Local rapper Black Reign (see previous post "Tbt*misfires") just wants to move on with his life and career. The young man born Anthony Blocker called Creative Loafing today to say he already has plans for a big concert to take place in the near future. As for yesterday's Tbt* story, especially its headline, Blocker said: "[The newspaper] shouldn't have gone there."
In regards to his song, "Gun Shine State," he wanted to make clear that he is not advocating violence. "I don't promote gun shots," he said. ""I really think the song is about the city [Tampa] and the state and bringing everyone together."
He then concluded: "I just want to leave it alone."
Lastly, I have seen Black Reign perform on numerous occasions and met with him a couple times while researching my story on the Umbrella Corporation to which he belongs. He's a pleasant, humble person and a talented MC. He should be recognized for his music, not for taking cover wherever possible when some madman fires gunshots in a nightclub and murders a woman, which is what happened when Black Reign was on stage several weeks ago.
Click here to check out Black Reign's new single "Party Outside."
This article appears in Nov 7-13, 2007.