RNLification

ARTIST, VISIONARY, CURATOR

STRATIFY DC’S HIP HOP COMMUNITY IN BROAD TERMS AND YOU’LL FIND A CROP OF RISING STARS UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE WHITE HOUSE, LOBBYISTS, AND POLICYMONGERS ACCENTED BY A MASS OF HARDSCRABBLE RAPPERS MAKING UP AN OVERSIZED UNDERGROUND​.

​Amidst that scenic backdrop, RNL is

carving a nook that echoes the boom-bap theology of his influences while embracing the new radical ideas and changes in today’s music. Known for his cocksure homilies, RNL’s musical talents were cultivated “East of the river” in Southeast, Washington, DC. A third generation Washingtonian from the dusky hip- hop margins of Anacostia, RNL’s music reflects stories of his city.

Inspired by his late uncle ( Luther McEwan ) who was a gifted drummer and encouraged by his older brother Sean, RNL’s path to hip-hop began as a critical listener and student. Groups like De La Soul, Gang Starr, and A Tribe Called Quest as well hip hop juggernauts such as Grand Puba, Redman, Ice Cube, and Kool G. Rap were early influences. When he discovered Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief in ‘92, RNL would evolve from listener to creator. At Duke Ellington School of the Arts (and via U Street’s hip-hop scene), RNL’s destiny manifested on paper and in practice with follow creatives that would incubate one of his natural gifts, improvisation.

Improvisation has been a driver of RNL’s freestyle abilities, earning him the nickname “1000 bars.” In 2012, he was a key participant in a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health that observed increased brain activity during freestyle sessions, also referred to as “freestyle science” with findings published in ​Scientific Reports​. www.freestylescience.com.

RNL has performed across the United States and Europe - where he has a devoted fan base as well as a collection of collaborations with artists from Holland to Spain ( Kontrieverse Music, Next of Kin, Live on the Low and Reed Mindz Music ). As one of the core founders of ​The Far Exp with DC’s indie hip hop darlings, Ardamus and Flex Matthews, RNL developed a savvy business acumen, becoming a grounding anchor and investor in several start-ups and venture capital endeavors. For RNL, music has served as a trusted companion that underpins his investments.

In follow-up to “RNLIFICATION: Build A Better Brand”, RNL is busy crafting multiple releases alongside producers and long-time collaborators Unown and Tek Nalo G, accented by live musicianship and Ableton modulations led by business partner Edgar Diaz. The work doesn’t stop with recent performances at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and as a featured artist on the DC Public Library Foundation’s “ALB Rock the Stacks” benefit project. Off-stage, RNL continues his role in community radio, as a contributor on WPFW 89.3 FM’s “Capital Ill Radio” led

by DJ RBI and is developing curriculum with a focus on the arts and entrepreneurship for D.C. Public Schools. As a Cornerstone to the Radio show as an Engineer, Co-host and any position that requires the need to be fulfilled, He has mastered the tricks of the trade to continue his development in the Communication field.

RNL has performed at a Multitude of shows showing community support to help increase awareness to Hip Hop music and the positive effects to society. Having the Honor to be one performers to help celebrate the opening of the Kennedy Center’s Reach Center Grand Opening with DJ RBI. Fresh Tribe Member, Color School “Strokes” lead Emcee, Drop Lockers Emcee and countless collaborations that have been made throughout his continued excellence........and the legacy continues to build