[MAGAZINE] REJJIE SNOW

Rejjie Snow: Ireland’s Only Rap Export is rejuvenating the UK Hip Hop Scene

Rejjie Snow has one of those buzz-worthy names that simply knowing, earns you credibility. Barely out of his teens, Snow’s managed to built a cult following with his dark, hushed rhymes and striking visuals. ‘Lost In Empathy’ is one such example, as he is chased through a barren wasteland wearing red. Abstract lyrics explore racism through the eyes of an albino.

With poetic lines like, “Flirting with the moon because she’s gorgeous” Rejjie is sure to appeal to fans of MF DOOM, Tyler the Creator and Captain Murphy. Speaking of the latter, many got the false impression that Snow was Flying Lotus’ mysterious masked alter-ego when Snow drunkenly tweeted it.

Though Ireland isn’t exactly known for it’s vibrant rap scene, Rejjie is the first to emerge from the emerald isle. His accent still garners attention, but laces the track smoothly, evident on ‘Black Pancakes’, which sees him telling the story of an awkward run in with a transvestite. Not your traditional subject matter. But Rejjie’s far from traditional, hungry to push the boundaries of hip hop in the UK and globally.

Rejjie Snow is the second act for Alex Anyaegbunam and it looks set to completely eclipse the first. In 2011 he released the critically acclaimed ‘Dia Dhuit’ under the moniker Lecs Luther, but the subsequent ‘Fish & Chips EP’ was indefinitely postponed while he moved to Florida on a soccer scholarship, then studied in Atlanta before returning to his native Dublin.

Whether this American detour had any influence over his rebranding is debatable, but he has since re-emerged as the Rejjie Snow we know today – the undeniably rare combination that is world class rapper from Ireland.He’s already performed live with an impressive roster of artists including MF DOOM, King Krule and Kendrick Lamar. Pretty impressive considering he’s still not legally able to buy alcohol in the U.S. Luckily he is in London, the city in which he currently resides. You can often find him wandering through East London with talented rap friends like Jesse James and Piff Gang’s Milkavelli not to mention Sub City Luna members, King Krule and Black Mack. But it’s just as likely to find Rejjie in Paris and Rome, as he disappears to Europe on a regular basis, taking inspiration from various cities.

Signed to XL Records imprint, Kaya Kaya, Rejjie is about to become a lot more popular on both sides of the pond in 2014. Meet Mr Snow…

For those of us who might not know, who is Rejjie Snow?
Rejjie Snow is the alter ego of Alex Anyaegbunam. He is a guy who even in his shy tendencies is capable of adapting to anything and doing anything. To put it simply – I just do what I want, when I want, I just find speaking my peace is more suited to Rejjie Snow.

Where does the name come from? ‘Snow’ is historically the surname given to the bastard child…
Yes that’s very true. The name came from a guy who is not only an inspiration of mine, but was a true visionary in his field and his name is [artist] Dash Snow.

Your music has a dark side to it, do you like playing with moods and atmosphere?
Yeah, I mean if you’re not tapping into your moods and speaking on your actions then realistically, the music isn’t ever gonna be coming from a pure and honest place and I guess that’s pretty crucial s the listener will always be more connected to the music. I wouldn’t generally describe my sound as dark, as I’ve got so much for people to hear, but I would say it’s very crude and brutal in the words and undertones I sometimes use.

What attracts you to a beat?
Everything man, ’cause to me sounds are all beautiful in their own way you know, but to me, beats are everything, it’s the buttery essence of music.

soundcloud.com/rejjiesnow
@rejjiesnow

This is an extract from the Summer Issue of Viper Magazine. Read more from the magazine here. Buy physical and digital copies here.

Photos by Verena Stefanie Grotto.
Words by Lauryn Tomlinson.
Art direction by Verena Stefanie Grotto.
Photo Assistant: Simone Musu
Styling by Ayishat Akanbi.
Fashion assistant: Kelvin Nguyen
Make up by Natasha Buchanan using Mac Cosmetics