Brian Reith, better known by his stage name B. Reith, is a Christian hip ho… Read Full Bio ↴Brian Reith, better known by his stage name B. Reith, is a Christian hip hop and pop musician from Brown Deer, Wisconsin. B. Reith's musical career began when he released an independent album, Urgent Message, in 2003.

Not many recording artists carry the titles “singer, rapper, songwriter & producer” and stand out in each category. But Gotee Records’ latest signing B.Reith defies expectations and excels in each of these roles.

When Gotee founder Toby Mac first heard B.Reith’s (born Brian Reith) music in 2006 he pulled his car over to the side of the road. “It’s amazing when God truly gives someone a gift,” says Toby. “Brian is just naturally gifted from God vocally and his lyrics, when they hit tape, they sort of just ease into your heart.”

Two years later in 2008, B.Reith finished his debut release The Forecast EP. The five-song EP showcases Brian’s range and depth as a lyricist and musician. From the clever humor of “Go On” in which he explains how to pronounce his name (“It’s messed up when they can’t say your name right, B.Reeth, B.Right naw B.Reith!”) to the compelling message of “Cold World”, in which he pleads “don’t lose yourself in it.” The soulful melodies and rich chord progressions of “Awe-Struck” and “Rain Down” showcase B’s skills as an arranger and a communicator of heartfelt and sophisticated material.

Reith's first full-length album, Now Is Not Forever, was released on September 22, 2009 through Gotee Records.

With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Lauryn Hill, B.Reith comes from a unique place that combines classic soul with modern hip hop. “God gave me an ear to pick up things,” says Brian. “My style is just an accumulation of what I’ve heard throughout my life, channeled through the unique talents that God has given me.”

Brian grew up in Milwaukee and began singing on commercials at the age of five. His father, Jim Reith, has owned a recording studio since Brian learned how to walk. "I literally grew up in that studio," says Brian. "I took it for granted when I was young. I ran from music and tried to live like the Average Joe. But over time I realized that music is what I'm best at, it is what I was built for."

It wasn’t until 8th grade that he discovered his knack for rhyming. Now the combination of the two is what defines his exclusive sound. “I get bored just singing or just rapping. I can say a lot more through rapping, then drive home a theme with a great hook.”

B.Reith speaks the relevant dialect of today’s culture, and has the heart to address real issues, presenting hope and shedding light into this decaying world. “My number one passion is to connect with people, to entertain them, to stir up emotion in them, and to challenge them by sharing life from a different perspective. There is something we’re all yearning for. I’m just trying to help direct our attention to it, and music is the most powerful way I know how.”

“Trust me, B.Reith is a man of character too,” says Toby. “He’s a guy that truly walks what he talks.”

Breathe
B.Reith Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This is not the life that I had planned
I'm standing on a patch of sinking sand
The man I thought I once would be is far from where I am
And this pain staking process is wearing me thin again

Come into this broken dream and breathe down on me breathe down on me
Sing yourself through a melody and breathe down on me breathe down on me

I can't remember where it all went wrong
Before I knew it all of me was gone
But when I lost it all that's when my life truly began
And I found myself secure in the palm of your hand again

(Brian Reith copyright 2009)

Behind the Song:
"A couple years ago I was at a point in my career where I was at a standstill. A lot of things had not panned out and years had passed me by. It was as if my life had taken off and led me to a desert I never intended on visiting, much less dwelling there for quite some time. Sitting in my room with a guitar in my hand, the opening line came out: "this is not the life that I had planned." A few months later I stumbled across Isaiah 43:19: "I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." That is what Breathe is about. It is a prayer for God to breathe His life and love into my soul. To bring back to life the dreams He gave me years ago. To "sing Himself through a melody." To give life to the things I touch, to establish the work of my hands and restore to me the joy of His salvation." - B.Reith

Overall Meaning

In "Breathe" by B.Reith, the singer reflects on his life and how it hasn't gone as planned. He describes standing on a patch of sinking sand and feeling as though the person he thought he would be is far from where he is. The song expresses the weariness and frustration of going through a difficult time in life, and the desire for God to breathe His love and life into his soul. The lyrics convey a sense of hope and trust in God's ability to make a way in the desert and bring back to life the dreams He gave the singer years ago.

Through the song, B.Reith shares an intimate and personal perspective that many listeners can relate to. The lyrics speak of the struggle to reconcile one's expectations with reality, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The song's simple yet catchy melody and heartfelt delivery make it easy to connect with on an emotional level.

Line by Line Meaning

This is not the life that I had planned
My life is not going as I expected it to go

I'm standing on a patch of sinking sand
I feel like I am losing my stability and security

The man I thought I once would be is far from where I am
I am not the person I thought I would be at this point in my life

And this pain staking process is wearing me thin again
The difficult process I am going through is exhausting and making me feel weak

Come into this broken dream and breathe down on me breathe down on me
I am asking God to come into my life and revive me

Sing yourself through a melody and breathe down on me breathe down on me
I want God to speak to me through music and revive me

I can't remember where it all went wrong
I am unsure of how I got to this point in my life

Before I knew it all of me was gone
I feel like I have lost myself and my identity

But when I lost it all that's when my life truly began
I realized that I needed to rely on God and trust Him with my life

And I found myself secure in the palm of your hand again
I feel safe and protected when I am trusting in God

Contributed by Jackson E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.