Prism De Reason: Profile/Review

Genesis to Harmonic Republic…. Take off!!


The South African, Burgersfort born and Bothashoek raised Paris Pulane Mokgotho, aka Prism De Reason is a Hip-Hop artist (rapper), songwriter, record producer and a multi-faceted entertainer and is undoubtedly one of BGF’s and South Africa’s most talented and avant-garde rappers. He is also an aspiring entrepreneur, currently the director of Harmonic Republic Media, handling all the necessary administrative work and everything regarding visuals (director, editor, photographer, and videographer)

Armed with bars, freestyles, wordplays, multi-syllables rhyme schemes, punchlines, unique song writing concepts and production techniques and probably Ki just in any way a rapper could be. His rise to fame is not an overnight job, and like any other MC, Prism started from the bottom. ”I recorded my first song in 2011 with the alias "The Viper" because I was "apparently spitting venom" (says jokingly) but later on changed it to Prism De Reason and I grew up musically ever since then till now” says Prism

His first encounter with Hip Hop was around 2006/7 through Eminem’s mixtape and Nelly’s dilemma, he became a fan of Hip Hop ever since but was inspired to start rapping after he came across the likes of Immortal Technique, The Game, Kendrick Lamar and others in 2009.

Prism and Turm formed the “Genesis Sounds” record label and later signed the MC/Battle Rapper Monster Saint and the group eventually rose to become one of BGF’s super trios as well as fuelling their individual careers. The group become very popular in the BGF Hip Hop scene with appearances on HHC and other shows.

In 2018, he appeared on the cypher session and interview, hosted by Karabo Shongwe aka Illy the Host of the 3x SAHHA Nominee and 2x SAHHA winning show, Hip Hop Live SA..

Like many artists, Prism has an alter ego that captures certain expressions with oozing confidence. My first encounter with Prism was in 2015 on a collaboration track “Still Here” with a fellow Genesis member, a HHCA17 Lyricist of the Year, Rapper and record producer Sphiwe “Turm” Ntwampe, the song was seemingly a refresher course and mostly a reminder to their fans and other rappers that they are back in the game and here to stay. I followed Prism’s musical career ever since…

Four years later, they are still here and Prism has left quite an interesting trail behind his name and constantly shattering boundaries as a rapper, producer and an entrepreneur. He must be a huge inspiration to some of you upcoming cats.

The Begin’ End (EP)

The Begin’ End, his debut mixtape initially released as a CD in 2016, the rap style in the tape is poetic and sometimes intensely full of emotions as he tells stories of life, dreams and money through the eyes of a street narrator. A collector’s item and underground jewel as it features a bonus track from “BGF Mixtape” along with some of the prominent rappers from Limpopo and all over South Africa.

Moved to the Harmonic Republic in Vosloorus (East Rand, Gauteng)

Prism has shown consistency in the music industry through Harmonic Republic, a Vosloorus based Media Company and a Hip-Hop group of the same name that consists of four musicians Esam, Kat Effect, Prism and Mas D and Tony Bravo (Branding manager). They came in the game with an in-house produced debut tape, “Road to Harmony” that cemented their name in the urban scene and eventually created a huge following for the group.

“The transition from Genesis Sounds to Harmonic Republic was almost a similar plan until we decided to make HR a media company instead of a record label due to being multi-talented together as group and I gotta say the journey has been a wonderful one, working together as a team and challenging each other with no limits regarding the work, has mostly exposed us to the industry to be more experienced” says Prism


Rocket Child(14/12/18)

The ten track tape produced by Prism himself and features, Harmonic Republic, Yuno and Bassie is a great representation of what the match-fixed music industry is. Forcing Prism into a cleaner, and more upbeat and commercial viable sound yet he still manages to kill it with these restrictions. Prism is aware of the need to keep up with forever changing environment and uses his music styles as his platform for growth.

According to the rapper: “Rocket Child has 3 different meanings (visually/musically/spiritually) - On the cover art I have my son being the "Rocket Child" *visually* but *musically* Rocket Child means elevation in this industry because of feeling like I have to up my game personally and only focus on things that will contribute to my success and growth, although *spiritually* since we are all *Children of God*, like regardless of our age difference to God we are still his children. Therefore I prefer making every child a #RocketChild by starting a charity campaign through this name and help giving back to the community in multiple locations and shoot a documentary for every good thing we do the masses and use that to help inspire people to do the same to all the less fortunate around the world, teach people to give and be selfless. So at the end of the day it still points to my son via the wishes I have for him as a father...I want him to be more than just an emperor to all the less fortunate families globally...it’s a father's wish after all!”

Notable songs:

The tape was promoted by two leading singles “Finna Get Loose” and “She’s Not (Feat. Kat Effect)” which are club turn-up songs and supported by music videos. “Release date for “She’s Not” video to be announced soon!!

Track 1 - Jamaifrica – The opening track is named after his son. And draws you into a parallel and contrary to popular belief, a male planet of peace outside our milky way which is supposedly ruled by the #RocketChild - Jamaica + Africa. He's describing and talking to him in a sense that he’s rather unique and will grow up to become more than an ordinary man and dropping all sorts of jewels and wishing him well...

On the track, My World - Esam and Prism welcome you into their strange world with an outstanding performance to demonstrate how you wouldn't survive the world if you saw it through their eyes.

The song - How I'm Feeling – This is one of the songs that still shows the ability of Prism's pen game, as he touches different topics including melanin and expressing how he's feeling, from being broken down (taken advantage of and pain) to breaking through (living free) feeling good with his crown...

