Why ruin something precious over something that isn’t important at all?
With four well-received albums already under his belt, it would be accessible for Houston’s Matthew Reid to sit on his laurels and be complacent.
Anyone who knows Reid knows that’s not what the talented alternative hip-hop MC is about, though, and although he started his musical journey at just fifteen, Reid remains just as hungry today.
For Reid, music is more than a hobby or career; it’s a passion, a lifestyle, something he lives and breathes. As he continues to drop standout release after standout release, we can’t help but feel that Reid’s still got way more to show us.
Drawing inspiration from Houston’s iconic chopped-and-screwed culture and alternative hip-hop and dream pop, Reid draws from a rich canvas of influences that don’t seem like they should work but do due to Reid’s artistic brilliance.
Known for releases that showcase his sharp wit and raw emotion, Reid’s releases captivate you in multiple ways, creating soundscapes that capture emotion that can’t be said in words before his vocals blow you away. With a string of electrifying performances, including recent shows in New Orleans, Reid continues to impress, whether on the stage or in the booth.
Old-school hip-hop fans will love Reid’s latest release, “So Just.” Over instrumentals reminiscent of the golden days of lyrical rap, Reid raps with such effortless ease and joy that we can’t help but smile. “And she’s not the one, and she’s not the type / And it's so obvious, so don't make us fight / Yeah, do you remember your progress? / You wanna give it up for some fling back in August?”
Reid’s lyrics showcase his versatility and ability to be serious and reflective, with “So Just” being a release that’ll bump and inspire thought whenever you throw it on.
As Reid gears up to release his new single, “Cosmos,” featuring D. Little on September 2, “So Just” reminds him of Houston Mc’s massive talent and rare ability.
Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Matthew Reid’s latest release, “So Just,” available on all major streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, Matthew Reid! We loved “So Just.” Man, we couldn’t get enough of that classic hip-hop feel! As soon as we heard it, we knew we had to ask: What was the inspiration behind this song? Were you drawing from personal experience?
Thank you! I drew inspiration for “So Just” from events in my life. Last summer, I was dating a girl, and in doing so, I felt like I was beginning to lose my sense of morality as a man. At times, I realized I was disrespecting my acquired emotional maturity. That's why that line, “You wanna give it up for some fling back in August”? I was contemplating my happiness for comfort.
Other aspects of the song come from my experience working in the Houston heat. I was employed with a company at Bush Intercontinental last summer. This involved physically walking and running on the asphalt on the ground while servicing people, along with an inconsistent schedule and having a college degree. It was mentally challenging, so writing music, as always, was my solace through that endeavor.
What was your favorite part of the creative process for making this release, and what’s your favorite part of the creative process usually?
My favorite part of songwriting is translating my life experiences into music, infusing them with my unique sense of humor. Throughout my career, I've always treated my "rhyme book" as a journal—a safe space to express my thoughts and experiences honestly without fear of judgment. My upcoming album is based on this idea, with each song reflecting a range of observations from my daily life, including working in the sun and interacting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
You’re putting the finishing touches on your upcoming album “You’re Happy, Right? Right? What’s the creative process like for that, and is there any release on the project you’re incredibly excited to share with your fans?
I began working on the album in May 2023. My cat Madi passed away in February 2023, which emotionally reinvigorated my need to make music. However, I realized that relying solely on emotion as inspiration was taxing. After taking a break, I returned to the project in September 2023, when life felt more normal. Since then, I have been recording continuously. The album is scheduled to be released on December 6th, 2024, and I plan to have all the material recorded, mixed, and mastered by the end of October.
The first single, "So, Just, " currently has a video. The next single, "I Got," is now available on streaming platforms, and a music video for that will be released in the coming month.
What would you want it to be if your fans could take one thing away from your music?
The effort and intent I put into the music come from a deep sense of need whenever that need arises. I create music for myself that I genuinely want to share with my fans. My approach is not superficial; it's driven by genuine earnestness, honesty, appreciation for the art, and an understanding of the years of practice that have been applied.
What’s next for Matthew Reid, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I want to express my gratitude. I recently had a show in Houston, but due to technical difficulties, we couldn't proceed with the show. Despite that, over 30 people showed up, and that touched me.
Thirty people took their hard-earned money and paid $15 per person to see me. I took it to heart more than anything else, and I was bothered by my disappointment for not being able to do a good job.
So, I want to thank my fans and let you all know that I love you. Please keep supporting me, sit back, and watch. I have more awesome ideas that I'm going to implement and share.
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