Brand new flavor in the air

WNY’s Rhyme Regime ready to take over your radio dial
Bounce to the rhythms and get yourself hooked to the newest hip/hop beats coming from Hudson County. The hip/hop game is a tough uphill battle where many MCs, lyricists, rappers, and DJs try to “make it,” but often do not receive the mainstream attention they seek and desire.

Rhyme Regime, a Latin rap trio from the uneasy streets of West New York, is willing to do what it takes to beat the odds and make it in the hectic world of rap. They won’t stop, they say, until they take over your radio dial and attain maximum exposure.

Thomas Santiago (known as “R-kive” in the group), has been rapping since an early age. With a passion for poetry and lyrics, the tall athletic-built rapper in his early 20s has been working hard for many years in the studio in pursuit of mainstream radio airplay and a major record deal.

“Everything is our own,” Santiago said during a recent interview. “The feedback we’re receiving is phenomenal. Our sound is about true hip-hop.”

Since the mid-’90s the members of Rhyme Regime have been collaborating in small studios or their basements and writing lyrics about growing up in Hudson County’s urban parts, the competitiveness of the “rap game,” and speaking for those who can’t, said Santiago. Also, their sound is new and fresh.

“We rap in 2003, not 1983,” Santiago said. “The people want to listen to artists that rap about today.”

Santiago is joined by the brothers Melendrez: Alex and Willie. Alex, or “Eyleks” when he is performing, is the group’s producer. Coming up with crazy beats everyday, Melendrez is a production virtuoso. Working non-stop on Regime’s new album titled Thirsty, Hungry and Hungover, he ensures there always is a crisp and loud sound on all the tracks they compile. He also performs and writes songs with his band-mates.

“We are doing a couple of showcases in West New York,” Melendrez said. “Throughout the year we do like 20 festivals. But we’re ready for the next level.”

Rounding out the crew is Melendrez’ brother Willie. His stage name is “Scor,” short for Scorpio, his zodiac sign. A real student of hip/hop, Willie has been coming up with lyrics and helping his brother with setting up beats since their days at West New York’s Memorial High School.

“We knew each other in high school, and we’ve been working on our new album,” Willie said. “We write about whatever we talk about.”

The beginning

After gaining encouragement from friends and graduating from Memorial more than half a decade ago, the group decided to invest their time and money into recording their music. They saved and combined funds and attempted to make an album at a recording studio, but were not pleased with the results. Afraid to lose more money, they decided to make their own recordings. Melendrez set up a studio at his home near 49th and Hudson streets in West New York. Eventually, they came out with demos and started performing in the area. One of their first performances was at Seton Hall University in South Orange. Santiago, a Seton Hall alumnus, would bring his crew to campus and jam with the students.

“It was a wonderful experience bringing our music to the school I attended,” Santiago said.

Regime would evolve through the years, continuously finding their voice and rhyming tight lyrics. After many samples, singles, and other compilations, they created tracks good enough to put on an album.

They have released songs like “This Track,” “We Want In,” “Where it’s at,” “Oye, Oye,” and “Scream Wit Me,” which are receiving moderate airplay in the tri-state area’s 89.1 FM and other radio stations in Florida and Delaware.

Rhyme Regime has performed at festivals and clubs in Hoboken, North Hudson, New York City, Paterson and other towns. With their strategic, almost military tactics, they plan to hit audiences from all angles and establish a “system of rule” unlike any other group. The three MCs create a loud, monstrous sound that is intense and enlightening to listen. Regime breaks through all music genre barriers while creating an entirely higher standard for rap music. With innovative bass lines and catchy hooks, the band is definitely an act to watch.

“We drop music at you that will make you think and react,” Santiago said. “We keep mastering our sound and making music that matters.”

Regime continues to perform and hustle their way through the world of hip-hop. Winning fans where ever they play, expect to hear from Rhyme Regime in the near future.

Their last live performance on Nov. 21 at Club Downtime in New York City was a sold-out show.

“Performing live is how we get known and get our word out there,” Santiago said.

The new album Thirsty, Hungry and Hungover will be released March 3 of next year on MajorW8 Records.

For more information on Rhyme Regime call (201) 522-7580 or visit www.rhymeregime.com. Most of their tracks can be downloaded from their website. q