from the majors?
Reef: As an independent having a solid underground following can make up for the lack of major success, but I would never just want to be an independent.
Ballerstatus.com: Why?
Reef: There's the whole element of people not knowing who you are other than your fanbase, or people not knowing what you're doing. That leaves you feeling less successful when people ask, "Have you heard the new Reef album?" and the person being asked replies "Who?" It's even tougher when you know you have what it takes to be on and you have a lot more to say to the masses then what's being said now. When you're on, people not only know you, there's a sense of accomplishment when you're a household name and giving the people good music.
Ballerstatus.com: Describe your sound?
Reef: I don't have a sound, but I have a message and my messages can be looked upon as dark. I'm a young man from a gritty city that has a lot of soul and I do have a perspective. Gamble and Huff laid down a soulful foundation; it's hard to steer clear of that being from Philly.
Ballerstatus.com: As an emcee, do you feel you have to stay away from the current formula of hot beats, a club banger and songs for the ladies?
Reef: No, you don't have to. I can make a song for the club without sounding like everyone else, all the while staying true to myself. I'm not going to lie! I can't say I'm coming to the club in a Benz, 'cause in most cases, it's me and my dudes deep on the train. When I am making a song, the beat speaks to me first and then I speak the truth over it. My goal is to be universal; I'm not striving to be commercial.
Ballerstatus.com: Now that producers are shining sometimes brighter than the artist they produced, its resulting in the downfall of lyrical skill. With marketing and promotion being key, an artist's sex appeal -- if there be any -- takes the place of having skill. Are you okay with that?
Reef: I understand that aspect of the game and I'm willing to play that game if it's beneficial. What I will not be doing is taking off my shirt and licking my lips with a do-rag on. Being an underground artist doesn't mean I have to stay looking grimy. I enjoy looking nice, I ain't a bum. I keep a nice cut and make sure I'm presentable. I don't need hot jewels and all the props.
Ballerstatus.com: Who are some of the people you've collaborated with and have you collaborated with anyone major?
Reef: I have not collaborated with anyone on a major level. I have collaborated with Sean Price (Heltah Skeltah), Planet Asia and I would like to work with Elliot Ness (Da Band).
Ballerstatus.com: Anyone living or dead you'd like to collaborate with?
Reef: First and foremost, the "Big" Trio; Big L, Biggie and Big Pun. Other people I'd like to work with would be Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane -- the dudes who put in work to make this culture happen.
Ballerstatus.com: Depending on the setting, freestyling and battling were looked upon as one in the same and were once a pre-requisite when you wanted to be revered as an emcee. Why do you think freestyle flows are now being replaced with written rhymes? And with the success and name recognition from the "Smack" DVD(s), why is it a battle rapper can't garner that same notoriety in album sells?
Reef: Once freestyling hit the West and it became about being able to come from the dome. My thoughts on the cats on the "Smack" DVDs, I ask is he a rapper/emcee or an actor because I only see them on TV. When you profess to be an artist, you have to be well rounded. Jin for example, I think was thrust into his situation. Then, there seems to be a "106 and Park" curse. These dudes get signed with a flash in the pan mentality by the label and are not being prepared for the long road ahead. Hell, fans are fickle enough as it is even with all the garbage out there; the fans still want some originality.
Ballerstatus.com: What's next for you?
Reef: I'll be doing touring with Jedi Mind Tricks, I have a feature coming in XXL and continuing to promote my underground CD, Feast Or Famine.
Ballerstatus.com: The shelf life for an artist is becoming shorter and shorter, where is your futuristic vision leading you?
Reef: I want to be alive and well, living comfortable while taking care of my family. My fans matter of course, but my family is who sets the standard for me. I gotta be grinding so tough I get to live my big dream.
Ballerstatus.com: What is the one thing you want your fans to know about you and what kind of legacy do want?
Reef: I know, I understand and study the art of emceeing and it comes out in the music I make for my fans. My legacy? It may sound typical, but I want to be known amongst the last emcees alive.
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