Backstage at SUNY Old Westbury’s annual fashion show, Avenue to Fashion, tired runway models and DJ’s discussed their views of the guest performances. While many were still focused on, well-known rapper, Fabolous’ performance a few people debated on the impression of the upcoming artists’ show. Among the four featured artists, was Daniel “Reynos” Reynoso. Along with being the heaviest performer in the Clarke Center, Reynoso stuck out among all the artists because he was the only Hispanic.
In an industry mainly controlled and owned by African-Americans, being a Dominican upcoming hip-hop artist is especially difficult. While hip hop is a huge influence for many kids growing up in his Dominican neighborhood, few venture to create their own style. As an only child growing up without a father, in the Washington Heights area of New York, Reynoso looked up to his older cousin who got him rapping at age 11, as well as popular artists at the time like rappers Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z. Now at 23, he struggles as he strives to make it as a rapper but he never loses faith that one day he and his entertainment team, Top Dollar Entertainment, will make the charts. Reynoso currently resides in the Washington Heights area of upper Manhattan, which is known to be dominantly Dominican and is surrounded by the inspirations to his lyrics. Modest about how much his neighborhood has influenced his songs, Reynoso says “There’s been a lot of negative stuff that has happened in my neighborhood but you learn not to make the same mistakes as your friends. It is a beautiful place to grow up in, but in every hood you’ve got a lot of violence. I’m still happy I grew up here.”
As a Dominican emcee, his attempt to bring his unique Latin flavor to the industry has been difficult. Formally signed Latin Flavor records, he is known for the additions of his heritage in his tracks. When asked why he prefers the style of a rapper oppose to a reggaeton emcee Reynoso said, “I can’t hide the fact that I’m Dominican. In a lot of situations it is a difficulty but to me I use it as my best asset. I want to be different but I know my style and this is what fits me. I could and do mix the two from time to time.” Currently signed to UBO records, which is coalition with Latin Flavor records, he is trying to differentiate his style from that of a reggaeton artist. Luckily, his versatility works to his advantage. “I’m known for the club feel, making you dance, but when people actually hear the hard touchy songs, they realize I’m good with that also. I can get on any type of mix tape from R&B to hardcore to dance mixes for the clubs. I can do it all, so I get all those phone calls,” says Reynoso with a flash of his perfect white smile.
On stage Reynos used every inch of the stage to keep the audience entertained. After his very energetic performance, Reynos breathed heavily as he said, “I’m very energized when I get on stage and I’m a big guy, ya know. People don’t think a big guy can run around the stage like that and give them a show so they really appreciate it. They like it.” Heavy Doe, a member of Reynos’ promotion team and an aspiring artist of Top Dollar entertainment, cuts in and says “we all big guys, but we gon’ make it just as big for the Dominicans.” Although he is known for his feel-good party tracks, Reynos is determined to make something deeper than just a club song. Reynos confidently describes his style as “Hot! Of course I write songs about having a good time and partying, but I also try to talk about real issues and life experiences and not just yap about things that don’t really matter. I always call my music “life music.” My music is like breakfast. The same way you need your breakfast to start the day, you need me and my music,” he says with a friendly giggle.
His music contains intense Latin flavor, with beats and rhythms linking back to the culture of his island and language representing his heritage. Reynoso says, “Basically, its who I am, I am Hispanic, I am Dominican, so of course you can hear it in the music. As far as hip-hop, there really isn’t any other Dominican doing it the way I’m doing it, so of course I’m going to stand out in that way.” His manager, of CMLB management, Lenny “Lboogs” Lora and his producer Jeffery “Jdot” Bautista, who are also of Dominican decent are working hard trying to prove that “just because his music isn’t black doesn’t mean it isn’t full of potential. Who ever said that rap has to be black?” says Lboogs. Bautista goes on to say that “Reynos’ style is similar to that of many paid rappers but he had a unique essence that we wanna bring out the Dominican community and introduce to the world.”
On many of the tracks in his album he gives off his Dominican nature, but specifically in track 2 “Yes I’m Dominican” he lists the factors of his heritage in his lyrics. On stage, reittering his song, Reynos vibrantly livens the crowd in the school gym and chants on the microphone “Yes I’m from the hood man, yes I’m Dominican! Yes I understand I’m Spanish, tryna’ take it there; Yes I understand that the industry is scared! ” Motivated by the crowd, while trying to prove a point, Reynos loudly repeats “Yes I’m from the hood man, Yes I’m Dominican!”
Reynos is taking his fiery blend of hip-hop out of Washington Heights in New York City, the tough Dominican neighborhood, to the forefront of the people’s minds. With his countless mix tapes and new album release “Reynos – Stand Up,” which features reggae king Elephant Man he will further prove his talent, as well as proving that Dominicans can rap too.
(The following is an article written by myself )
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