Fredericks Reginald pushes the boundaries of hip-hop with his poetic and uninhibited approach to music. With a heavy influence of southern blues and a healthy dose of Toronto-influenced slang and demeanor, Fredericks’ thought-provoking bars and distinctive cadence is easily filed alongside Noname, Tyler, the Creator, and D Smoke.
What inspired you to begin a career in music?
What prompted me to begin my career in music, was simply my need for expression. Oftentimes, as a child I was unable to express myself freely. This led to me developing copious amounts of built up and untethered emotion, which often got me into peculiar situations, but I’ll expand on that another time.
As an adolescent, my family introduced me to the world of hip-hop, my cousins, being budding Mcees from New York and my godfather being a hip-hop DJ. These were specifically the spirits that I needed to unlock the side of me that would eventually inspire me to dive deeper within myself to awaken this passion of mine. Hip-hop and I have been wrapped up in an intense love affair ever since.
What differs you and your sound from other rap artists in the music industry?
What separates me from other rappers who occupy this sacred space that we call Hip Hop my refusal to compromise my messaging, delivery or approach to fit what the majority is doing. I am adamant about allowing my experiences to speak through me, so I ensure that this energy is consistent when making music – or any creations for that matter. In order to make the most meaningful art one must create unapologetically from within, despite the status quo.
My sound has been developed over years. My musical influences have allowed me to develop a sound that is derived from many artists – many of which are not even hip-hop artists. Some of these vocal influences include: Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, D’Angelo, Prince, K-Ci and JoJo, Buju Banton and Capleton, just to name a few. I have always been told that my voice is extremely distinct and nowhere is this more prevalent than on the microphone. My voice itself is an instrument, and when it comes to making music I use it as such. As I write, I write with the intention of becoming one with the instrumentation. This is a direct gem given to me, by my cousins and godfather. But really, at the end of it all, I am a student.
Your latest project The Fringes is out now! Can you please describe the creative process and the concept/inspiration behind the EP and short film?
The Fringes: An Allegory of Transcendence is my most introspective body of work to date. I started writing for this project in 2017. At the time, I was in a very dark place. Not only was I heavily politically charged at the time (this aspect of myself will never change), but I was also transmuting a lot within the realms of self-love and romance. It was a time of much internal movement. Within The Fringes, I made the conscious decision to describe my exact reality – which is what I will always strive to accomplish with my creativity.
My Brother Lord, Patrick Perez (my main producer) accompanied me on this journey – just like he has for a good portion of my career. I described to him where I was emotionally, sonically, politically, mentally, and spiritually. Due to our connection and his undeniable genius, he was able to create the atmosphere around my mental state. Thus allowing me to perform, share, and create freely. No inhibitions, just creation.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?
Truth be told, I experience this feeling every single time that I make a new record/song. Whether it’s me finishing the writing process for a song or whether it be me recording the vocals. I experience the “Wow” specifically in these instances.
As I write this response, I realize that I am still very much excited about creating music. That excitement of me going to my first studio session ever, still resonates with me to this very day.
Everyone experiences good days and bad days. As an artist, when you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?
Precisely, we all have bad days. Some more than others, but this is the dance that we call Life: the constant juggling of positive energy and negative energy. The goal is to find one’s equilibrium and flow effortlessly within that.
What fuels me to remain motivated, despite the negativities that are surrounding me at any particular moment, is truly my overall need to transmute all that I experience. I find that daily yoga routines, daily physical exercise, vigorous meditation, reciting positive affirmations, scripting or writing/rapping are all ways that I transmute anything (negative) that I am experiencing.
I am a very regimented person, so the aforementioned methods of centering myself are done on a daily basis. In all honesty, I am Fredericks “God Body” Reginald for a reason, folks. I really live this shit.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
I would instruct anyone who wishes to pursue a career as an MCee (rapper) to never question your authenticity. I would instruct them to never make art to appease the masses, gate keepers, establishments, etc. Art is the most honest expression of self, so allow it to be such. It is a direct extension of “you.”.
One day soon, I will have a panel discussion in regards to this subject.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
Specifically speaking, within the next three months, I am releasing an A/B Side. This is a project that I’ve been working on for the past year so I’m excited about relinquishing this body of work. Think Thriller meets Belly and 36 Chambers. I’m very excited about this body of work, as it is much different, sonically, than The Fringes.
Later on in the year, specifically in October, I will be releasing another album. I would say that this album is a collection of my life experiences to date. Extremely introspective, political, vulnerable and unapologetic. Just the way I like it and need it to be. REAL.
Art is about creating experiences and this is what I strive to do everytime I open myself up to the viewer and to the listener. It’s about sharing all of you, so that they can connect with your very spirit. This is me, to you, every single time.
Did you learn any new skills during lockdown?
I can’t say that I’ve learned any new skills during lockdown, but what I can say is that I’ve come to many realizations as far as my innate abilities are concerned. I have always been a fitness enthusiast, but that has now morphed into a more holistic living approach. I am now strongly considering bringing these holistic ideals and notions to the masses, specifically children and youth as they are the energies that will shape tomorrow.
Anything else you would like to add?
Be attached to nothing, open to everything.
Flow effortlessly.
Find the GOD in you.
F*** The Establishment.
The Fringes is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Fredericks Reginald
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Credits: Photographer credit is Omari J
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