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.”
I Know
B.Reith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through a tainted window we all watch our lives unfold
And so it goes, on and on, on and on and so it goes
Some doors happen to be open while other's they stay closed
While we try to plan ahead nobody truly knows what tomorrow holds
Oh-oh-oh and that's how the story goes
You can't stand it, you feel left alone and abandoned oh-oh-oh
But I know the One who's in control and how He made you
He won't leave you, forsake you nor deceive
Unexpected turns they lead us off the beaten path
We end up in a desert wondering how long will we last
Before we crash and burn and our hopes turn into fears
There's beauty in the brokenness for inside it we find
That pain produces character like grapes squeezed into wine and over time
We see how divinely we were designed
Life's surprises can paralyze us and leave us by the wayside dying to
Find a reason to keep on breathing when all hope is gone
To keep on believing, keep on believing
(Brian Reith copyright 2009)
Behind the Song:
"The melody for I Know popped into my head out of nowhere. I remember thinking, "Hmm, this one might work for radio." "Everyday is a new beginning filled with tales untold, through a tainted window we all watch our lives unfold and so it goes..." Life is a journey full of ups and downs, open and closed doors, with pleasant and unpleasant surprises along the way. I Know is about this journey we're on, how painful it can get, yet God is in control, "He made you, He won't leave you, forsake you nor deceive you."" - B.Reith
The lyrics to B.Reith’s “I Know” convey the message of the unpredictability of life, and how it is full of ups and downs. The song highlights how some doors may be open while others remain closed, and how we try to plan for our future, but no one truly knows what tomorrow holds. The lyrics express a sense of hope that through the brokenness and pain we experienced in life, we can find the beauty in our struggles and hardships. These experiences can produce character and make us more resilient as we journey through life.
In the verse, B.Reith assures listeners that even when the uncertainties of life become overwhelming, he knows “the One” who is in control. He asserts that this divine being will not abandon or deceive us as we navigate the unexpected turns in our lives. The chorus reinforces this message of hope, stating that life can be hard, and we may feel alone and abandoned. But, we can keep on believing because there is always a reason to keep on breathing.
Overall, the lyrics of “I Know” encourage listeners not to lose hope in times of uncertainty and to find the beauty in their struggles. The message of the song is that even though life can be unpredictable, we have the power within ourselves to face the challenges that come our way, and that the hope of a better tomorrow always exists.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyday is a new beginning filled with tale's untold
Each new day brings an opportunity for a fresh start, but we don't know what lies ahead.
Through a tainted window we all watch our lives unfold
Because our view is limited, we make assumptions based on incomplete and unclear information.
And so it goes, on and on, on and on and so it goes
Life's progression is continuous and unrelenting.
Some doors happen to be open while other's they stay closed
Opportunities don't always present themselves when and where we expect them to.
While we try to plan ahead nobody truly knows what tomorrow holds
Despite our efforts to anticipate future events, we can't predict what's going to happen.
Oh-oh-oh and that's how the story goes
No matter what happens, life follows its own unpredictable course.
I know life may not always go the way you planned
We all experience setbacks and disappointment despite our best efforts.
You can't stand it, you feel left alone and abandoned oh-oh-oh
During difficult times, we can feel isolated and unsupported despite our efforts to cope.
But I know the One who's in control and how He made you
Though we feel helpless and adrift during challenging times, the songwriter has faith that an all-knowing, benevolent being is guiding us.
He won't leave you, forsake you nor deceive
The songwriter believes that the higher power he's referencing is consistently present and honest.
Unexpected turns they lead us off the beaten path
Life can take unexpected detours that force us to reconsider our initial assumptions and plans.
We end up in a desert wondering how long will we last
During unpredictable and challenging times, we can feel overwhelmed and uncertain of our ability to persevere.
Before we crash and burn and our hopes turn into fears
If we don't adjust our expectations and strategies according to life's twists and turns, we can risk collapsing emotionally.
There's beauty in the brokenness for inside it we find
Despite the challenges we face, there's something enriching about experiencing hardship and struggle.
That pain produces character like grapes squeezed into wine and over time
Adversity can be transformative and shape our personalities in meaningful ways.
We see how divinely we were designed
Through personal growth and self-reflection, we can begin to appreciate the unique beauty and complexity of our lives and ourselves.
Life's surprises can paralyze us and leave us by the wayside dying to
The unpredictable nature of life can render us unable to move forward, trapped and immobile.
Find a reason to keep on breathing when all hope is gone
When hope is lost, it can feel futile to seek motivation to continue living.
To keep on believing, keep on believing
Despite all the hardships and uncertainty, it's important to hold onto faith and belief that positive outcomes are possible.
Contributed by Parker F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jaden Walker
I love b Reith. It was hard finding an artist that could rap without profanity and stuffs, but could also hit notes and stuffs you know? I consider him a huge role model.
CREW
this is one of my favorite songs by B. it always reminds me that even though life dosnt fall in place the way i want to, its ok, and everything will be fine, cuz Gods always going to be in control of my life and he is always be there for me throughout the good and the bad.
Natália Araújo
This song calms me down. I love it.
Xoshia Hall
I LOVE HIS MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ThisChickRightHereIsMe
I love love love this song so much it's ridiculous! Replay like 40 times. You betta sang boy!
Taylor Tink
I love it :)
Westly Lewis
Wow! What a monster! love your work guy!! Biggest Fan! My absolute Fav ryt now!
Shay
[: i love this song :]
Potat0Ch1ps
Wish he had more recognition :/
emilythestrange1997
n e 1 know how old he is now?