About Me
In today's music industry, the over saturation of artists seems to drown out those who actually have something to say. Those that leave the listener thinking and relating, be it by a particular story or the lyrics of a particular verse, come a dime a dozen. Enter "Mike Reka," and now bringing his thoughtful brand of music to his listeners as "REKA THE SAINT!!!"
Reka's family upbringing has shaped and molded his artistic genius, as every member of his family is musically-inclined. His father listened to esteemed jazz and classical music, and his mother enjoyed groups such as the Beatles and Rolling Stones, leaving REKA and his brother JO-SKI with the material that would provide their influences for many years to come. As his brother went on to become an accomplished producer (known to the world as JO-SKI), Reka continued honing his musical skills through ciphers, battles, & performances.
Having grown up in Middle Village (MURDA VILL), a neighborhood in Queens New York also known as "The Resting Place of the Dons," the gangsta lifestyle and mentality was everywhere. From the local streets to the local cemeteries – Carlo Gambino, Joe Colombo, Vito Genovese, Carmine Galante, and "Lucky" Luciano are just a few of the cemetery celebrities – Reka saw people protecting what was theirs and respecting those that commanded respect. His school years coincided with the crack epidemic of the 1980s, leading Mike Reka to street life that included graffiti, gangs, drugs, and general illegal activity. This period of his life, though troubling, is the source for much of Reka's pain and emotion evident in his music today.
"THE SAINT" represents the prophetic side of Reka, and brings an informative but entertaining angle to Reka's fierce lyrical talent. Every song, no matter the subject, has traces of Reka's personality – rebellion, anger, sometimes sadness, but always true emotion relevant to today's world. "My music is therapeutic, and addressing those feelings is a release."
Stories such as "The Resting Place" let the listener in on the different kind of street life from that which is glorified in the public eye. "This song is about our street story, which definitely isn't being told in hip-hop today." Other anthem-type songs such as "Never" and "From Here" serve as crowd favorites during his performances, and are powerful reminders of what an energized Reka can do to a beat when he leaves his all on the track.
Even with the current climate of the music industry lacking exposure for true artistry, Reka has been featured with DJ Camilo on Hot 97, 89.1, has received spins on radio stations in the college circuit and has hit radio airwaves as far away as England. He has been featured in Streets' Mos magazine, and has received artist spotlights on BallerStatus.Net and UndergroundHipHop.com. He has performed alongside Cappadonna from the Wu-Tang Clan as well as Ice-T and his group Body Count, and has rocked venues such as Webster Hall, Exit, Joe's Pub, CBGB's, Lion's Den, Knitting Factory, Rhumba's & Arlene's Grocery. Everywhere he performs, Reka gets the crowd's attention and respect – now let "The Saint" captivate your ears and minds! Stay tuned for a performance near you, and watch for new material from Reka a.k.a. REKA "THE SAINT" in 2008.
