Believe the hype
Have you ever heard so much hype about an MC that you had to seek him or her out for yourself? Your intention is to find a flaw in his rhymes, personality or flow, but to your disappointment and excitement, there are no glitches. That's exactly the way my association began with the multi-dimensional MC, Reef the Lost Cauze. West Philadelphia native Reef realized at an elementary age that his expression of self was best defined through stories, poems, essays and raps. "My step-pop made sure proper speech was enforced around the house," Reef said. Throughout high school, Reef wasn't involved in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene. Once he graduated from Lamberton High School, he moved to Center City to pursue a film degree at the University of the Arts. His mother told him that he had to do something with his life, whether it was school or the military. Reef's mom wasn't flexible with that philosophy. Although Reef is what I consider a young man, he comes from the era of discipline and education. Some of y'all don't know what I'm talking about, and some do. Although he didn't want to disappointment his mom or himself, Reef knew within the first year that school wasn't going to work out. "I made friends and enjoyed the social aspect," Reef said. "But college isn't for everyone."
Reef classifies the year following college to be the worst year of his life, and also provided him with his moniker - The Lost Cauze. Pride and determination didn't allow him to return home, so he put his constant grind on in the workplace. In between jobs, Reef continued to write rhymes and participate in open mics. Reef wasn't the only one that recognized his future in hip-hop. In late 2001, Sleep B laced him with beats, which laid the groundwork for his first album, "The High Life." From there, everything started to move at a rapid pace. He met his manager Sonya and started to build with fellow gladiators Wiley and Al. And thus began Reef's mission of becoming Philadelphia's current verbal assassin.

Can I kick it?
I was at a show recently where a performer uttered these words, "If an MC can't freestyle, he ain't got shit." Reef has a stronghold on the talent of spontaneously fusing seemingly unrelated words about anything to create the art of freestyling. This was proven true when he beat out a multitude of competition at the Mic Check Battle Philadelphia in January 2002. After conquering the Philly freestyle battle circle, he went out to California and competed on a national level. Although he didn't win, he made Philly proud by bringing home second place. (The winner was a California native). That shattered that theory that he only can conquer a Philadelphia stage. "Going to California was an experience in itself," Reef said. "It let me know there is a world outside of Philadelphia." Next thing on deck for Reef was his sophomore effort, The Invisible Empire, released early 2003. "There's something on there for everyone." The Invisible Empire showcases a bit more experienced and a more mature Reef. The production and focus were more on point than his original release. The emotions and tribulations show through on songs such as "This Is My Life," "Monday," "Oxygen," and "No One But You." It's safe to say that Reef has avoided the sophomore jinx. His success came faster than he could have ever imagined. "I'm proud to be 21 with two albums," Reef said. Call me a dickrider if you want, but few argue with his damn near perfect annunciation, cadence and mic skills. Very few.

Yes you can!
Watching Reef perform is like watching the Matrix. His personality is versatile, entertaining, and overall complimentary to how he presents himself off stage. Reef feels as if everyone has a gift, and hip-hop is his. "I feel blessed that I know what I'm supposed to be doing in life." That alone is the inspiration and motivation for him to continue writing, performing and rhyming. When he sits down with a paper and a pen he doesn't try to be an MC, or try to write the hottest lyrics. With Reef, it's different. He gives the world his feelings and experiences, hoping that they can identify with the joys and pains that have led Reef to his current state of bliss and growth. "I do my best not to lie or be pigeon-holed into stereotypes or fads," Reef said. "That's just not me." Although being an MC comes natural to him, he stays humble and continues to count his daily blessings. If you've ever been in his presence, you'd know that Reef truly represents and conducts himself as a man, even when surrounded by those that don't do the same. He knows that progression is part of the rhythm of life. Reef describes himself as a man with a mind between adolescence and being an old-head. What a beautiful place to be!

for more info check www.gladiatorfilms.com

Deesh Dyer
Phillyhiphop.com
April 2003