Mike Reka a.k.a. "The Saint"
Words: Low

Mike Reka a.k.a."The Saint", Queens NYC native has been putting it down for the crown for a minute, cranking out that non-soap opera type ish; you know what it is (real music). According to Reka, he's a true artist. He has even dabbled in rock music but he claims his true calling is lighting fire to microphones through his fierce lyrical ability. The subject matter of his music comes from his true emotions and rebellious personality. Reka has a unique style that stands out from many of today's MC's, this is probably why the legendary MC Shan has co-signed him.

How long have you been rapping?

I been spittin since I was 14. So, I been spitting my entire adult life.

How would you describe your overall style?

I can't say that I have one overall style. I always been a student of music. I never tried to limit myself to one style. I can do street shit, club shit, the more "backpacker" (or lyrical) shit, whatever. And if there is some style I can't do I'm gonna try to master that too.

What's the subject matter of most of your music?

The subject matter of my music is a reflection of my life experiences. I would say the overall subject matter is that of rebellion, love, hate, and overall things like that.

What one thing or person influenced you to want to rap more than anything or anyone else?

I think the one "thing" that influenced me was just the pure love of hip hop. With that I would say it wasn't one thing but many artists that put it down before me. The one person's music that kept me going at the hardest times in my life was Big Pun.

No doubt, so who's your favorite rapper?

The best ever, Big Pun

Are you currently signed? If so, with who?

Illseed Entertainment is my label. We are an indie label based out of Queens NYC. We been putting it down for the crown for a minute and we are still pushin.

Give us the run down on your latest project.

The most recent project I released is called "Survivor NY" Hosted by the Queens legend MC Shan. I feel like there is so many so called "Dj's" and "Rappers" "Hosting" cd's, etc. dj this dj that, whatever cuz. We got dj's now that never seen a turntable. Shit is garbage, so I reached out to the legend and he was benevolent enough to assist me with the project. That cd is now available for free on at myspace.com/rekaking

I am currently finishing my new album fresh for '08 called "Track Cocaine." "Track Cocaine" will be available by the end of January. You will see some colabs from legends on this one too. I will then follow up with album "Track Addiction." I have plans this year to get on my old shit and record as much music as possible. So please stay tuned in this new year.

What's the feeling you get when you're performing on stage?

I like it, my mentality is basically destroy the show. I don't drink, smoke etc. before I perform. I get high off just waiting to go on and ampin' myself up mentally.

Do you recall your first onstage performance? If so, how was it?

Yeah, it was at a place in Manhattan called Bond Street Cafe, on Bond Street off Broadway. The spot aint there anymore. It was with a group called Gloc 718. That was my first group. It was cool. I think we did one joint, I remember feeling like yo that shit was ill and I kept at it but mostly on the street.

If you had the opportunity to work with any artist dead or alive, who would it be?

Pun, Big L, G Rap.

Would you rather be considered by your fans as a rapper or a true artist? Why?

A true artist. Because that's what I am. Anybody can be a rapper, artists are born, they don't choose the shit. I been an artist my whole life, I use to draw and do graffiti as a kid. It's all the same mind.

Why should our readers support you?

Because I am dedicated to music first and foremost. I love music and if you're into music and not the soap opera that mainstream music has become then come check out my shit. It's straight up good music. There are only two kinds, good and bad.

What's your biggest objective for 2008?

My main objective in 08 is to get back to my roots and not get caught up with no industry shit. The industry is dead anyway. Just record like crazy, put shit out like crazy and continue to step up my skills because I am never satisfied with my music so I want to always make it better.

myspace.com/rekaking