REFLECT's latest hip-hop album, For Those Who Wait...(2010), follows his debut Hope wuz Here (2008). The debut was geared to give people a sense of hope through its narrative and intimate feel. His latest soundscape serves as a ferocious catalyst for change. He writes for people in transition, for people with limited choices who still must choose--a situation that mirrors his own. If, as Kafka says, poetry is "the axe for the frozen sea inside us," then on For Those Who Wait... we hear REFELCT wielding his strongest weapon to date.
Poets know that poetry creates a space ("stanza" means little room). REFLECT acknowledges with grace those artists who have walked through this lyrical room before him: Tupac Shakur, Bill Withers, Rakim, Common and Talib Kweli, among others.
About his first album, Hope wuz Here, fans and critics noted the, "clear Blues influences mixed with head-noddin' beats." With his new album, listeners will hear REFLECT's impressive growth as a producer and lyricist. For Those Who Wait... was mixed and mastered at one of North America's most respected recording studio's, Cherry Beach Sound, (Toronto, Ontario).
Hope wuz Here received radio play in Canada, the United States, and major cities in Europe and Australia, with unplugged and acoustic performances in Toronto and New York. Recently, REFLECT headlined as Feature artist for the Toronto Poets Organization. Between the release of For Those Who Wait... and Hope wuz Here, REFLECT recorded the underground release, The John Legend Mixtape (only 200 copies printed).
Working in a genre known for its bravado, in his work and in his life REFLECT maintains his vulnerability. Through his thoughtful, soulful sound, he speaks to the have-nots who need the strength to change--sonically swinging the axe that cracks the frozen sea inside.
Written by Marlene Goldman with Andrew DuBois
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