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Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow

Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow

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      The versatile, multi-regional rapper is on the brink of a new chapter both as an artist and as a person. His inspiration now comes from his daughter, yet his creative flows remain unchanged.

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      Alex Anyaegbunam, known as Rejjie Snow, first gained attention around 2011 as a gifted teenager cloaked in mystery, gradually sharing music under his previous name Lecs Luthor on Soundcloud. His initial track, ‘Dia Dhuit’, meaning “hello” in Gaelic, served as a declaration of intent, proving that Irish artists could rap as well. With production influenced by N.E.R.D and Odd Future, combined with his smooth, sharp flows, Rejjie had a clear vision of his artistic identity. His first EP, ‘Rejovich’, dropped in 2013 after he relocated to London, collaborating with artists King Krule and Loyle Carner, further clarifying his mission.

      However, amidst his distinct delivery, much of the buzz was centered around perceptions of who Rejjie Snow was, rather than his actual artistry. At a time when musicians often cultivated an air of mystique, the industry saw artists as optical illusions. DIY production, cyphers in alleys, and album launches from home were common within a confined distance, released into an online space that still felt expansive. Artists like Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, and early James Blake, along with UK favorite A2, were all heavily influenced by this concept of mystery. Rejjie's partly intentional obscured identity is a nod to one of his greatest influences, the late MF DOOM, while also highlighting the fact that his unique rhythmic style originated in the cobbled streets of Drumcondra, Dublin, rather than the hazy expanses of Hawthorne, California, which was often mistakenly associated with him due to rumors of affiliation with Odd Future.

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      Rejjie had tried his hand at various creative outlets, be it dancing, graffiti, or even excelling in football. While he donned many hats to express his creativity, it turned out he needed a mask. This was his chosen way to gain acceptance in the hip-hop scene, making his dreams a reality. The notion of juggling dual identities resonates with many from diaspora backgrounds, a connection Rejjie came to recognize later on. Yet, after fourteen years in the industry, the mask he wore starts to slip. His transformation into a global citizen, releasing three albums—his latest, ‘Peace 2 Da World’, drawing inspiration from Brazil—sealing deals with Elton John and Migos, and most importantly, embracing fatherhood, signifies a thawing of his previous persona. Now, Alex Anyaegbunam speaks; Rejjie Snow is accessible only during regular working hours.

      On a chilly Friday morning in February, Rejjie had just awoken. He was operating on rockstar time but filled with witty remarks about the new artist he's becoming. “Outside of releases, there’s always these shifts in perspective,” he shares, clearly referencing his journey into fatherhood, a role he embraces fully. The demands of long nights and early mornings encapsulate the life of new parents. “You have to be more resourceful. Has it been eight years? Sometimes it feels like eight seconds…,” he reflects on his debut mixtape, ‘The Moon and You’, released in 2017 under 300 Entertainment. “It’s the natural progression from boyhood to manhood. It’s about being present during those changes and supporting those who support me. So much has altered in the past four years. As an artist, I’m grateful to have a channel to express those feelings through music.”

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      This grounding sense is a prominent aspect of Alex's character. Despite his worldwide travels, dedicated fanbase, and runway appearances for Louis Vuitton—all stemming from his early explorations on Tumblr—he often finds himself in disbelief. "I was constantly on Tumblr, observing Odd Future's DIY nature. I saw their youth and thought I could pursue something similar," he says with an unmistakable grin, a grin that signifies accomplishment. Rejjie Snow’s rise paralleled Odd Future’s, with a shared trait of being a creative soul from a small corner of the world aware of his inspirations. “I remember discovering MellowHype, Tyler, and Hodgy,” he recalls, “that shock factor aligned with my interests in graffiti and youthful disregard.” This particular sentiment, casually delivered with his distinctive Irish charm, helped Alex navigate the challenges of burgeoning fame.

      “When I started gaining traction in the States, ignorance persisted, as many assumed there were no black people in Ireland. Yet, that ignorance mirrored my experiences in Ireland, you know?” When Alex speaks, his Irish accent comes through; when he raps, it shifts to an American cadence. Ironically, this chameleon-like adaptability hails from his Nigerian roots, reflecting the duality of remixing influences while staying connected to his origins

Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow

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Thawed Snow: An Interview with Rejjie Snow

The versatile, multi-regional rapper is gearing up for an entirely new phase as both an artist and an individual. He has found new inspiration in his daughter, but the