THE RAIN - REAP3R and Dancehall Keddah (Video) Review

Boom-bap is still alive in Zimbabwe as long as Reap3r is still breathing. Recently he blessed us with a new offering titled "The Rain" which features Dancehall Keddah. The video directed by KXNG Massey (who is also a rapper by the way, but was a director in this one).

The Hook

The hook is done in Shona and is quite easy to sing along to, "Mvura yonaya siya mapadza tiende" (The rain is here, tools down let's go".

The underlying message seems to border around. The greater work has been done, it's time to leave it up to the heavens, we have sowed the seed and it's the rains turn to do it's thing so we can reap.

And I guess since this is a song by Reap3r, and you can only reap what you sow. I guess the Reap3r is a Sow3r.

The hook is easy to understand. It prepares you for the detailed verses the Reap3r always serves.

First Verse

The first verse is generally Reap3r narrating how he has been maneuvering obstacles in his path and doing his best to please the master (God). There is much lyricism in the form of metaphors and other devices.

"It's been very stoney, but I was born a mason!"

 Now of course our Christian Rapper is not confessing to be part of the "Free Masons" but rather, a stone mason is a builder. He is talking about the alchemy of how he has used stones that have been thrown at him by life to build himself.

Very allegoric. I would say it is actually similar to what Free Masons also believe by the way.

He is laying the foundations and the work and leaving it up to God to let the rain do it's thing.

Rain is also symbolic of washing away the pain and replenishing his soul.

Second Verse

The second verse largely focuses on work and pro-activeness. The hustle. The rapper basically talks about how he has been putting in work to be productive.

He also speaks of how he has been worried less, because things seem to be coming together. In contrast to the first verse this verse speaks less of struggle and is largely hopeful of more prosperous times.

The hook again chimes in to conclude the message. For the work has been done. It is only right to celebrate in the rain.

Video Quality

I believe this was a well directed video. Kxng Massey's skills are definitely on point.  The outdoor choice of scenery symbolizes freedom. I do wish there could have been a simulation of a rain scene to suit the allegory.

However since the use of rain is an allegory in this song, actual rain was not a necessary component.

I like that Reap3r wore something with a collar that sort of resembles that of a priest.

Reap3rs Flow and Delivery

I love Reap3r's depth but I always struggle to catch some words because of his delivery. I am not sure if he sometimes goes to fast for me or it is that sometimes he doesn't allow enough air in between lines for an end rhyme to be heard.

It can be very hard to catch every line without any lyrics to follow along to. 

The message is pure fire, so are the punch-lines themselves. I am not sure if it's just me but I fill like he could let go of some filler words so that there is space to hear the end rhymes.

Now don't read this article and only focus on this aspect, as if I criticized the larger part of the work. The work is really good, these are just aspects for his consideration to fine tune the next project (if he agrees as well).

As a blogger, I risk suggesting my subjective views onto styles people are comfortable with.

The Message

Reap3r has never backtracked from his message. He does the work of God through rap. Now I am not sure if he identifies as a Christian Rap artist or just a conscious one. Sometimes Christian rappers do not like the pressure and stigmas that come with that tag.

Overall he has improved on everything.

Go out ye and support the great work!