Ref is a sharp rhymer with a knack for bringing that throwback/futuristic style to life. Original MC lookin' out for simplicity that unconventionally is a Mr. E lyrically. Dude has respect for the music as if it were a personal medicine, and uses it to frame the natural development of his thought process; "This writing exercise is a creative way for me to be progressive and open about my opinions and experiences; and while most rappers glorify materialism, violence and all the other predictable propaganda that seems to accompany mainstream-ism, I'll just be doing me." in his own words. These qualities, combined with his penchant for head-nod inducing, boom-bap production, give him the right balance to reach his listeners without overwhelming them with his thought provoking content. This is exactly what earned him a top 10 position in the legendary Guru's MC search; unfortunately, perhaps due to Guru's declining health and eventual passing on (RIP), a winner was never named in the contest. Of course, the live show is an essential element in bringing any musician to his audience, especially in today's visually oriented world. Reflectionz understands this, and can share a stage with anybody, including: Blackalicious, Pigeon John, Kia Kadiri, Living Legends, Lesk One, Emotionz, Jeff Spec, Moka Only, Def 3, and many others. He's been a part of several tours throughout western Canada, most notably tearing down the hip hop stage at the 2010 Shambhala Music Festival and rocking a number of shows at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. The name Reflectionz is one to watch; his approach is about showcasing culture, paying dues, and balancing out the popular one-sided interpretations of what Hip Hop is. The proof is in his latest record "Strength In Numbers", a golden era influenced odyssey featuring many of his contemporaries and Vancouver staples like Jeff Spec, Def 3, Axiom, Lesk 1, Astrological, Aleph 1ne, Mosaic, and more. When asked what's in the future for Reflectionz, he says "It just keeps getting better…the future's about tropical landscapes, sunshine, fly peoples, Ra herbs, celebrations, traveling the world, mastering the craft; sharing my passion with anyone who can relate to it..and its on from there!" Between the end of 2012 to present, Reflectionz has finished 2 more solo projects on behalf of Cold Residents (which include the homie, Aleph 1ne). The first is called "No Good Advice," inspired by Caribbean travels and getting acquainted with the steadfast ghetto-roots culture there. The newest release, "The Mr. E mixtape" is an eleven track thriller, that embraces new styles and rhythms over production from 6 different local Artists. New albums are available at reflectionz.bandcamp.com and coldresidents.bandcamp.com. Album reviews can be found at hiphopcanada.com.