Who is Rell the Soundbender?
Ask the man himself and the answer's gonna be something like "I'm an NBA junkie, nerd, and part-time superhero." But homie's also a DJ-producer with Panamanian roots who was born in Virginia and ran the streets in the FLA.
Since 2004, he's been doin' work as a studio wizard for major-label megastars including Flo Rida, Lloyd Banks, and Far East Movement.
And next week, the Soundbender's gonna unleash some "Grimey Thirsty" on the ass-shakers at EVE.
See also:
-Concert Review: Trap Takes Over! Flosstradamus and DJ Sliink Run Shit
-Interview: HeRobust, Atlanta Trap Star, Moves to Miami, Debuted at The Stage's Massive Wednesdays
-It's a Trap! An 11-Part History of Trap Music, From DJ Screw to Gucci Mane to Flosstradamus
Miami, I hope you are ready next Friday. Im playing a show at EVE.
— Rell The Soundbender (@RelltheSB) January 31, 2013
But even with all that Top 40 swag to his credit, Rell remains an enigmatic musical mind whose ultimate obsession has become the epic art of EDM.
"Once I moved out of Florida to where I live now," the Soundbender recently told music blog Electro Jams, "I was introduced to the electronic world and instantly wanted to be a part of it. So I had to make a decision, keep trying to land albums and chase labels, or hang it up and build myself. I went with option B."
Even though he still knocks out glossy pop-hop collabos on the regular (e.g. brand-new reunion track with Far East Movement, "Ain't Coming Down -- Yeah I'm Trippin' Mix"), Rell's really all about runnin' that trap, proving the point with dope street drop, "Grimey Thirsty," which certified the Soundbender as a one of the electronic dance music scene's foremost sizzurp-sippin' headbangers.
As a wasted wise man once said: "What we didn't know, it was a trap." And surprise -- Rell is the trap master.
Rell the Soundbender. With Otto Von Schirach, Master Feathers, Ghosto, Jared Cole, Cuervo Shots, and others. Friday, February 8. EVE, 1306 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets cost $10 to $17. Ages 18 and up. Call 305-995-5050 or visit miamieve.com.
Follow Crossfade on Facebook and Twitter @Crossfade_SFL.