Reema Major
Encyclopedia
Reema Major is a Sudanese-Canadian rapper signed to a joint record label venture with G7 Records Inc./Universal Music Canada and Cherrytree Records
/Interscope Records
. Reema is the first and youngest Canadian female emcee to be a part of the annual BET Hip Hop Awards
.
, Sudan
, to parents of Sudanese and Abu Dhabi
origins. As the youngest of seven siblings, Reema's early life experiences exposed her to harsh realities not often faced by her peers. Due to civil strife in Sudan, she and her family sought refuge in Kenya
and later in Uganda
to flee a coup d'état
. In 1998, her family's journey led to her settling in Canada where she was introduced to hip hop
at the age of five by her cousin who took part in cyphers outside of their apartment building.
Reema's upbringings were strongly influenced by Arabic culture
, but her ongoing exposure to cyphers sparked an early passion for her emceeing and writing. Fluently speaking English, Arabic, and her tribal Sudanese tongue, Reema channelled her experiences and cultural influences towards honing her musical craft as a rapper and songwriter—something she expressed as coming naturally.
, Reema Major was introduced to President and CEO of G7 Records Inc., Kwajo Cinqo
—member of Canadian hip hop group Ghetto Concept
, who promised to have her signed to a major music deal. In 2010, a joint-venture record deal was made with G7/Universal/Interscope.
Before the contract, Reema gained international acclaim after being featured on Royalty Radio 91.9FM, in an online interview and cypher
. Her impressive lyricism helped launch her premiere at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards
. Reema was given the grand opportunity by Stephen Hill, BET's President of Programming, Talent and Specials. Rapping alongside emcees Nick Javas and Laws, Reema's performance marked history, making her the first and youngest Canadian female rapper to be a part of the awards ceremony.
Her rising notoriety following the BET cypher led to many labels courting—amongst them were EMI Music, Capitol Records, Atlantic Records and Simmons Records, owned by rock music icon and former member of Kiss
, Gene Simmons
.Eventually the deal was established on October 25, 2010. These deals were established with the backing of Jimmy Iovine
—chairman of Interscope Records, Randy Lennox
, President and CEO of Universal Music Canada
, and A&R
's Martin Kierszenbaum
and Andrea Ruffalo of Cherry Tree/Interscope Records, and Mark Spicoluk
of Universal Music Canada. This was the first time Universal Music Group
signed a direct deal with a Canadian urban music label.
This venture was furthered on October 7, 2011 when G7 Music Publishing signed a co-publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group for the services of Reema Major. The deal was spearheaded by Evan Lamberg who was an early supporter of Reema's career and her talents. Furthermore, on October 13, 2011, it was announced that Evan Lamberg was named President of Universal Music Publishing Group North America.
, Mac Miller
, and Big Boi
of Outkast
. The self-acclaimed "Mother to the New School Era" also collaborated with industry big-names including Bangladesh
, DJ Toomp
, The Stereotypes, and rappers Kwajo Cinqo
of Ghetto Concept
and Rick Ross
. Now with growing acclaim in North America, Reema Major has opened for Wiz Khalifa
's two-time sold out Rolling Papers World Tour show in Toronto held on September 26 and 27, 2011, in addition to releasing her single "I'm The One" from her I Am Legend mixtape on October 12, 2011 with cameos shot in Miami, Florida
alongside Rick Ross
.
Cherrytree Records
Cherrytree Records is an American record label and is an imprint of Interscope Records.-History:Cherrytree Records was founded in 2005 by Martin Kierszenbaum, being German for cherry tree...
/Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
. Reema is the first and youngest Canadian female emcee to be a part of the annual BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
.
Early life
Reema Major was born in KhartoumKhartoum
Khartoum is the capital and largest city of Sudan and of Khartoum State. It is located at the confluence of the White Nile flowing north from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile flowing west from Ethiopia. The location where the two Niles meet is known as "al-Mogran"...
, Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
, to parents of Sudanese and Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western...
origins. As the youngest of seven siblings, Reema's early life experiences exposed her to harsh realities not often faced by her peers. Due to civil strife in Sudan, she and her family sought refuge in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
and later in Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
to flee a coup d'état
Coup d'état
A coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...
. In 1998, her family's journey led to her settling in Canada where she was introduced to hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
at the age of five by her cousin who took part in cyphers outside of their apartment building.
Reema's upbringings were strongly influenced by Arabic culture
Arabic culture
Arab culture refers to the culture in Arab countries of West Asia and North Africa, from Morocco to the Persian Gulf. Language, literature, gastronomy, art, architecture, music, spirituality, philosophy, mysticism are all part of the cultural heritage of the pan-Arab world.-Language:The Arabic...
, but her ongoing exposure to cyphers sparked an early passion for her emceeing and writing. Fluently speaking English, Arabic, and her tribal Sudanese tongue, Reema channelled her experiences and cultural influences towards honing her musical craft as a rapper and songwriter—something she expressed as coming naturally.
Early career
In 2009, after returning from her stay in Kansas CityKansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
, Reema Major was introduced to President and CEO of G7 Records Inc., Kwajo Cinqo
Kwajo Cinqo
Kwajo “Cinqo” Boateng—known by stage name Kwajo Cinqo—is an artist, producer, CEO and member of two-time Juno Award winning hip-hop group Ghetto Concept. Initially beginning his career in 1989 alongside Dolo and Infinite who was introduced as a new member in 1995, Kwajo is now the President and...
