By Chris Paul- Owner of Chrispimages
Southern hip-hop will never be the same. The latest southern star, Reno, who was recently voted as Oklahoma’s favorite local artist on Power 103.5, plans on changing the industry. He established a rep for his cool-laid back style after releasing his first 2004 single, "Diplomat." In this breezy track Reno breaks down the "Hoopty" theory, testing a female's loyalty by getting her to take a ride in his old school Diplomat. But this year he's reloaded, firing his second new single, "Trunk muzik," landing as a certified head banger in the club. Noise is definitely being made around the red dirt for the out-and-proud MC. He and the indie label backing of Untapped Records look to solidify their spot as the next big movement in the south. I had a chance to chop it up with him recently and we talked about what got him into hip-hop, what his plans are, and much more.
Q: So what got you into hip-hop?
Reno: I started listening to Hip Hop when I was around three or four. It's natural for a kid to be attracted to a form of musik made by his people. The first video I saw was LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out." I'm not a big fan of him now but he got me rocking a fishing hat. BBD, and Bobby Brown were some of my biggest influences too. They're the ones who got me into the rhythm side of hip-hop, had me running, manning, wopping, and humping on little girls. I'm playing...... they weren't little. (Laughs)
When did you start rapping?
I knew how to freestyle since I was 8, but I didn't start writin' em down until I was 11. Still got all the old rhymes out in the garage.
You going to use any of 'em?
Uh, yea imma put'em on the next mixtape (breaks into laughter). I just keep em to remember how I used to think in those days, and see how my conversation changed.
What do u hope to accomplish with your music?
I plan to be a great M.C. but I mainly plan to create an entertainment industry here, that's what Untapped Records is all about. We are building a market that hasn't been tapped into yet here in Oklahoma, ENTERTAINMENT.
Who do u work with right now?
As far as business, I work with Legit Mindz, owner and operator of Untapped Records. On the drum and bass, of course Chase D, owner and producer of 4DBelow Productions. On the music tip, I've recently done collaborations with a gospel artist by the name of Deon, whose self- titled album, "Deon" is currently in stores. As well as Hip Hop artist "Jomon", he's a real colorful MC, you should get to know'em {smirks}. Both of these artists are actually label mates, so a lot of my work is in my circle. I've also done music with Nitro, Meant2b, Tajj, Esco, and Spence B. I'll consider that a shout out. {Smiles}
Performances?
We've never had a performance where the crowd didn't respond to us. Regardless if there was a national recording artist in the building or not, we always give'em what they needed. I'd say the best stage performance I've experienced so far was 105.3's 10th anniversary celebration in Tulsa. Everything was beans and cornbread, from the radio interview, to the stage. The crowd was beautiful, it was hands-up the whole night. In the past we've shared the stage at the convention center with acts like Adina Howard, Jagged Edge, and Guerilla black. Every show reflects how well our stage presence grows.
Anybody you want to work with now?
I plan to create somethin with Alicia Keys and John Legend, I gotta make that happen. And Kanye can produce it {Laughs}. I also plan to get in the box with Black Thought {The Roots} and Devin the Dude. I think our flavors would really complement each other. There are a few local artists I look forward to working with. Tajj is definitely one, He's a 'local' artist but he spits international conversation on a mic.
Are you strictly a rapper?
If I was strictly a rapper I wouldn't be here, I'd be staring at the wall rapping to myself {smirks}. Naw, my music coincides with business. We're here to get Oklahoma on a new level. I want to bring new media opportunities and new ways to offer our talent to a broader audience. Even establish a curriculum in college to educate others on black history before America, business degrees concentrating on black enterprise, Hip Hop degrees that help you to be self-employed, just things to expand our horizons.
What's the hardest thing about breaking into the game?
Being around people that would rather see you dead (mentally or physically), than to see you successful. When they don't have the ambition you have, they get jealous of what you achieve.
Is there anything we should be looking out for?
"The Green light Mixtape" is coming out this summer, to a bootlegger near you {laughs}. You can pre-order a copy at Hasting, Sam Goody, or CD Warehouse, there will be free singles up there too. Following that will be the video for my new single "Diplomat", off the fourth coming album, "A Smoother Ride." This video will solidify my spot in the south, and give my fans an idea of what I represent. So keep ya tube and ya radio box tuned. Oh yea, and "O City or No City" the second mixtape is in the streets and local music stores right now so go get that.
Anything else?
Oh, one more thing - Check out www.untappedrecords.com our new website. And I'll be in the upcoming July issue of "Down" magazine this year, that a be on every shelf, you gotta be blind to miss it. Also don't you forget to request Diplomat, Dip Remix, and Trunk Muzik on your local Perry Broadcasting station. 103.5FM- 1140AM- K98.1FM- K105.3FM