And Rocket Child - The title track of the tape. Imagine how much of a big deal rocket launching is, this is the same mentality Prism approaches this tape and the song with. Heavens are his only limits and you can't chill with him if you're not motivated and aspiring to make money and eventually leave off a legacy for the next generations.

Never Gave Up – As the name suggests this is a song about consistency, against negative thoughts, struggles and facing reality head on to achieve your goals and turning dreams into reality. The chorus is emotional with lyrics like “I couldn’t leave with the pain/ Thought about running away/ Voices in my head saying one day you gonna die anyway/ But I never gave up, but I never gave up/”

The sound behind Prism is international and has an urban flare to it that keeps up with the trends of the current music styles. His delivery and vocals are of great quality. Although to some ears, this tape can be heard and looked at, as a transition from a typical old-skool boompab rapper with hard bars to a rather more cleaner, new age trap sound mixed up with other alternative sounds... “Target market for the musical project is literally everyone who's into music...it’s more than just a rapper spitting bars...it’s more of a musical project than a Hip-Hop mixtape.” Says Prism

Although it may seem so, journey is not over yet, the rapper recalls his involvement with Hip Hop Cares Foundation as the one that has taught him a lot about charity and giving back than the artistry although it played a major role by giving him platforms when he started emerging as an artist. So to show his gratitude, “Personally to grow the hood I'm expanding the #RocketChild charity campaign to uplift young talented souls by creating activities for them and make sure they all understand the professional basics of their own passion and desires and handle themselves as professionals wherever they may go and still learn further. We already started a modelling agency for all upcoming models and we plan to involve charity in it by giving them free photoshoots when they donate something for our campaigns and at the same time we gonna organize talent shows and competitions all over the hoods to keep the art and entertainment spirit alive.” Says Prism

Yours Truly
Shabba-Pen


For bookings and other contacts:
IG @prismreason
Twitter @prismreason
Facebook: Prism De Reason

And his music is available on most online stores worldwide and also on CDs for just R30 a copy.

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rocket-child/1447181866?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/101244332

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LFNZY7M

Napster: https://us.napster.com/artist/prism-de-reason/album/rocket-child

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4HR4SLf6ZlHhy0G7lu4C5i?nd=1

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/82214832

HHLSA Interview: https://youtu.be/TA8L2fly9VE

HHC Awards Guide/Review

As the new dawn unfolds, compliments of the new year and welcome, it's back to school on HHCA. Back to basics and raising the bar!! 

Let me start off by congratulating the runner ups of HHCA18 and thank everyone else who participated, artists and fans. The nationwide recognized HHC Awards have more than two categories, and it's of great importance and advantageous to understand the requirements of each and every category you wishes and get to compete/participate in.

Don't make or allow the mistake of nominating a song in a wrong category - for example, "song of the year" track in a "lyricist of the year" category.

And of course, the odds are much better and stakes/chances are even higher since a song is not limited to only participate in one category but different and more than one or two categories - for example, one/same song can be nominated into (song of the year, producer of the Year and collaboration of the Year) categories but think smart and make sure you want that choice.

So without further a due, we've outlined few guidelines that you can follow-up on to stand a better chance of getting a prize 🏆

HHC AWARDS REVIEW/GUIDE

1. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

The Rookie of the year category, as the name suggests, consist of acts that are new to the rap game. This list specifically consists of acts that have never entered the HHC Awards before. The rule to this category is that no act/s can or are allowed to enter/compete in the category twice (it matters not whether the years are consecutive or not, an act is only allowed to enter once).
The song submitted by an act should be one that shows the identity and sound of the said act, it should show the artistry of the act and his ability to potentially penetrate, build and solidify his/her name in the game with his distinctive sound.

2. PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

This is the category whereby the talent behind the scene is being recognized and acknowledged. Producers get to showcase their sound engineering skills and everything that has to do with producing a great song.
The beat is of paramount importance, it should be a beat which shows the signature and originality of the producer. Mixing, mastering and the ability the artist on the song to be one with the whole production is also taken into consideration.

3. COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

This is the category which requires two or more artists to come together as one and make one good song. Artists may have different styles but it’s of paramount importance that they find a common ground whereby they can merge their respective styles but still be in sync with each other and the song as a whole. A chemistry element between the artists is a required ingredient.

4. VIDEO OF THE YEAR

The best music video is what it takes to win such an award. All the elements of a music video are taken into consideration. Video quality, Concept of the video, the storyline must be one/in sync with the message of the song, choreography, directing and video effects are the core elements.

4. INFINITE LYRICIST

This is one the most prestigious category, which taps into the core elements of Rap. Showcase your weaponry and display what quilifies you to be an MC and more than just a rapper. Bars, delivery, flow, beat selection and, but not limited to, storytelling are one of the elements that contributes to what makes an "infinite lyricist" .

5. SONG OF THE YEAR

This is the biggest category of the awards. A song of the year is that one song which not only has a vibe to it but moves people. It’s a song which can be sung along to, and the same song which makes people loses their minds whenever it plays. It should however keep the same elements of Hip Hop/Rap.

Sidenote: (Engage and communicate with your fans and know beforehand which songs they're nominating and into which categories.
You stand a chance of getting votes and i believe even when you're writing lyrics and in a studio recording, there's a message you want to send or purpose that song is supposed to serve and knowing as well as being aware of that fact means knowing the right category)

By Shabba-Pen and Pon-cho

(Artists and fans will be notified of any changes and/or additions to the guidelines)