| Member Since | 9/17/2006 | | Band Members | ANGEL DUSDID - ILLSEED FAMILIA - THOROTRACKS CLIQ - SCREWBALL CLIQ - R.A.U. FAMILY | | Influences | FAILURE & SUCCESS / Beethoven, 9th symphony, 4th movement.... | | Sounds Like | 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In today's music industry, the over saturation of artists seems to drown out those who actually have something to say. Those that leave the listener thinking and relating, be it by a particular
story or the lyrics of a particular verse, come a dime a dozen. Enter Reka "The Saint" (The artist formally known as Mike Reka).
Reka's family upbringing has shaped and molded his artistic genius, as every member of his family is musically-inclined. His father listened to esteemed jazz and classical music, and
his mother enjoyed groups such as the Beatles and Rolling Stones, leaving Reka and his brother JoSki with the material that would provide their influences for many years to come. As his brother
went on to become an accomplished producer, Reka continued honing his musical skills through ciphers, battles, & performances. Reka even dabbled in rock music, having played bass for the group
God's Gun and toured throughout the country, but this multi-talented musician knew it was his calling to express himself through lyrics.
Having grown up in Middle Village, a neighborhood in Queens New York also known as "The Resting Place of the Dons," the gangsta lifestyle and mentality was everywhere. From the local
streets to the local cemeteries – John Gotti, Carlo Gambino, Joe Colombo, Vito Genovese, Carmine Galante, and "Lucky" Luciano are just a few of the cemetery celebrities – His school years coincided
with the crack epidemic of the 1980s, leading Reka to street life that included graffiti, gangs, drugs, and general illegal activity. This period of his life, though troubling, is the source for
much of Reka's pain and emotion evident in his music today.
"The Saint" represents the prophetic side of Mike Reka, and brings an informative but entertaining angle to Reka's fierce lyrical talent. Every song, no matter the subject, has traces
of Reka's personality – rebellion, anger, sadness, but always true emotion relevant to today's world. "My music is therapeutic, and addressing those feelings is a release."
Stories such as "The Resting Place" let the listener in on the different kind of street life from that which is glorified in the public eye. "This song is about our street story,
which definitely isn't being told in hip-hop today." Other anthem-type songs such as "Never" and "From Here" serve as crowd favorites during his performances, and are powerful reminders of what an
energized Reka can do to a beat when he leaves his all on the track.
Even with the current climate of the music industry lacking exposure for true artistry, Reka has been featured with DJ Camilo on Hot 97, has received spins on radio stations in the
college circuit and has hit radio airwaves as far away as England. He has been featured on every notable rap website. He has performed alongside Cappadonna from the Wu-Tang Clan as well as Ice-T
and his group Body Count, and has rocked venues such as Webster Hall, Exit, Joe's Pub, CBGB's, Lion's Den, Knitting Factory, Rhumba's & Arlene's Grocery. Everywhere he performs, Reka gets the
crowd's attention and respect – now let "The Saint" captivate your ears and minds! Stay tuned for a performance near you, and watch for new material from Mike Reka a.k.a. Reka "The Saint" in 2009.
| | Record Label |  | | Type of Label | Indie |
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