—member of Canadian hip hop group Ghetto Concept
Ghetto Concept
Ghetto Concept is a Canadian hip-hop duo from Toronto, Ontario, composed of Kwajo Cinqo and Dolo. Infinite, who is currently a solo artist, is a former member of Ghetto Concept.-History:...
, who promised to have her signed to a major music deal. In 2010, a joint-venture record deal was made with G7/Universal/Interscope.
Before the contract, Reema gained international acclaim after being featured on Royalty Radio 91.9FM, in an online interview and cypher
Cypher
Not to be confused with CipherCypher may refer to:* A royal cypher or monogram-like glyph-Art and entertainment:* Cypher , a Goa trance music group* Cypher , an Australian instrumental band* Cypher , a 2002 film...
. Her impressive lyricism helped launch her premiere at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
. Reema was given the grand opportunity by Stephen Hill, BET's President of Programming, Talent and Specials. Rapping alongside emcees Nick Javas and Laws, Reema's performance marked history, making her the first and youngest Canadian female rapper to be a part of the awards ceremony.
Her rising notoriety following the BET cypher led to many labels courting—amongst them were EMI Music, Capitol Records, Atlantic Records and Simmons Records, owned by rock music icon and former member of Kiss
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
, Gene Simmons
Gene Simmons
Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, actor, and rock bassist. Known as "The Demon", he is the bassist/vocalist of Kiss, a hard rock band he co-founded in the early 1970s.-Early life:...
.Eventually the deal was established on October 25, 2010. These deals were established with the backing of Jimmy Iovine
Jimmy Iovine
James "Jimmy" Iovine is an American music producer, entrepreneur and chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M.-Biography:...
—chairman of Interscope Records, Randy Lennox
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
, President and CEO of Universal Music Canada
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
, and A&R
A&R
Artists and repertoire is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists. It also acts as a liaison between artists and the record label.- Finding talent :...
's Martin Kierszenbaum
Martin Kierszenbaum
Martin Kierszenbaum is a graduate of the University of Michigan and head of A&R at Interscope Records and president of Interscope's subsidiary imprint Cherrytree Records...
and Andrea Ruffalo of Cherry Tree/Interscope Records, and Mark Spicoluk
Mark Spicoluk
Mark Spicoluk founded and played bass for the band Closet Monster from 1997 until December 8, 2005. Closet Monster reunited to play Wakestock on August 8, 2009. Spicoluk established the indie punk rock label Underground Operations in 1995.During his period with Closet Monster, Spicoluk played for...
of Universal Music Canada. This was the first time Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
signed a direct deal with a Canadian urban music label.
This venture was furthered on October 7, 2011 when G7 Music Publishing signed a co-publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group for the services of Reema Major. The deal was spearheaded by Evan Lamberg who was an early supporter of Reema's career and her talents. Furthermore, on October 13, 2011, it was announced that Evan Lamberg was named President of Universal Music Publishing Group North America.
2009-present
Reema Major's first mixtape Youngest In Charge was released in 2009; thereafter 15 Going on 25 was launched October 2010, and I Am Legend on May 27, 2011. The young rapper has also performed with Wiz KhalifaWiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz , better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa , is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Show and Prove, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007...
, Mac Miller
Mac Miller
Malcolm McCormick , known by his stage name Mac Miller , is an American rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
, and Big Boi
Big Boi
Antwan André Patton , better known by his stage name Big Boi, is an American rapper, song-writer, record producer and actor, best known for being a member of American hip hop duo OutKast alongside André 3000. His work in the duo has produced six studio albums. During the duo's hiatus, he and André...
of Outkast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
. The self-acclaimed "Mother to the New School Era" also collaborated with industry big-names including Bangladesh
Bangladesh (producer)
Shondrae Crawford, better known as Bangladesh or Mr. Bangladesh, is a Grammy Award winning American record producer and disc jockey and rapper, who was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia.- Life and career :...
, DJ Toomp
DJ Toomp
Aldrin Davis, better known as DJ Toomp, is an award-winning American record producer and DJ who works in Atlanta, Georgia. In the late 1980s he was MC Shy-D's DJ and went on tour with him and the 2 Live Crew as they performed at various venues across the country with other artists such as N.W.A...
, The Stereotypes, and rappers Kwajo Cinqo
Kwajo Cinqo
Kwajo “Cinqo” Boateng—known by stage name Kwajo Cinqo—is an artist, producer, CEO and member of two-time Juno Award winning hip-hop group Ghetto Concept. Initially beginning his career in 1989 alongside Dolo and Infinite who was introduced as a new member in 1995, Kwajo is now the President and...
of Ghetto Concept
Ghetto Concept
Ghetto Concept is a Canadian hip-hop duo from Toronto, Ontario, composed of Kwajo Cinqo and Dolo. Infinite, who is currently a solo artist, is a former member of Ghetto Concept.-History:...
and Rick Ross
Rick Ross
Rick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
. Now with growing acclaim in North America, Reema Major has opened for Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz , better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa , is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Show and Prove, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007...
's two-time sold out Rolling Papers World Tour show in Toronto held on September 26 and 27, 2011, in addition to releasing her single "I'm The One" from her I Am Legend mixtape on October 12, 2011 with cameos shot in Miami, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
alongside Rick Ross
Rick Ross
Rick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
.
Discography
- Youngest In Charge (2009)
- 15 Going on 25 (2010)
- I Am Legend (2011)