Mr. Reo
New York City, New York, United States | INDIE
Music
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Art & Culture
By Georges, He's Got It
New Solo Artist Hits Haitian Music With Fresh Approach
Growing up in a predominantly Caribbean neighborhood, REO's style is consists of upbeat, hard dance melodies.
By Ralph Delly
Special to The Haitian Times
Born Marlon Mayala in Brooklyn, Reo belongs to a family that has long been connected with music.
His father, Mario Mayala, a legendary Haitian guitarist, paved his way in the industry and made music a family affair.
Reo takes great pride in his musical roots and influences.
As a child he showed considerable musical talent, mastering the timbales like his grandfather Daniel, another legendary musician from Jazz des Jeunes.
Such a musical background serves to reinforce his determination to persevere in his career and studies through transcription and by modeling his works on those of such American artists as LL Kool J, Tupac Shakur and Public Enemy.
After preparatory studies, he matriculated in music at his father's insistence. Music was evident in his early age. Like his father and grandfather, Reo was born to make music.
This certainly reflects throughout his compositions, whether it's rap music, soul, jazz and R&B.
He has fulfilled his destiny as he states in every song he puts his voice on. He is a true musician in every sense of the word. One of the most original, fresh and exciting producer/composer/singer to hit the Haitian-american music market.
His music would be considered free soul, very full and expressive. He is known for playing in places that had never been exposed to free improvisation, and encouraging young players everywhere.
Read more in the newsstand edition of The Haitian Times, or subscribe and get the Haitian Times at your door every week!
- Haitian Times
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MusicPlusTV Magazine
Unsigned Artist Feature: Mr. Reo
By Regine Paricia Zamor
Mr. Reo, an innovative artist from Brooklyn, NY, has been contributing a unique sound to hip-hop for some time now. An artist since 1987, Mr. Reo grew up influenced by his father, Mario Mayala—a key member of the international Haitian band, Skah Shah #1. In honor of his father, Mr. Reo’s musical identity stems from his father’s name. “Reo comes from my father’s first name, Mario. I took the last three letters and used an ‘e’ instead of an ‘i.’ I thought most would associate the name with Brazil; I’m representing my Haitian background.” Born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Mr. Reo has a sound that he describes as “universal.”
Currently a solo artist, he is also working on putting a band together, bringing another new element to the hip hop scene. Not only is Mr. Reo influenced by a love of his late father’s career, but he also considers rap, R&B, kompa, jazz, Latin, and African music as key components of his core musical roots. On his debut album, The Lure, Mr. Reo gives the world a taste of some “simply good music.” Collaborating with artists from different corners of the earth, the style of music appeals to many on a ‘universal’ reo level. The two collaborations that will spearhead the album are with ‘Sano-In the Rap Impresario’ and Tantan.
Representing the Dominican Republic and hip hop Latino/Island-style, Sano-In recorded with Mr. Reo on a track called “Get Your Drink On/Bebedera,” a song that showcases a celebration between the two sides of the Island of Hispaniola. “We wanted to show the world that not everyone on the island is at each others’ throats. We can come together and celebrate a new movement, which is bigger than any of us truly understands, with a medium that we all can enjoy and relate to.” The second collaboration is with Tantan, an established artist in the Haitian community. Their combined effort, “Fanm Ayisyen,” will be the album’s first single and is an important piece for the artist because it demonstrates his Haitian pride. Says Reo, “It’s a dedication to all the women of Haitian descent.” Mr. Reo’s music (and other artist information) is currently available at www.myspace.com/ftimz
Regine Paricia Zamor Tel:917.680.1718 Email: regine@reginezamor.com ©2007 All rights reserved
- MusicPlusTV Mgazine
MusicPlusTV Magazine
Unsigned Artist Feature: Mr. Reo
By Regine Paricia Zamor
Mr. Reo, an innovative artist from Brooklyn, NY, has been contributing a unique sound to hip-hop for some time now. An artist since 1987, Mr. Reo grew up influenced by his father, Mario Mayala—a key member of the international Haitian band, Skah Shah #1. In honor of his father, Mr. Reo’s musical identity stems from his father’s name. “Reo comes from my father’s first name, Mario. I took the last three letters and used an ‘e’ instead of an ‘i.’ I thought most would associate the name with Brazil; I’m representing my Haitian background.” Born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Mr. Reo has a sound that he describes as “universal.”
Currently a solo artist, he is also working on putting a band together, bringing another new element to the hip hop scene. Not only is Mr. Reo influenced by a love of his late father’s career, but he also considers rap, R&B, kompa, jazz, Latin, and African music as key components of his core musical roots. On his debut album, The Lure, Mr. Reo gives the world a taste of some “simply good music.” Collaborating with artists from different corners of the earth, the style of music appeals to many on a ‘universal’ reo level. The two collaborations that will spearhead the album are with ‘Sano-In the Rap Impresario’ and Tantan.
