Rapping with the Reh Dogg

Born in the Virgin Islands, this Middletown, Connecticut resident is making a name for himself in the underground music scene of the Internet. His video for his song, "Why Must I Cry" has had almost a half million views on the popular website Youtube. The video with it's singing shower scenes has been greeted with a variety of responses. Several websites such as Ebaumsworld and Metro.co.uk are just a few websites to declare it the worst rap video they have ever seen. Hundreds of comments on Youtube have taunted and ridiculed him. He has even spawned a legion of imitators doing their own videos mocking his song. Despite the massive amount of negativity, Reh Dogg has also managed to gain a large fan base.

Love him, hate him or laugh at him, one thing cannot be denied. Reh Dogg is a master of self-promotion. He is part of new breed of musician that use the Internet to expose their music with their videos. His style is unique and his lyrics from the heart. His music is the antithesis of what Corporate America is pumping out on our radios and televisions everyday.

When did you first start performing and start creating your own videos?

I started performing professionally around 1998 and started making my own videos in October of 2006.

Did you anticipate the widespread reaction to your video, "Why Must I Cry?"

No not at all. The song came out before the video and it didn't catch on. After the video the song is blazing on fire.

Several website sites such as Metro.co/uk and Ebaumsworld have both said that your video "Why Must I Cry" is the worst rap video ever. How do you feel about the criticism? Some of if has been very harsh. You've had hundreds of people say nasty things about you in various Internet forums and have even posted their own videos mockingly imitating you on Youtube. Some of these people say that you are the worst rapper they have ever heard.

I am flattered honored to be at the top regardless of the title worse video ever made. I laugh at that stuff. It doesn't affect me in any way at all. Over all the love is stronger than the hate. I love myself and harsh remarks doesn't affect me. Hell, I remember when I started rapping. I use to get death threats. I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere. People want me to tour. Right now it's not in my budget or I don't have a show together as yet. I love the UK and international love
I get. From day number one they always backed me. Recently I get West-Coast love & love from the South.

I understand have even received death threats because of your video?

I use to get death threats once a week, but I ignored them and eventually they stopped. I get tons of prank calls and voice messages on Myspace. I don't mind. it goes with the territory. I'm not trying to please everyone. My music is unique and some people love me and others hate me. I got one guy telling me he wants me dead and another saying he's going to rape me. I laugh at that stuff. I know they don't have the guts to do what they say. I fear them not.

"Why Must I Cry" has been viewed over a half million times? Do you see it becoming one of the most viewed in Youtube's history?

I believe it will and I wish they would look at some of my newer videos; "Don't Cry for Me", "Rome the Dark Streets", and "Blacken Chinese Man". They actually have been getting 4 1/2 stars out of 5 in the Youtube ratings.

With all the publicity from the "Why Must I Cry" video have sales of your other songs increased?

Yes my CD sales and download sales has increased. I've been doing many interviews on UK radio, Georgia Cable access channel and more. Like I
said before the positive fans out weigh the haters by far. That's why my sales are improving each week.

The lyrics of your video/song "Reh Dogg Diss OMG" are filled with profanity. They would even make a deceased Eazy-E from N.W.A. feel uneasy. According to a website you consider yourself a Christian. However, the lyrics of this song talk about raping women and use anti-gay language. Why did you write lyrics like that?

I don't consider myself a Christian. Yeah I was for awhile but I backslide as stated in one of my songs. That song was in retaliation to
"2 Minutes Noodists" song that they wrote about me.

Your website is very impressive with it's graphics? How long have you been doing this work?

I went to school to be a computer tech and website designer. I graduated 2000.

Are there any artists that you respect? Admire?

Tu Pac, Yellowman, Ninjaman, Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Stone Temple Pilots,& Pearl Jam.

What is your opinion of the music industry?

I think the music industry sucks. Everyone sounds the same. One record label monopolizes the hip-hop industry and I would never sign with
them. We need more creativity and unique artists in the hip-hop and R&B music.

Aside from performing, do you have any other interests?

I enjoy playing Xbox360, racquetball, & basketball. I also enjoy watching DVD movies.

What are your plans for the upcoming year?

Hopefully, tour overseas and West-coast seven down south where many of my fans are located.

Do you have anything to say to your new fan base out there?

I want you to know that I'm never too busy to write or talk to my fans. Currently I just learned of the death of a collaborator from the UK "Lil Breezy". His wife informed me and requested a song in his memory. I just want the violence to stop. Being gunned down in the streets are no good for the future.