Music is powerful because it helps us relate and identify feelings, aspirations, and ideas that are damn near impossible to express without a beat or rhythm. Some of our favorite artists are just that because they have found the magic in pairing a message with catchy melodies and vibes that we refer back to for a lifetime.
Once in a while, I come across rising artists that are on their way to creating a signature sound that authentically connects and moves their listeners. Which leads me to ReeCee Raps. A feMC (female MC) focused on remaining authentic while fostering genuine connections with her audience. Her latest single, “All Nighters”, is another example of using catchy tunes to tell her story and connect with listeners.
ReeCee is not only one of the most diligent and hard-working artists that I have met; she has created a sound that is bright, robust, colorful yet very transparent, real, and filled with stories and lyrics that pull you in closer. Having already won 2 consecutive Queen City Hip Hop Female Artist of the Year Awards, it is evident that her work is paying off, but that is not what impresses me the most. I am most impressed that she has found a way to explore serious topics such as: the emotions that come with chasing dreams, surviving domestic violence to find her true self, the importance of mental wellness while still having fun, remaining upbeat and uplifting.
“All Nighters” is right in line with her sound: A catchy hook that will leave you singing hours after you finish the song, a motivational message that will push you through the day, and production that makes you want to hit repeat. This latest single is sure to garner attention and create new listeners and supporters for her continued success.
I had the pleasure to connect with ReeCee about her newest single. Read our conversation below to get more insight into her process of creating “All Nighters”.
Records On The Wall: What is the inspiration behind your new single “All Nighters”?
ReeCee Raps: The inspiration behind this single is the daily grind that one endures as an entrepreneur to be successful, that non-stop work ethic in the life of a hustler. I’m pulling an All Nighter right now as I’m writing this lol. This is the anthem for the people who often find themselves staying up long nights and waking up early mornings. The people who will not stop until they achieve their goals, and won’t wait on no one else to get them accomplished… that’s who I made this for.
ROTW: Describe your sound and what/who has influenced your sound?
RR: My sound is filled upbeat, eclectic flows with live-instrument based production, all tied together with catchy melodies you can sing along with. My sound is influenced by music of multiple genres and generations. From the oldies my Grandad used to play growing up, to the RnB my mom played around the house, to the hip hop I played when I ventured off into my own music choices, mixed with the occasional pop and soft rock hit. Every song I fell in love with had common denominators when it came to instrumentation and substance. Some of my biggest musical influences are Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Eminem, J. Cole, and more recently Anderson Paak.
ROTW: What are some important lyrics or parts of the song that has the most significance to you?
RR: The song as a whole holds significance to me, but the opening lines of the first verse reminds me why I’m working so hard. “I been workin’, I been pullin’ All Nighters for my purpose”,.” When I’m tired, and I hear that line, it pushes me to keep going. It’s bigger than just putting the work in; it’s about your purpose and what you were meant to give back to the world. With that being said, my favorite line would have to be “wishing and hoping, I see you wishing and hoping… Don’t wish on stars, I am a star, so I can tell that you scoping.” I love the play on words with stars and telescopes, which ties perfectly into the theme All Nighters. I also like how in the second half of the second verse, I start talking about a relationship where the significant other may not understand or respect the grind; a situation where many other hustlers can relate.
ROTW: What was your creative process when creating this record? How did the idea come to you?
RR: This was one of the only records I have that was created from scratch in the studio. The producer/engineer YDMBSM pulled out his guitar right there in the studio and went to work. We were in the studio for a few hours, and by the time I left, I had a hot instrumental and hook. I remember going through different melodies on the hook, but the melody that I ended up going with was the unique high pitched one that I initially thought was too “out of the box” for the track. All I could hear in my head was, “I MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY YEA,” and the rest just came together from there. I went home and wrote my verses, and we finished the record up after countless studio sessions filled with alterations and perfectionism. YDMBSM is so laid back, he only cared about if the vibe feels right; me on the other hand, had to keep going on this until it sounded right in my head. This is the second record we worked on together, and both times we made magic.
ROTW: There is so much music being released in this current climate. What about this new music makes you unique and stand out?
RR: The mellow instrumental mixed with the high-pitched, high-energy vocals is rare to hear. The melodies are so unique in the chorus that I shocked myself when writing it. What makes my music unique is that it cannot be boxed in. If I hear a sound in my head, I’ve learned to just go with it and not worry what people will think about it. When you look within yourself for creativity, you have no choice but to be unique because everyone has their own sound after they tap into themselves.
ROTW: How would you like for this song to impact the person listening?
RR: I want this song to inspire you to get on/stay on your grind. I also want this record to put you in a good mood, and make you feel like you are riding in a drop-top convertible on a California Highway. Many can relate to this song whether they are young or old, black or white, male or female, because hustle has no face, age, or race. I just want the listener to vibe out with me throughout the track and play it on repeat while they’re pulling an All Nighter!
Be sure to check out “All Nighters” by ReeCee Raps on all streaming platforms. This is the latest single following her EP Diary of a Pothead released in 2019.
ReeCee is definitely a gem in this city and continues to shine brighter and stand out as she takes steps towards creating lasting connections by providing a much-needed message, perspective, and energy through her music.
“All Nighters” by ReeCee Raps