Representing the Dominican Republic and hip hop Latino/Island-style, Sano-In recorded with Mr. Reo on a track called “Get Your Drink On/Bebedera,” a song that showcases a celebration between the two sides of the Island of Hispaniola. “We wanted to show the world that not everyone on the island is at each others’ throats. We can come together and celebrate a new movement, which is bigger than any of us truly understands, with a medium that we all can enjoy and relate to.” The second collaboration is with Tantan, an established artist in the Haitian community. Their combined effort, “Fanm Ayisyen,” will be the album’s first single and is an important piece for the artist because it demonstrates his Haitian pride. Says Reo, “It’s a dedication to all the women of Haitian descent.” Mr. Reo’s music (and other artist information) is currently available at www.myspace.com/ftimz
Regine Paricia Zamor Tel:917.680.1718 Email: regine@reginezamor.com ©2007 All rights reserved
- MusicPlusTV Mgazine
Discography
Dj Joeski ft. Mr.Reo:
"Find A Way"
Dj Joeski ft. Mr.Reo:
"Dont Stop The Music"
Sano-In ft. Mr.Reo:
"Get Your Drink On/Bebedera"
Skah Shah #1 ft. Mr.Reo:
"Mande Manman'W"
The official promo release:
"Fanm Ayisyen" (haitian women) ft. Tantan
"Get Hooked To It!" Global Edition Mixtape 07
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Mr. Reo: Flatbush's Rising Talent
Mr. Reo, the consummate Haitian via Brooklyn rapper, uses his style to reflect his roots more than any grim urban reality. Born as Marlon Mayala in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, Reo took up drums in grammar school before discovering rhyming at the tender age of 11. Being the son of a Kompa musician, the rapper grew up listening to and appreciating music.
Music's always been a family affair for Reo. And he takes great pride in his musical roots. Mario Mayala, Reo's father, was a founding member and lead guitarist in Skah Shah #1, a Haitian group that represented Kompa music all over the world. Reo's grandfather Daniel Mayala, a drummer, timbales and conga player, founded the group Jazz Des Jeunes in the 1940's and in the late 60's joined Tito Puentes' band centered in the Pitkin Avenue section of Brooklyn. Like his grandfather, Reo plays the timbales when he's on stage.
In 1998, Reo and his cousin Melange formed Vwala, a self described "hip-hop soul" outfit, and were quickly signed to Universal Records for a single deal by the same A&R team that handles Nelly. Reo on the mic and his velvet-voiced cousin Melange singing backed by a live band played well with audiences. A slew of shows followed; a Vibe Magazine national tour, Marcus Garvey Park, 2001 Yardfest, SOB's and Downtime. Vwala's single "Say So" got radio spins from Florida to California.
Reo recounts a TV appearance on Showtime at the Apollo Amateur Night, as one of his career highlights. "Just to be on that stage was like 'wow'." Ironically this highest point also signaled the end of the group, as
Melange departed to pursue her education and Vwala's association with Universal unceremoniously ended.
Reo picked up as a solo artist in 2003, gaining a manager and business partner in his cousin Patrick St.Hilaire. In February 2005, fellow Brooklyn house DJ Joeski released the track "Find a Way" featuring Reo on vocals to much critical acclaim.
Currently Reo's polishing his debut album "The Lure," featuring the track "Fanm Ayisyen" (Haitian Women), produced by the Haitian musical icon John "Papa Jube" Altino of Altino Productions, and featuring the well renowned singer Stanley "tantan" Toussaint, along with a video for initial promotional release. In addition to working on a new Joeski track, Reo will be collaborating with a few other well known and uprising artists. "I get lyrical inspiration from the music. I let the music take me there. I don't try to go against the flow with it. I talk about worldly issues, personal things and stuff everybody can relate to."
Transitioning between edgy and laid-back, Reo claims many influences old school and new. KRS-One, Rakim, Run-DMC, Public Enemy,LL Cool J, Scarface, Tupac, Nas, Notorious B.I.G and Jay-Z have all played a part influencing his style. He's also heavily influenced by the dancehall reggae he heard pouring out of the houses in his neighborhood. "I grew up with it. It's a predominately Caribbean community."
Aside from rap stardom, Reo wants nothing more than to honor the memory of his big band musician grandfather and guitar-playing father, both of whom have passed on. "It's a family tradition I'm carrying on."
Reo's performed at a string of New York clubs like SOB's, 5-Spot, Hunter College and been a guest on various radio stations nation wide. "I'm a voice you have to listen to. I command respect."
Take notice, Get Hooked to It!
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