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.”
Rain Down
B.Reith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need you to rain down 'cause I'm so lost without You
From the bottom to the top back down to the bottom
These are the places I've been, my problems
Ain't nothin like the next man but I still got 'em
I want to leave my lot like Lot did to Sodom
But I just can't let go, though ever since the get go
Let everything around me just follow suit
But please help me get these thoughts in line
'Cause I will go crazy without peace of mind
And put me back together one peace at a time
'Cause I'm just a branch and I need the vine
Just lookin' for direction I don't need a sign
You told me if I'd seek I'd find so here I am
On the verge of breakdown but so close to break-through
Fully aware that all it takes is You to just
Rain down, I can't go on without You, I need you to
Rain down, 'cause I'm so lost without You, won't you please just
Rain down on me, as you can see my gas tanks on E
Tires as flat as can be, while my life is passin' me by
Like Pharcyde this is a catastrophe
Plus my soul oh so empty
Dried up, dehydrated, beat up, annihilated
Eyes all dilated still I can't even see
The one thing I need most is right in front of me
Now I'm cravin' a taste of that Living Water
Starvin' for somethin' that this world ain't got to offer
I ought to know by now that face down at your altar
Is the place that I need to start 'cause this bleeding heart
Can only be healed by the One that made it
The One that gave His all to save it, your touch I crave it
So seek through the cracks in my pavement 'cause
B.Reith's "Rain Down" is a soulful track that touches upon the importance of faith in the face of adversity. The lyrics speak to the artist's struggles with life and his sincere desire for divine intervention. The singer acknowledges his spiritual emptiness and his need for a sign from God, citing the flat tires of his life as evidence of his struggle. He pleads with the Lord to rain down upon him and renew his soul.
The opening lines set the tone for the track as the singer speaks directly to God, asking Him to intervene in his life. The use of the word "rain" creates an image of a transformative experience, one that will wash away the negative aspects of the artist's life and start anew. The following line speaks to the feelings of hopelessness that often accompany difficult situations. The singer's acknowledgement that he is unable to continue without God serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in facing adversity.
The next few lines detail the singer's past struggles and challenges. He notes that he has faced his own unique set of problems but acknowledges that he is not alone in experiencing hardship. He then speaks about his struggle to let go of the negative aspects of his life and seek guidance from God. The remainder of the song is a prayerful plea for God to intervene and for the singer to find peace and healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord rain down, I can't go on without You
Expressing complete dependence on God's guidance and presence to maximize potential in life.
I need you to rain down 'cause I'm so lost without You
Without God's guidance and love, life is meaningless and directionless.
From the bottom to the top back down to the bottom
Life is a journey with ups and downs, but the struggles that come with it remain the same.
These are the places I've been, my problems
Life experiences shape who we are and are responsible for the problems that we face.
Ain't nothin like the next man but I still got 'em
Everyone's life struggles are unique, but they still exist, and they have to be dealt with.
I want to leave my lot like Lot did to Sodom
The desire to escape from the current struggles and find a better life path.
But I just can't let go, though ever since the get go
Despite the desire to move on, attachment and fear make it difficult to move along.
You said so, this is detrimental, so I grab a hold of You
God has always warned about the dangers of straying away and requires a committed connection to Him for safety.
Let everything around me just follow suit
With God at the center of life, everything else follows in line and falls into place.
But please help me get these thoughts in line
Life can easily get overwhelming, so there is a need for divine guidance to soften and re-align thoughts and emotions.
'Cause I will go crazy without peace of mind
The absence of peace leads to a lack of mental stability and disrupts daily life.
And put me back together one peace at a time
Life experiences can leave a person broken and in pieces, but God can piece them back together one step at a time.
'Cause I'm just a branch and I need the vine
Just like a branch is dependent on the vine, human beings are dependent on God for survival and thriving in life.
Just lookin' for direction I don't need a sign
Direction is required for a fulfilling life, and the search requires the willingness to listen to God, not necessarily looking for a physical sign or manifestation.
You told me if I'd seek I'd find so here I am
God requires total commitment and seeking to gain from Him, which leads to positive results.
On the verge of breakdown but so close to break-through
Despite being close to giving up, there is always the potential for a breakthrough on the other side.
Fully aware that all it takes is You to just
Recognizing that God is the solution to all problems, and He holds the power to lead a person to a better life.
Rain down, I can't go on without You, I need you to
Re-emphasizing the importance of God's guidance and presence to thrive in life.
Rain down, 'cause I'm so lost without You, won't you please just
A plea to God to shower His guidance and love down on the singer because He recognizes what life would be like without it.
Rain down on me, as you can see my gas tanks on E
Comparing life issues to a vehicle running on an empty gas tank and needing a refill for continued movement and progress.
Tires as flat as can be, while my life is passin' me by
Tires symbolize the foundation of life journey and the flatness indicates stagnation, which can potentially lead to lack of progress and missed opportunities.
Like Pharcyde this is a catastrophe
Referring to the rap group that popularized self-deprecating humor, highlighting the depth of despair and how life can feel like a disaster.
Plus my soul oh so empty
Acknowledges how life issues can drain a person's soul and spirit, leaving them empty and hopeless.
Dried up, dehydrated, beat up, annihilated
Life struggles can deplete and exhaust a person's resources, leaving them vulnerable and defeated.
Eyes all dilated still I can't even see
The overwhelming nature of life issues can cause a person to lose perspective and clarity, becoming blinded and unable to see the good in their life.
The one thing I need most is right in front of me
Despite the chaos that surrounds a person's life, the one constant they need is God, who is always present and available.
Now I'm cravin' a taste of that Living Water
Life struggles can create a spiritual thirst that can only be quenched by God's love and grace.
Starvin' for somethin' that this world ain't got to offer
The world has limitations, and life issues require a solution beyond what the world offers, which is why people need God.
I ought to know by now that face down at your altar
The acknowledgement that the only solution to life's problems is God, and the place to find Him is at the altar.
Is the place that I need to start 'cause this bleeding heart
The bleeding heart symbolizes emotional and spiritual hurt, which requires divine healing that can only be found at the altar.
Can only be healed by the One that made it
God is the only one capable of healing the soul and spirit of a person, because He is the creator and source of life.
The One that gave His all to save it, your touch I crave it
Referring to Jesus, who gave His life on the cross to save humanity, and the desire for His touch and healing power.
So seek through the cracks in my pavement 'cause
Asking God to search through the brokenness of life and help find the path to healing and recovery.
I'm just a broken vessel that needs You to save it
The acknowledgment that despite the brokenness and struggles of life, God has the power to save and restore a person's life.
Contributed by Brody G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.